DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MERCHANT MARINER | ABLE-BODIED SEAMAN | WATCH STANDER | LIFE AT SEA
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2022
- Taking you along for a typical day at sea as an AB watch stander. Just another day working on a merchant ship
#SIU #lifeinaday #Sailorgang
Life at sea seems pretty chill. Lots of time to think about things. Most jobs on land are hectic and chaotic, with little time to reflect on anything other than the immediate. Thanks for posting.
Generally is at sea, different story in port, particularly on ships that are only in port for a few hours
Ah! Brings back ole memories of 30years ago when I sailed as an AB..loved the 12-4am Watch on the Bridge😊 The Stars, the Moon, never forget these glimpses of Divine Nature & Mystery of the Sea..appreciated then & now..miss the ole life at times ❤
Please, don't stop your blogging. I found it hard to find a native english-speaking seaman talk on his life at sea!!!! You you have any recomendations on youtube channels to watch (maritime life), pls DO drop it here in comments. May your watches run smoothly. God help you.
Thanks brother. welcome thanks for watching. An old classmate if mine is also on TH-cam. Northwest Sailor.
@@JoeFranta what academy? usmma?
@@adonahue00 Paul Hall Center, Piney Point Maryland, Shouls have some videos coming out in thr next couple months about it.
Vlogging not blogging
JeffHK is also a pretty nice shipping channel
My dad was in the merchant marines for a year after his coast guard career was over. He liked it.
An older gentleman man informed me of this career and told me stories on stories he had overseas. The free travel. Seeing the world. I’ve never left the US. Thank you for a great humorous break down of your day to day. I’m so excited to break into this field
Same here
There’s a retired merchant mariner consultant online 😀
@@kingj4173 There’s a retired merchant mariner consultant online 😀
hows it going?
@@MagnusReardon turns out I needed acl surgery, didn’t end up going that route
Former Marine Engineer here, CMA Grad. I find vlogs of mariners fascinating. My time was different, I sailed MSC (Military Sealift). The life was mostly the same, just had more crew and slightly more time in port as our missions were different than cargo. But some of the "events" were wild. Changing a Main Engine Governor at 4:00 AM with the seas a bit rough was fun.
I really want to become a merchant mariner, do you have any advice as to how I could do it the easiest? Schools or whatnot, I can’t seem to make heads or tails of the info I’m seeing on youtube
You are so chill, the only merchant mariner I ever met was the most intense high strung person I've ever encountered and in my life that's saying a lot! I worked on wells, changing pumps and pressure tanks, stuff like that and this dude was a customers brother and he is the only person that ever had me on edge and watching my back while working, he slipped on the ladder trying to unscrew the roof on the well house and it made him so mad he started beating the hell out of the well house with a crowbar, then the crowbar slipped while he was prying on the roof and split his lip! He completely lost it! I opened the door to my truck near by Incase I need to get away from him, he never acted aggressive to me but he honestly had me scared! I'm a big dude 6'4 and this was a little guy but I knew if went off on me I would catch hell trying to get him off. Then he started ranting about politics and secret government... I don't know if he was on a bender of uppers while he was off the boat or what. I'm glad to see you and your video because I've thought hard about going to sea but that guy kinda turned my opinion of getting on a boat, can you imagine being stuck out there with that?
I'm in my later years now, jeese I'd love to have my youth again. This is where I'd be.. your videos are an escape for me buddy. Keep them up.
Gary
Stumbled on this channel today. Wish I was 30 years young. This is a perfect job for me! Be safe out there Joe!
I don't know how old you are, but I am a female 46, and just started...
@@luzdivina2235 I'm 41 and I'm contemplating on signing up. What made you decide this career move at your age if you don't mind me asking? I find it being in my early 40's that I'm re-discovering who I am and figuring what life has to offer. Stay safe.
50 and wanting to do this. will see if i can pass a background check tomorrow
Just found this channel. Really interesting to me. Been in a factory for 34 years. Makes me wish I was younger, I’d give this a shot. Good luck, be safe
It’s (almost) never too late to change career, I changed direction completely aged 52. It’s harder to do physical jobs as you get older of course.
I was thinking the same.
I joined agriculture university at 18 where i rent myself 15 acres of kiwi fields and started my career as a farmer, where lately at age 20 the fields were weak and i had to drop them since they didnt provide good sallary, and later i dropped agriculture as well, joined the Army at age 21, i served for 3 years, mostly at borderlines chasing outsiders immigrants, and 6 months ago i left the army ( no good pay regarding the tons of hours). I have been a truck driver the last 5 months, the pay is really good, but its too much tiring of a job and bad sleep.Now im currently studying to get into Menchant Marine School, and im 25.It seems a really calm job with stability,stable schedule and a really really good pay where i am from (you literally live to work nowdays without some major success, hardly can buy a car).So i believe its never to late to consider a career change, depends what you believe you *deserve* for yourself.
Underway is the only way. Fair winds and following seas, Joe. Thanks for doing what you do and for sharing it.
The rust will win, it never sleeps, you on the other hand must rest. The best you can hope for with rust is an uneasy truce. Love the pace of your videos, it sets the rhythm of ship life perfectly. Cheers 👍
Another great video, another great story of a day in the life. You know, so few, so very few people ever get to spend any time at sea, so maybe they get to get a glimpse of a mariner`s work and experiences through your videos. Thanks for taking the time to create them with care. Love the music, the narration and the packaging. Well done.
Thank you so much for the kind words, apricate it
Great video man, keep up the hard work! I find your work inspiring, one day I hope to be a Merchant Mariner like you!
Joe, great video. Very interesting to see how things are done in the merchant marines. I joined the USCG when I was a young man and learned about chipping and painting the military way! Looks about the same as your way😂! To this day I refuse to paint, especially white! Looks like you are liking the work and seeing some really cool places. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It’s pretty cool seeing all the different ships you’ve been on. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you again, God bless & stay safe!
Joe, man just found you video’s really brings back memories class of 272 sailed on deck 4 to 8 was my favorite watch, sunrise & sunsets
It’s a great life sailed for 30 years keep upgrading, got a nice pension out of it. SIU brotherhood of the sea, keep them sailing
Thanks Joe, great stuff 👍 👏
I spent 30+ years in the Canadian Navy many at sea. So i enjoy seeing the differences between merchant and military life at sea. Keep up the great work Joe!
Only just discovered your channel, one word: fascinating. Gotta love the sea.
I had a buddy that was in the Merchant Marines. I always wondered what he did, thanks for sharing!
Great job Joe!
New sub. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to experience some of what you do. Gotta suck for your loved ones worrying about you. Be sure to stay in touch often. I imagine your work is exciting (and not easy) - certainly takes a special person to do what you do. Be safe and best wishes - smooth sailing!
Looks like a cool career. Thanks for sharing 👍
This seems so similar to military deployment life for many.... And I enjoyed/miss that. It's a strange feeling of freedom and confinement- closeness and solitude. I may have to give it a go.
Look at you, Mr. Franta! The videos are super impressive and I’ve been binging them. So exciting to see what you’re doing out there and am so happy for you! I should’ve gotten your autograph in Mad Beach 😉
Just started to watch these blogs and i found them by accident searching for something else about life at sea, I'm now a avid watcher, and im really enjoying them keep them coming Joe, safe travels dude. 👍
Just found your channel. Spent ten years in the US Navy doing some of the same things. I miss being at sea.
Hey Joe
Your videos are great. In my younger days I always thought about being a mariner but didn’t want to join the armed forces. Which I had known what I know now. Keep up the good work buddy and stay safe out there!
Unique insight and very enjoyable too
Joe; Thanks for taking us along on the ride, I enjoyed it. I always have a high respect & admiration for all those like you that work hard and make a good honest living.
I appreciate that!
Hey Joe, Just found your channel and becoming a big fan. It's nice to experience the places and ports you travel to and see how the real world moves cargo around. The best thing is your personality, you see, you never complain, and we watch you do your job with a hard work ethic. That is very rare for a young person these days. I hope this finds you actually at home for Christmas instead of the middle Atlantic. Thanks for the vids
I float tested the deck crawler on the SS Cleveland. From the Port Wing! Good 'ol days.Old man wanted me to chip on Watch. Lol. NMU
Very cool videos. Glad I stumbled upon this channel. Merchant Mariners...a different lifestyle for sure.
Yep, the dog watch , the stars and those views, Takes me back to sea myself and its nice your videos take me there again! I Appreciate the effort you're putting into do this stuff!
Yea man, the stars never get old. Glad you're enjoying the videos brother
You just gave me an idea. What if there was a cruise ship that went to sea for a few days with only retired seamen aboard who miss being at sea. We can all sit around and tell sea stories all day. But. You have to stand a watch at least once and do a shift on maintenance.....Drinks will be allowed...(off watch)
@@johnbeard3733 Sign me up!
Just joined your TH-cam channel Joe I love it ,went back to your start and am binge watching them all.....keep up the good work ...
I like your use of the “Foggy Dew” song. One of my favorites!
Hard work getting those supplies. But it's required no matter how tired you may be. As a senior I feel for you. When I'm exhausted I go take a nappy poo. Thanks for another lovely video.
Ahoy glad to see ya back at sea Looking forward to the upcoming updates. Stay safe and head on a swivel. 🤪🤪🤣
thanks brother, it's very difficult to maintain the channel while sailing. (lack of internet and time) thanks for your patience
Vlogging at it's best! thanks for the videos Joe
You bet!
Yes ,I know that feeling.Enter your room and look at your bunk like a faithful lover.
Nice and very interesting!
Really enjoying these videos.
Hi Joe was at sea 1969 /86 in the British Merchant Navy doing the same job as you but I preferred the 12 to 4 watch we just did look out during the hours of darkness or fog 12 to 4 in the afternoon we would do deck work with the crowd loved my time at sea served on most types of ships that was around at the time like your videos brings back memories
Glad you're enjoying them, nothing like the open ocean. Thanks for watching brother
Thanks for the vid brotha 🙏
I LOVE your channel! This is the 2nd video that I have watched. Your commentary is excellent. I love sea life and I day dream when I watch the videos. Subscribed immediately.
Really cool video.
I swear I seen you on one of your coworkers TikTok 🧐 & great work and display of what goes on. Definitely will look into pursuing this career
Loved The Foggy Dew.
Realy interesting, thanks for sharing! (new sub - currently binge watching all your vids!) Hello from the UK btw!
The foggy Dew was a nice touch
I bet the opportunity to look at the stars is phenomenal!
The Foggy Dew is a great tune..
Looks like breakfast was 3 hardboiled eggs and tomato juice. Perfect
Edit. Huge fan of your channel. Happy I found it
Greetings from Brazil everyone, God bless you all.
Been working at a clinic where we clear all the seaman goes to work. So this is very interesting and educational to me
Ah, The foggy Dew. Good stuff.
No better way to end a day sea than a beautiful sunset.
My 19 year old graduated in june and is now doing paper work to join. Im sad and terrified of him going to work on a ship. Lord please be with him and help me deal. He wants to be a watch men. He just received his twic card today. 😢
Stars!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Just ran across your channel. (How did youtube know I'd enjoy it???) But I do. Thanks for making these -- you do an excellent job. I also like that they are not too long. Take care out there.
Glad you're enjoying them, thanks for the kind words brother
The Guieeetahr Miusique really reminds me of those wild wild western days when Bonanza at The Ponderosa was erry day, and visitiiing Wells Fargo to see if my letter from Poughkeepsie was on the Pony Express that day? Maybe tomorrow. The music gets a thumbs up. And Merchants Marinering. It's truly serious business like The Suez Canal, shiiiish! Thanks Sir and take good care.
Dang dude. Your morning alarm is the same as my aid call alarm for when an aid box needs after hours transport across the ferry i work on. Usually at 3am hahaha
I did plenty of chipping in my early days in the Navy. Good times.
Thank you. I want to work on a ship in the future. This is very helpful.
7:27 oh man that first bite i got hungry after seeing that, so satisfying to just throw yourself into your meal after work.
Interesting video. Nicely made. Thanks so much for sharing this part of the world. 👌💙⚓
Glad you enjoyed it
@@JoeFranta ☺
Love the videos. As a ship designer, these really help to understand the daily work and stress for the crew. Unrelated to this video, but one question always bugged me. On a long transit, how does the crew handle time zone changes with everyone running on a shift schedule? Does the ship just keep one clock regardless of where you are? Or do you adjust the ship time in 1 hr increments as you cross time zones?
That's a great question! Hey Joe can you please take notice of this question. I know that probably makes me sound like a dick but enquiring minds want to know.
Incremental changes are done every 2 days or so (depending on speed) on EW voyages. These 1h corrections are usually done at night and split evenly so it affects the three shifts the same, i.e 20m each
Or just use Zulu like navy
@@AadamPe As a former Marine Engineering Officer, this is the answer. We would usually transition each watch an extra or less 20 minutes, but do the official clock change from 1-2.
I spent 4 months on a bulk carrier. Generally, around 6 PM, we would get an announcement over the PA. "At 9PM the clock will advance by 1 hour. 2100 will become 2200." Or "At 9PM the clock will be retarded by one hour. 2100 will become 2000" or we would say that it would repeat, I'm not sure. As the deck cadet, I would usually make those announcements. There's a button on the bridge that you can press and it automatically advances the clock by an hour. All around the superstructure there are clocks with analog faces that are synchronized to the clock on the bridge. It was freaky when the third mate clicks the button to retard the clocks by one hour since all the analog clocks around the ship would start quickly moving backwards as if time had been reversed. The third mate was boned when we were going westwards since his watch was 1 hour longer. He was fine with that because we knew we would be going the same way eastwards and then his watch was only 3 hours long.
Nice video, I hope you get your license and move on top. Former SIU (Deck Dept) now a Master Unlimited Upon Oceans.
I miss being out on the water. I worked on the Great Lakes up until I was injured in August of 2021
sorry to hear that brother, hope you're doing better these days.
very nice day n life at sea.. i fell u bro.. this is real life at sea .. always safety first .. shout out to filipino crew if they have onboard. chow..
Your channel has been very informative
The unsung heroes of the global economy, and in particular the US economy. Wish I could do your job, but I am very prone to seasickness. Thanks for this, it's great.
good conversation
4 hour mid day break looks nice
Nice video
I'm thinking about joining, this helps alot
good man ❤ thanks
The food looks yummy!
Yes! Lot factors play into the quality of the food, but it can be very good
You certainly cannot be spoiled. If you want that cup of coffee at 3:00 AM, you gotta' do it yourself.
Nice job man!! ... I can only hope that all you guys are fully trained for if pirates attempt to board? I'd love to see your training on that.
I watch all your blog
Appreciate your video ! Currently stationed on a CG in the navy and looking at other outside opportunities, I’m a helmsman onboard my ship and trying to see if I can take that outside the navy and over to the MSC, any advice ? 🙏🏼
When you say that you are on overtime, Is it like conventional OT that kicks in after so many hours in a day or in a 40 hour period. I never knew that you guys were paid by the hour and who keeps up with your time sheets? Thanks for all that you do for this channel. New subscriber and thumbs upper.
I shipped for 5 years as a contractor on MPS ships on Guam, Diego Garcia, Desert Storm, Honduras, Korea. Former USMC. Ya. Dig that needle gun.
Nice one partner, we get to do same thing every day that's our world.
I wonder if you could use a cordless grinder with a disc brush to get rid off the rust, is it because of the dust its producing or is knocking it off actually more effective?
The difference in the navy is you do not get the 4 hour break. If you have a 0400 to 0800 and 1600 to 2000 watch you still work from 1200 to 1600. If you are in engineering for example, and have the mid watch, you'll work 0800 to 1200, then do your 1200 to 1600 watch, report back to the fire or engine room after watch and work until 2000. That's why mid watches are despised in the navy because it's a 20 hour day while the other 2 watches are only 16. Rack time was all we thought about because between sleep depravation and physical exhaustion, nothing else mattered. That was my life for 4 years in the 70's on an amphibious assault (LPH) ship. When my enlisted ended I couldn't leave fast enough. I miss the sea sometimes, and the brotherhood but I never miss the navy.
I'm also a 4-8 AB in my current ship right now. It's true getting up in the morning is the hardest part. 😂
Hi, love the videos. When you’re at sea on a crossing what time do you use for change of watch? Is it the port you left or the port you’re going to or the time for the bit of sea you’re in on each particular day?
When you're in port you use the local time. When you're at sea you divide your longitude by 15 and you get which time zone you're in. Depending on your course, you might change timezones once per 2 days or so. It's not a big deal, there's an announcement over the PA system and we're such a small community that everybody knows already. You don't actually need to know your coordinates and do math, it's just the officers that figure all that out.
6:23 🎶Oh Mammy dear, we're all mad over here, livin' in America🎶
Great video. I’m considering looking for work on a ship like that. It’ll help me pay off my debt (relatively small too) and give me more time to sit with Jesus. He’s always there!
Just stumbled onto your channel... quite fascinating so thanks. A question about an all hands call... If there is a call for all hands on deck, do you get paid for the time? If so is it OT pay? Thanks again to the YT algorithm cause somehow I am now fascinated by life at sea
On every deck rust and paint before docking 😂.
When you have to go to watch at the bridge, what are you looking for? Like what do you have to do if anything happens, you can't see the ships and if you do, what do you do then?
Love this. Thanks for the insight into life on board.
Whats the wages like?
a lot
Awesome video. Does it ever feel like a prison of sorts?
Seems a lot chiller than some Navy stuff i do. Thinking about doing this as for i currently have 11 months left which would be 5yrs. Eating during watch is nice instead of 15-20mins before.
A lot of former military people find there way over to this career after serving.
what union do you belong to? how does one go about hiring/signing on? is there a local chapter, im in central MS. We have the ship yards in mobile and Ingalls in Pascagoula. thanks for the great videos i've really enjoyed them
Just found your channel, and been enjoying the episodes on board. What kind of rating do you need to be a watch stander?
I think you need to be an AB in order to stand a navigation watch
While on watch, do you have prtection? Who the heck do you notify if something goes wrong?