Took a "river familiarization" trip on a T/B back in 1983 right after I reported to Coast Guard Group Ohio River when it was located next door to the Southern States Fuel Depot in Owensboro Ky. Was one of 5 radiomen assigned there. Got on in Tell City IN, road up to McAlpine L/D and got trip back on another T/B. Pilot house looked a lot different back then. Our area of responsibility ran from Pittsburgh PA to Caro IL and all the trib's in between. So, we (the radio operators) sure did talk to LOTS of boats in our time. Thanks for the flashback. Safe travels. 73's
I worked the towboats in the 90s, and when we weren't out on the tow working, we were cleaning . I'll never forget my captains name, "Prozac Ron". He was something else. I worked on a few different tow boats. The Eastern, The western, Emily Susan. Good times and great memories
I’ve rode/worked the old Eastern and Western. The ex-Eastern had a fire and burned up beyond saving a few years back. I helped hold her tow while they put out the fires.
@@Mainbusfail thank you, but credit due to the regular crew on that vessel. They do a great job in keeping her clean and organized. 👍🏻 It was just 3-4 week trip for me on there.
@@marktwained I knew you were a good captain. The good ones always push the accolades to the crew. I would work my bones into the deck anytime for the chance to work with you.
Good morning sir. I see you guys team up for galley work which is the same as we do on our boat. Makes work/rest schedule more balanced and we keep our cool throughout our hitch.
This is a very interesting and enjoyable video. You can tell that captain is one tough man. He reminds me of Popeyes big brother. Thanks for sharing 👍👍.
My Father and Pops both rode the boats. My dad was in the oil room and my pops was a captain for many years here in Tn. With companies like waxler towing, Ingram micro, Memphis diesel power and others just can’t remember. Have a lot of respect for hard working men like yourself salute to u and your crew. Safe Trips
Thank you. It’s been some years ago when I was in school at Stillwater, and my brother in law was selling and financing used cars. I rode with him to Ponca City to repo one. It was local tribal sheriff’s kinfolk. Needless to say, we didn’t get car. haha
Man I wish i got to see more of these types of videos while in high school, I'd of dove right in to maritime/merchant marine schooling as a result. This seems so peaceful, calming, etc. Of course there's hard work involved here and there, rough seas, etc. But at least you're free of most of societies woes and drama, if only for a little while. Liked and subbed, watching from the Bronx in NYC.
Wow! Those "river boats" have enormous amounts of room for the crew, compared to a sea going ship! Most ships I've been on, especially older ships, were "tight" crammed living spaces!
The low light videography here is pretty good. I know it is tough when turning on and off all those lights and videoing several displays in a dark room.
Thank you very much 😊for the excellent 👍 morning sunrise 🌄 just a question my Captain friend on the mighty Mississippi River. What is the Depth, and how often does it change, when you go by that part of the great transportation route of water
The depth varies widely land often. There are 200ft spots, and sometimes with extreme lows there are spots they have to dredge just so we can get 9’ draft barges through. It fluctuates constantly.
Wow Captain, Thank you for turning out these vids so quickly. You have a cool little speedboat driving up the creek. How long are you going to be on this boat and will you be doing any livestreams....? Thanks for sharing your morning routine, your crew looks and sounds like a good bunch to work with.
Not sure how long I’ll ride. The livestreams require a good constant cell signal. They are harder to do, and quality can be iffy. Maybe🤷🏼 Great crew and vessel. Thank you
You Can’t Blame the Traffic on getting to your Job Location on Time. Steps are the Only thing in your Way from your Captain’s Quarters to the Wheelhouse upstairs👍🙏
Welocme back Captain! Have missed your videos. Loved seeing your morning routine. But weren't you just in the Captains Chair last night? How long are your shifts driving the tug?
First off, captain, welcome back with you on the Yazoo. River towing any plans of coming back to Western rivers. Also, what is the name of the boat you are currently on?
How well does you body clock switch back to the 6 on 6 off? Do you get sleep both off times or just sleep one? And then after being off for so long. Love the videos keep it up 👍
It is very easy to get in that schedule for me. At home I just usually need my afternoon naps until I get back on schedule. My off time is my off time, on the boat. I generally sleep longer after midnight, and just a nap in afternoon. That said, I prioritize sleep on the boats, over anything else. Tired pilots are bad pilots, from my experience.
I like the way you are OCD to i am the same way on the boat capt they always telling me about it but everything has a place and looks better when you can find things and looks better on everyone
Hi there Cap'n!!!! Glad to see you back at the helm!!!! I wondered why I couldn't find a recent updated post on your channel. I rarely watch from my 'puter, just watch from my bed on tv. Hope you don't run agroun!!!! keep them wheels aturning!!!!
@@marktwained Got ya! I started cooking on a towboat a couple of months ago for Ingram Barge on the upper Mississippi. That was a nice galley and wheelhouse you had on that boat.
Smaller tows with dedicated runs or liquid cargo, most generally. It’s a different type work than the big dry cargo tows. There are advantages and disadvantages, but just different, mostly.
With all the electronics in wheelhouse nowadays, and better technology, it’s not that much of an issue compared to earlier in my career when radar and paper charts were used. “Reading” the river by sight at nighttime is a thing of the past since we see bottom characteristics on constantly updated electronics charts.
Makes sense. It's good you still have all the old skills as well. I use my car's electronics similar to yours on the river. A welcome addition to the old MK1 MOD1 eyeballs.
I have my doubts of any information I receive from someone that spells “bought” b-o-t. I don’t mean to be derogatory, just being very honest about that fact. I don’t trust your knowledge. 🤷🏼♂️
Was enjoying my shower a bit much that morning. My partner would not have minded, but to me it’s disrespectful, and I didn’t want to be late... not even a minute. 👍🏻👍🏻
Fair enough. People hallucinate when they see the full garbage can with my full maxi pads in it. I don't know. I don't think they smoked anything. It can be that way for some
HI, CAPT. I NOTICED THE CLOCL READS 05:40. I THOUGHT WATCHES CHAGE EVERY SIX HOURS. YOU RELIEVED THE OTHER PILOT BEFORE O6:00. IS THAT NORMAL PROCEDURE ?
You have your meals before watch, safety first. There is no informing at the transfer of watch. Normally you check the weather outside. Too much food attention.
Looks like you were late for breakfast and shift change. You have penchant for neatness and measuring things which works to your advantage for your career choice but might indicate an OCD disorder that affects your personal relationships. I don't think Mark Twain did it this away.
@@marktwained I was just yankin your chain bro. Seeing that river as the sun comes up looks pretty sweet and I imagin the smell is nice too. Cheers. Subbed
Took a "river familiarization" trip on a T/B back in 1983 right after I reported to Coast Guard Group Ohio River when it was located next door to the Southern States Fuel Depot in Owensboro Ky. Was one of 5 radiomen assigned there. Got on in Tell City IN, road up to McAlpine L/D and got trip back on another T/B. Pilot house looked a lot different back then. Our area of responsibility ran from Pittsburgh PA to Caro IL and all the trib's in between. So, we (the radio operators) sure did talk to LOTS of boats in our time. Thanks for the flashback. Safe travels. 73's
That boat is immaculately clean and beautiful. Looks like she has a great crew.
Yes it is. Definitely work and vessel pride with this crew.
I worked the towboats in the 90s, and when we weren't out on the tow working, we were cleaning . I'll never forget my captains name, "Prozac Ron". He was something else. I worked on a few different tow boats. The Eastern, The western, Emily Susan. Good times and great memories
I’ve rode/worked the old Eastern and Western.
The ex-Eastern had a fire and burned up beyond saving a few years back.
I helped hold her tow while they put out the fires.
@@marktwained really? That's sad to hear. Where did she catch fire?
About 20 miles upriver from Baton Rouge.. couple years back
Happy to see you back captain Kyle. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you sir.
Glad you enjoy.
Thank you
I’m as green as they come, and i can’t swim but these videos sure do make this look like a job I’d like!
Thanks for what you and your crew do to keep the economy going safely and strong Captain.
I always enjoy watching. Peaceful and safe travels to you and crew
Thank you.
Glad you enjoy. 👍🏻
My Brother was a Captain, started off a long time ago as a deckhand. He passed away a couple of months ago. Be safe out there Captain.
Thanks for sharing. I'm a retired Great Lakes Ore Boat Pilot. I appreciate your Professionalism.
Mornin Capt'n That is one hell of a clean boat you have there. I really respect that on many levels.
@@Mainbusfail thank you, but credit due to the regular crew on that vessel. They do a great job in keeping her clean and organized. 👍🏻
It was just 3-4 week trip for me on there.
@@marktwained I knew you were a good captain. The good ones always push the accolades to the crew. I would work my bones into the deck anytime for the chance to work with you.
Another great video thank you capt.
7:43 That French Toast is a hard habit to kick brother... I know it.
Great document, thanks!
Tight crew for sure, can feel the harmony
Good morning sir. I see you guys team up for galley work which is the same as we do on our boat. Makes work/rest schedule more balanced and we keep our cool throughout our hitch.
They are a great crew of mainly regular fellas on this boat. Everyone helps out. Makes my job easy and makes for an enjoyable trip. 👍🏻👍🏻
This is a very interesting and enjoyable video. You can tell that captain is one tough man. He reminds me of Popeyes big brother. Thanks for sharing 👍👍.
My Father and Pops both rode the boats. My dad was in the oil room and my pops was a captain for many years here in Tn. With companies like waxler towing, Ingram micro, Memphis diesel power and others just can’t remember. Have a lot of respect for hard working men like yourself salute to u and your crew. Safe Trips
So good to see you back on the river, Captain Kyle. All the best to you from Ponca City. G
Thank you.
It’s been some years ago when I was in school at Stillwater, and my brother in law was selling and financing used cars. I rode with him to Ponca City to repo one. It was local tribal sheriff’s kinfolk. Needless to say, we didn’t get car. haha
Ponca city
Wow, what a blast from the past. I sure miss that Ol’ Miss. I was stationed onboard the CGC Scioto in Keokuk, IA from ‘86 to ‘90…best job in the CG.
Wow! Imagine what Twain would have to say about all of that navigational equipment and such. Glad I stumbled on to this channel. Cheers!
That IS a beautiful morning start . . . Have a good one
I have missed your podcast
th-cam.com/video/rnLNRB-BEKA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mizdw07eSbUR4PXX
Man I wish i got to see more of these types of videos while in high school, I'd of dove right in to maritime/merchant marine schooling as a result. This seems so peaceful, calming, etc. Of course there's hard work involved here and there, rough seas, etc. But at least you're free of most of societies woes and drama, if only for a little while. Liked and subbed, watching from the Bronx in NYC.
You are correct. Those are many of the perks we have, and what keeps me coming back. 👍🏻👍🏻
Not too late...
You guys have great jobs!
Wow! Those "river boats" have enormous amounts of room for the crew, compared to a sea going ship! Most ships I've been on, especially older ships, were "tight" crammed living spaces!
These are large vessels. This one is one of the smallest (horsepower) that I’ve worked with. It is set up nicely for crew comfort.
The low light videography here is pretty good. I know it is tough when turning on and off all those lights and videoing several displays in a dark room.
I love this guy. I wanna work for you man
Thank you. Glad you enjoy.
I kinda bounce around (trip pilot/captain) and don’t have a regular boat or crew.
That's one beautiful boat. Good afternoon from the mango farm in Thailand
Pretty nice accommodations
It’s a very nice vessel. They had crew comfort a bit in mind, when they built her.
Your accent sounds just like my grandfather. He’s out in North Carolina. If I close my eyes and listen to you talk I’d swear it was him
Thank you very much 😊for the excellent 👍 morning sunrise 🌄 just a question my Captain friend on the mighty Mississippi River. What is the Depth, and how often does it change, when you go by that part of the great transportation route of water
The depth varies widely land often. There are 200ft spots, and sometimes with extreme lows there are spots they have to dredge just so we can get 9’ draft barges through. It fluctuates constantly.
Wow Captain, Thank you for turning out these vids so quickly. You have a cool little speedboat driving up the creek. How long are you going to be on this boat and will you be doing any livestreams....? Thanks for sharing your morning routine, your crew looks and sounds like a good bunch to work with.
Not sure how long I’ll ride. The livestreams require a good constant cell signal. They are harder to do, and quality can be iffy. Maybe🤷🏼
Great crew and vessel.
Thank you
@@marktwained Thanks for the info Captain.
GREAT VID
Captain the eggs with French toast is great ,we eat our eggs stacked with pancakes and maple syrup .Great view in the morning well worth it
You Can’t Blame the Traffic on getting to your Job Location on Time. Steps are the Only thing in your Way from your Captain’s Quarters to the Wheelhouse upstairs👍🙏
Hello from Hastings Michigan The Great Lakes State.
I bet this dude could record an awesome country music album!......just say!
My uncle Ken was a tug boat captain for many years
beautiful morning sunrise! How far north are you headed?
About mile 14 on Cumberland River… I think
Welocme back Captain! Have missed your videos. Loved seeing your morning routine. But weren't you just in the Captains Chair last night? How long are your shifts driving the tug?
Rotation every six hours. Two wheelmen working 12 hours a day each. I work 5:30-11:30 two times a day
Didyou give up boat piloting? Did your boat sink?
First off, captain, welcome back with you on the Yazoo. River towing any plans of coming back to Western rivers. Also, what is the name of the boat you are currently on?
Any vessel is a possibility for me. Love them Straits and everyone at WRBM. They always have treated me great.
M/V Vaylor Patrick
You got balls drinking the boat water! Not many people out here do that 😂
Drink bottled water mainly. Little bits of it in food or mixes helps keep my hair looking good. Haha
He's probably immune
Man i would have a lure going out the back 6 mph . Put some nice action on the lure.
I worked on the Mississippi Queen when i was younger. Man that river is huge.
Thanks Mark for a beautiful Sun Raise in M river, how fast is your ship in this river?
We are making about 12-14 km/h
@@marktwained Thank you so much, Mark! Quite fast! Have a nice day and take care!
How well does you body clock switch back to the 6 on 6 off? Do you get sleep both off times or just sleep one? And then after being off for so long. Love the videos keep it up 👍
It is very easy to get in that schedule for me. At home I just usually need my afternoon naps until I get back on schedule. My off time is my off time, on the boat. I generally sleep longer after midnight, and just a nap in afternoon. That said, I prioritize sleep on the boats, over anything else. Tired pilots are bad pilots, from my experience.
I like the way you are OCD to i am the same way on the boat capt they always telling me about it but everything has a place and looks better when you can find things and looks better on everyone
Breakfast looks good , , Paul Yorkshire UK, river Ouse , , 👍. ..
Little bit of belly fat, man ya got 8"s of dunlop😂. Always enjoy the time on the river with ya captain Kyle✌👍.
👍🏻👍🏻
A good workman builds a shed to protect his tools.
Good morning Kyle so how long have you been a river Barge captain?.
Hi there Cap'n!!!! Glad to see you back at the helm!!!! I wondered why I couldn't find a recent updated post on your channel. I rarely watch from my 'puter, just watch from my bed on tv. Hope you don't run agroun!!!! keep them wheels aturning!!!!
What is the name of the boat
How many times have I told you to NOT leave that refrigerator door open!!
👍🏻👍🏻😂
You guys ever practice celestial nav just in case all the computer radars go out?
@@robertking5701 not anything practical for running rivers.
@@robertking5701 no.
@marktwained yeah I guess it's a little tight for those triangulations
oatmeal is the breakfast of champions
Not for diabetic, it raise yout blood sugar to the roof. Without sugar.
Thanks.
who stock the boat for the food when there is a cook on board how many meals a day
Three meals, or anytime you’re hungry. Deck crew makes orders, and boat stores deliver.
what is you shift on this boat what the hours
5:30-11:30 twice a day
@@marktwained thank u
Brothers of the river 🙏😊
Who do you work for?
I’m a trip captain/pilot. I don’t have a regular company. This trip I’m working for Yazoo River Towing
@@marktwained Got ya! I started cooking on a towboat a couple of months ago for Ingram Barge on the upper Mississippi. That was a nice galley and wheelhouse you had on that boat.
It’s a beautiful vessel. 👍🏻
Nice video 👍
What company do you work for? I have my credentials and trying to get on the river.
I’m a trip captain/pilot. I’m making a trip for Yazoo River Towing.
You can tell everyone is Nervous as F*k around this dude🫡
Must be a cargo ship. That Mississippi is dry in some spots. That would slow things down badly.
It’s open for navigation. Where is it dry, sir?
Rollin on the river
Do you know Barry Hitchcock. He drive one also
No
Are you hiring? I was a deckhand for a cruise line but it was a one time contract thing and I want to get back on the water
I don’t have anything to do with dispatch or HR.
I’m a trip captain/pilot.
I don’t know what this companies situation is on numbers, or needs.
Nice boat capt
you dont have a cook on board?
Not this vessel. Deck crew does very good job with meals. Most these unit tow vessel deck crew cook.
What's a unit tow?@@marktwained
Smaller tows with dedicated runs or liquid cargo, most generally. It’s a different type work than the big dry cargo tows. There are advantages and disadvantages, but just different, mostly.
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Deckhand gotta suffice too funny 😂
Doesn't the bright white light kill your night vision out on the dark river?
With all the electronics in wheelhouse nowadays, and better technology, it’s not that much of an issue compared to earlier in my career when radar and paper charts were used. “Reading” the river by sight at nighttime is a thing of the past since we see bottom characteristics on constantly updated electronics charts.
Makes sense. It's good you still have all the old skills as well. I use my car's electronics similar to yours on the river. A welcome addition to the old MK1 MOD1 eyeballs.
How tall are you?
6’5”
👍👍👍👍
We don't see belly fat we see our captain
Always room for improvements. I am definitely my harshest critic.
Thank you .👍🏻
Try a pint of lemonade first thing uponn waking up… fressh lemonade not store bot corn syrup… that will help i guarantee . For one month
Help how, with what?
Water and sunlight seem better.
I have my doubts of any information I receive from someone that spells “bought” b-o-t.
I don’t mean to be derogatory, just being very honest about that fact.
I don’t trust your knowledge. 🤷🏼♂️
@@marktwained sorey, my words and language is changed since i live with chronic traumatic encephalitis from accumulative brain damage….
👍💯👍
Should wake up a tad earlier so your not rushing around so much
Was enjoying my shower a bit much that morning.
My partner would not have minded, but to me it’s disrespectful, and I didn’t want to be late... not even a minute. 👍🏻👍🏻
MAN THIS IS THE SORTA STUFF I LIKE TO SEE! HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS! THANK YOU!
Please turn off caps lock. Looks like you are yelling.
@@The_DuMont_Network LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING! I DONT GONALONG WITH ALL THAT WOKE BULLSHIT! ITS JUST ALL CAPS SO I CAN SEE
Where is the cook?
These unit tow type vessels usually don’t run full time cooks. Deck crew does cooking. These fellas do a bang up job. 👍🏻
o yeah for lower brightness lmfao happy dude nice vid
Fair enough. People hallucinate when they see the full garbage can with my full maxi pads in it. I don't know. I don't think they smoked anything. It can be that way for some
HI, CAPT. I NOTICED THE CLOCL READS 05:40. I THOUGHT WATCHES CHAGE EVERY SIX HOURS. YOU RELIEVED THE OTHER PILOT BEFORE O6:00. IS THAT NORMAL PROCEDURE ?
0530-1130, and 1730-2330.. that is just our preference
Early is ok, late is disrespectful 👍🏻
@@marktwained TOTALLY AGREE. THANX 4 UR VIDS. WE ALL LUV THEM
You are quite welcome.
Really glad you enjoy. 👍🏻
Hate to break it to ya contrary to the internet. Creatine powder is used to put on weight...
Muscle. It works. 👍🏻👍🏻
It definitely adds water weight. I lift fairly heavy weights, and I can definitely tell difference with it. 👍🏻
Evening cap
See ya on the two captain! Who knows what I mean??
Two whistles… I intend to leave you on my starboard side. 👍🏻
careful with supplements alot arent as advertised and are mostly filler and will just leave you bloated
Basic protein and creatine for muscle growth. They work well for me.
You have your meals before watch, safety first.
There is no informing at the transfer of watch.
Normally you check the weather outside.
Too much food attention.
Is this your opinion or are you criticizing?
I have an opinion as well, depending on tone of this comment.
@@marktwained my opinion as sea captain.
Haha
About right.
You have no idea about running rivers, but assume you do because you operate a boat.
That’s my opinion, of course.
@@marktwained yes I have with my sailing yacht till tidal rivers at the sea side. Sea operation, harbour operation, river operation.
Looks like you don’t have a cook as a crew member.
Most of these “unit tow” or smaller vessels don’t have full time cooks. I ate well (too good), and still had steaks on Saturday.
Looks like you were late for breakfast and shift change. You have penchant for neatness and measuring things which works to your advantage for your career choice but might indicate an OCD disorder that affects your personal relationships. I don't think Mark Twain did it this away.
Haha
You make many assumptions.
I was actually 5 minutes early.
You don’t measure water to oatmeal?
Mark Twain was one fucked up fella.
I see therapist weekly. Not for any terrible problems, but for mental health maintenance.
😉👍🏻
@@marktwained I was just yankin your chain bro. Seeing that river as the sun comes up looks pretty sweet and I imagin the smell is nice too. Cheers. Subbed
Glad you enjoy.
Thank you! 👍🏻👍🏻😉
may i highly recommend song by david allan coe "missiissippi river queen"
With so much to carry upstairs in the morning, I hope you're putting your backpack on your back and not carrying it too, as the video implied.
No, im not missing you. Did mom attach you to me. I'm busy
This was interesting, but had to stop watching because of the rapid, jerky camera movements. Pretty Please stabilize the camera motion.
Looks all over for a measuring cup, doesn't even measure, lol.
Says you.
I measured it perfectly 2 to 1 👍🏻
Hey Capt., add cinnamon to your oatmeal. It lowers the blood pressure.
👍🏻
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 good lord