A Mariner’s Notebook – Page 13 – Professional Mariner

25 Apr

To stay healthy, mariners need exercise, and a place to do it

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Publication > Professional Mariner

While attending California Maritime Academy, I spent part of each day exercising. I might jog with Jim, who’s now master on an oceanographic ship; box a few rounds with Dave, who became a West Coast bar pilot; or lift weights with Joe, who spent time as a tug engineer and is now working at a power plant. Keeping fit was…

23 Apr

Maitland: 'We must rebuild' U.S.-flag merchant fleet

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Industry News

Clay Maitland was a recipient of a 2013 Plimsoll Award for his advocacy of safer handling of nickel ore to prevent liquefaction. In accepting the award during the recent Connecticut Maritime Association's Shipping 2013 conference, Maitland delivered brief remarks emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet to the nation. The following is an extended version of his prepared speech:…

25 Mar

U.S., Canada need to be proactive in tracking tsunami debris

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Publication > Professional Mariner

On March 11, 2011, a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, killing nearly 16,000 people and generating a deadly 20-foot tsunami wave that hit the Tohoku region fiercely. The earthquake and tsunami damaged over 300 ports, and destroyed around 25,000 fishing vessels. As the tsunami receded back into the Pacific Ocean, it washed an estimated 5 million tons of debris…

13 Mar

Remembrances from industry friends

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook

REMEMBERANCES OF MIKE FROM INDUSTRY FRIENDS: •Thanks Blaine. He was a thoroughly decent man and was always very kind to me with his time and insights. Joel. (Altus – Foss Maritime) •My condolences to his family and those who knew Mike well. I have fond memories of him and his willingness to pass along his knowledge. Scott Kreis •My thoughts…

13 Mar

Michael J. Markey (1932-2013), pre-eminent mechanical engineer

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook

The Seattle marine industry lost one of its pre-eminent mechanical engineers with the passing of Mike Markey on March 2. Mike was the third generation president of Seattle-based Markey Machinery Co., the 106-year-old heavy marine deck equipment manufacturer, where he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charles Markey, and his father, William “Bill” Markey, before retiring in 2002. Mike…

20 Feb

Document renewals: Stay alert to changes or pay the price

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Publication > Professional Mariner

For decades, unlicensed mariners such as ordinary seamen, able seamen and oilers never had to worry about renewing their merchant mariner document (MMD), since it was issued for life. Officers had to renew their license every five years, and could do so one year before it expired and up to one year after it expired — although they couldn’t work…

25 Jan

Salyers: Small lifestyle changes can reduce mariner fatigue, improve endurance

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Industry News

Is your body a well-maintained machine or an accident waiting to happen? Humans are not designed for the lifestyle and 24/7 environment of the maritime industry. Typically, the natural circadian rhythm, or “biological clock,” makes a person sleepy or alert on a normal schedule. Without proper management, not being able to follow your body’s circadian rhythm can have a variety…

22 Jan

Your favorite singer or actor may be a former merchant mariner

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Publication > Professional Mariner

Sailing as a merchant mariner is a job like no other. Even after only a few trips at sea a person learns to work as part of a group, be adaptable, and do a professional job in difficult situations — attributes that are sought-after in any profession. Indeed, the annals of the U.S. Merchant Marine are filled with people who…

20 Dec

Chalos: New Orleans-bound vessel liable in rem for cargo damage

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Industry News

On Dec. 6, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its decision in MAN Ferrostaal, Inc., v. M/V AKILI, et al., holding that a vessel is liable in rem for damage to its cargo under maritime common law. The M/V AKILI, its owner, Akela Navigation Co. (“Akela”), and manager, Almi Marine Management (Almi”), appealed the…

21 Nov

Status of proposed towing vessel inspection regs

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Industry News

Editor’s note: Professional Mariner received the following correspondence from Kevin Miller, the U.S. Coast Guard’s First District towing vessel coordinator, in response to a story in the December/January 2013 edition (PM #164) reporting that the proposed Subchapter M towing vessel regulators have been delayed while the Coast Guard addresses the possible need for rules governing structural fire protection: …