Typical Cargoes that may be transported

Alkylate

Gasoil

Kerosene

Light Cycle Oil

Naphtha

Reformate

Jet Juel

Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel

Unleaded Motor Spirit

Myself, Master. AKA: "Captain", "The Old Man", "Skipper", "God".......

Nationality : British

Overall command…… wearing many hats.

Arbitor, Chief Steward, Counselor, Doctor, Judge, Lawyer, Radio Officer, Teacher, Welfare Officer,…… expected to be an expert with the crystal ball and occasionally drives the ship.

Nick, Master.

Nationality : British

My relief, starting his 4 month tour of command

Alen, Chief Officer. AKA: "Chief", "The Mate", "Harry Tate", "Choff", "C/O"

Nationality : Croatian

2^nd In Command. Responsible for cargo operations and fabric maintenance on deck. Ship’s Safety Officer. Ship's Security Officer, the IMO's answer to combat terrorists, pirates and stowaways.

4 to 8 watch keeper at sea

Sergio, 2^nd Officer. AKA: "2^nd Mate", "Second", "Sec", "2/O"

Nationality : Filipino

Principal Navigation Officer, responsible for Passage Planning and correction of charts and publications. Ship’s Medical Officer. Assists C/O with cargo ops.

4 to 8 watch keeper

Joemar, 3^rd Officer. AKA: "3^rd Mate", "Third", "3/O"

Nationality : Filipino

Watchkeeping Officer, assits 2/O with correction of publications. Responsible for Lifeboats, Safety and Fire Fighting Equipment. Assists C/O with cargo ops.

8 to12 watch keeper at sea. Vasco da Gama with a Mobile Phone in lieu of an astrolabe.

Johan, Chief Engineer. AKA: "Chief", "Bully Beef", "C/E"

Nationality : Swedish

Overall responsibility of main and auxiliary engine plants.

Alexander, 2^nd Engineer. AKA: "Second", "Sec", "2/E"

Nationality : Russian

Organizes the Engine Room Ratings for daily routines and periodic maintenance schedules.

Ben, 3^rd Engineer. AKA: "Third", "3/E"

Nationality : Filipino

Assists the 2^nd Engineer, looks after Boiler and Generators

Benildo, Electrical Engineer. AKA: "Lecky;, "

Nationality : Filipino

Replaces broken light bulbs (lamp up), and tends to problems with electric string (wiring) and motors.

Jacinto, Bosun. AKA: "Bos", "Boss"

Nationality : Filipino

Co-ordinates deck maintenance and tank/cargo ops with the Deck Ratings. ( Traditionally, expertise with the cat-o'-nine-tails is useful for the Bosun. )

Reno, Pumpman. AKA: "Pumps" "Pumpy"

Nationality : Filipino

Tends the cargo pumps, greases deck machinery to repel sea water. Fixes things that are broken and breaks things that didn't need tending.

Juan, AB (Able Bodied Seaman)

Able Bodied means being able to outrun the Bosun wielding a cat-o'-nine-tails.

Nationality : Seychellois

Marc, AB (Able Bodied Seaman)

Able Bodied means being able to outrun the Bosun wielding a cat-o'-nine-tails.

Nationality : Filipino

Ben, AB

AB's do a lot of painting and 'take the wheel' when the ship is being manoeuvred in port.

Nationality : Seychellois

Mailo, AB

Nationality : Filipino

Ian, AB

Nationality : Seychellois

Mario, Fitter

Nationality : Filipino

Engine Fitter, operates machine tools in workshop and proficient Arc Welder (electric glue)

Felix, Oiler

Nationality : Seychellois

Applies oil to main engine and other auxilary machinery as directed by 1/AE

Michel, Wiper

Nationality : Seychellois

Wipes off excess oil applied by oilers above.

Didier, Chief Cook

Nationality : Seychellois

In charge of Galley and provisions

Emmanuel, Messman

Nationality : Seychellois

Assists Cook with serving meals and cleaning of galley. Also attends to pantry and messrooms. Cabin Steward for officers.

Daniel, Deck Cadet

Nationality : Seychellois

Deck Cadets are paid a pittance, as they are being trained. A budding Vasco da Gama in the making

Joel, Deck Cadet

Nationality : Seychellois

Achilles, Engineer Cadet

Nationality : Seychellois

Maky learny engineer. Apart from always sleeping, Engine Cadets are also paid a pittance.

Robert, Deck Cadet

Nationality : Seychellois

Total crew above is 24 persons.

A big painting job!

Maindeck paint job. Over three months toil and graft by the deck crew, with a lot of overtime.

Only possible as the ship was trading lenghty voyages with only three ports of cargo operation in the period.

Apart from a few days on the fringes of hurricanes, most days were weather working days suitable for painting.

The before look is just visible in the bottom right corner, as the last section awaits the top-coat.

Anchored off Galveston, September 2005

Re-Joining

Approaching 'Seychelles Pride' by launch to re-join the ship for the third tour of command.

Gibraltar, October 2006

Covered in Sand

After loading at Marsa El Brega, Libya, during a sand storm, the shp sailed totally covered by desert dust. It took the crew several days to wash away all the talc. February 2006

Link Button to my Athel Apprentices Association pages...

...or take the ferry boat to my page of Links.

Hit the button below to my non-maritime page.

A selection of photographs that I've taken of my favourite places, around the locallity where I live, and around England.