FISHING ON DECK

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 Shore leave is not only the one that keep seafarers spend their free time. Fishing on deck is also part of their activity during the time when the ship is anchored off the berthing area. Fishing actually relaxes the mind and body after rendering four hours of duty. Excitement and joy filled the poop deck every time fish is pulled out of the water using hook attached to a string.

During daytime fishing is not easy to do unless one has patience. But night time is more exciting because not only fish is being caught but various sizes of squid which is more than attracted to the ship’s lights. Squids and fish playfully swims and flips right on the spot of light that beams through the water. Catching these sea creatures right on the spot is a delight to sailors because its fresh meat gives tasteful eating binge accompanied with cool beer on the table.

Shipboard Enclosed Spaces a Dangerous Task for Seafarers

Getting into action entering enclosed spaces on board ship is somewhat tricky and dangerous. An honest to goodness preparations must first put into place and one must be brave and sternly up to the task to face the challenge. Enclosed spaces which includes cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks, pump rooms, compressor rooms, void spaces, cofferdams, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, engine crankcases, sewage tanks, ballast and fresh water tanks is a life and death assignment because casualties normally occur every time seafarers enter these shipboard spaces.
Before going inside confined or enclosed spaces, proper ventilation is applied and appropriate and continues atmospheric testing follows to obtain 21% oxygen by volume, 1% LEL of hydrocarbons, max. 30 ppm carbon monoxide, max. 10 ppm sulfate oxide and max. 5 ppm benzene. Personnel entering the space are required to be equipped with a portable gas meter for continuous monitoring of the atmosphere and this requirement will suffice for ongoing gas testing.
Of course entry permit is necessary before going into action. This permit is issued by a responsible person (Chief Mate or the Master) permitting entry to a space or compartment during a specific time interval. No person should open or enter an enclosed space unless authorized by the Master or designated officer and unless the appropriate safety measures were laid down. Communication is also important to maintain a high level of safety and security during enclosed space work.

Exposure or vulnerability to harm is part of entering confined or enclosed spaces. Asphyxia caused by toxic vapors is the common cause of casualty among seafarers. Enclosed spaces are left with different types of vapors produced by clingage (i.e. oil remaining on the walls or surface of the tank interior), sludge and other materials forming inside spaces.
Shown on the picture is C/M Alejandro Bersaluna, a cadet, an AB and the author ventilating a ballast tank located at the Bosun’s store.

A HARD DAY’S WORK AT SEA

Working on deck is much of a challenge because it takes a lot of effort to get the work done. One must be patient, diligent, precise, enduring, with survival instinct, prayerful and extra careful. Deck chores vary according to job order i.e. ship’s parlance meaning identified chore or task. Usually, deck ratings and cadets do the routine of maintaining the ship’s external structure and other deck implements.

Normal routine chores like painting, chipping or rust removal, cargo hold and deck washing, fresh water and ballast tanks cleaning, greasing of deck machineries, pilot and gangway ladder rigging etc. forms part of significant challenge for deck ratings. Overcoming the rudiments of ship chores subsequently makes deck ratings pass the mark or grade of seamanship.

In the picture, a GP2D/OS doing his painting chores at the forward area and dangling in a makeshift ladder with his fellow deck crew while painting the forward’s starboard side.