ANCHORS AWEIGH!!!

MASTER'S CALL

Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.

Anchors aweigh! This is what usually heard during anchor operation when the ship’s anchor had already cleared the seabed and after which the vessel start to move away after staying for a certain period of time in a place where it was safely anchored. Normally, anchor operation is a task initiated by a deck officer assisted by ratings on duty with proper coordination in the bridge headed by the Captain.
As the word implies “Anchors Aweigh” means not only about to sail away but it connotes different meanings or understanding. Bad and good impressions go with the word. First, precedence of good impression is when the Captain himself is true to himself and broadminded. He takes full control of himself and his subordinates with kindness and respect.
And that’s what Captain Jessie Juanico did during the time when I was one of his ratings who witnessed and approved his leadership aboard LPG Tanker Minorca. He put in high regard the interests of his men and the ship itself. Thus the men anchored their trust and confidence to Captain Juanico and together they hollered “Anchors Aweigh” and sailed in unison.
Like in any other story, good times come and go, and so with seafaring. It was a happy ending for the officers and crew, no hurt feelings and animosity were planted during the stint of Captain Jessie Juanico. He was one of a kind that anyone could respect.The Captain signed-off after his contract ended. Showing the quality of an officer and a gentleman, Captain Jessie Juanico turned-over his command to the incoming Captain, also from the Philippines.
At first the situation remained normal until suddenly, at the snap of a finger the ship’s aura turned dark. The precedence of bad impression ultimately filled the ship’s atmosphere. The new Captain intentionally has shown his arrogance and egotistic behavior of exaggerated sense of importance and superiority to all his subordinates. Worse, he made it hard for all crews to suffer without fresh water and letting them use yellowish/rusty water for their daily needs. And shore leave was rare, prompting subordinates to express disapproval.
The Captain’s brand of leadership and doctrine lacks propriety but then seafaring is like any other military establishment where the chain of command always being followed, even if wrongs are part of it. And when everybody hears “Anchors Aweigh” all are up and about to sail with the Master and no questions ask.

THE DANGER OF BERTHING OPERATION: A MASTER’S CONCERN

CAN THO VIETNAM

Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.

The danger of berthing or docking operation is always a Master’s concern especially so when the jetty or port is not properly equipped with devices like fixed fenders and manpower or mooring men whose job is to assist a ship maneuvering its way to berth. Aside from this when the jetty or port is awkwardly located in an area where the depth of water is too shallow that there’s no room for ships to maneuver which was the case in Can Tho, Vietnam.
Another concern is that when the Pilot lacks the ability or competence in doing what is appropriate during berthing or docking operation. Sometimes miscommunication between the Pilot and tugboats contribute danger during berthing. This incident actually happened last June 29, 2009 in the early morning of Monday in Can Tho, Vietnam.
Marine Tanker Minorca was there to unload LPG cargo and unfortunately things gone wrong during the ship’s maneuvering. The ship’s portside bow accidentally rammed the jetty’s other side which have no fender attached to it, causing dent to the vessel’s structure and inadvertently moved the jetty’s original position as alleged by the port officials of Vietnam.
The Master blamed the Pilot for his incompetence but the port personnel said otherwise. They asked for payment for the damaged done to their jetty. It was a compromising situation but then it was business as usual and the ship’s cargo was unloaded to the jetty’s depot. Because it was the Master’s concern, he took the incident as a lesson learned.

THE BIBLE PROPHECY

The first time I encountered the word “APOCALYPSE” was when I joined a bible study in a Christian congregation decades ago which later helped me understand about GOD and EVIL. On the other hand, the word “ESCATHOLOGY” – although an old Greek word translated & entered in the English dictionary – I came to know about the word only recently (January 2010) after reading the popular and intriguing book “EPICENTER” and “INSIDE THE REVOLUTION” both authored by Mr. Joel S. Rosenberg, an American Jew who is advocating Christian faith and peace in the Middle East. And last, the word “SURVIVALSIM” intrigued me most because it points directly to the words of apocalypse and escathology which means doomsday and end times.

As everybody knows, “APOCALYPSE” as defined in the English dictionary means total destruction or devastation. In the Book of Revelation of the Holy Bible, it mentioned the word “ARMAGGEDON” which means the battle between the forces of good and evil that is predicted to mark the end of the world and precede the Day of Judgment. (Revelation 16:16).

However, aside from the Bible, many interpretations and explanations about the word “APOCALYPSE” were written and shown in so many publications, investigative research, scientific research, media presentations and in Hollywood movies. The different studies about the word are so complicated that even the Discovery channel has its own version of “APOCALYPSE” and that is the possibility of a giant Asteroid hitting our beloved planet Earth.

Whilst most of us are aware of what apocalypse is all about, another intriguing word is somewhat not in our radar screen of general information and that is “ESCATHOLOGY,” made popular by Mr. Joel S. Rosenberg in his books “EPICENTER” and “INSIDE THE REVOLUTION” and other equally great master pieces he had written in the last years.  

In his books, Mr. Rosenberg described the end times or eschatology that was prophesied in the Book of Ezekiel of the Holy Bible. According to him, some Islamic countries together with Russia will make war with Israel and the US will just stand idly by and watch the conquering forces annihilate Israel but in the end GOD with his full might and heavenly power will help Israel inflict untold misery, sufferings and death against the invading armies of the enemy.

Although, apocalypse and eschatology are two Greek words with different meaning or interpretation but with almost the same result of doomsday prophesy, majority of the people from around the world do not believe such things exist because in today’s world, non-believers outnumber believers but not in Oregon, USA.

According to the AFP report which was published in a local newspaper in the Philippines last July 12, 2010 (Monday), a man named Mr. Jerry Erwin, Mr. Jim Rawles and others like them are now preparing the doomsday scenario, a catastrophic societal collapse that is likely to happen in their lifetime. They call themselves as “preppers,” “doomers” and “survivalists.”

Here, the word “SURVIVALISM” takes precedence and Mr. Erwin, Mr. Rawles and others like them have taken a variety of different approaches to prepare for the coming apocalypse. They see political upheaval and natural disasters as signs of the impending doom of civilization. For one, they adopted Christian-influenced approach, isolationist and self reliant approach to cement their belief and sever their reliance from the outside world.

As I tried to understand these things in my own personal view I came to conclude that “SURVIVALISM” is the reckoning point for Mr. Erwin and Mr. Jim Rawles and the rest of their followers. In fact Mr. Jim Rawles is called “the patron saint of survivalism” by Mr. Erwin himself. The selfless Mr. Rawles can be reached in his website survivalblog.com.

 

Lastly, it’s up to you readers to believe or not to believe but all I can say is that the words “apocalypse,” “escathology” and “survivalism will stay and who knows we might as well be a part of the unfolding prophecy. 2012, nuclear armed Iran and the re-emerging power of Russia, anyone?

Taiwan revisited

Chichi Train Station
Taiwan is not only known for their bustling cities of lights and sounds, of technology and innovation, but Taiwan is also known for their rural tourism attraction that draws both local and foreign tourists which helps boost Taiwan as one of the best tourism destinations in the world. Central Taiwan is one of the country’s best places to visit around the island nation of 23 million people of diverse culture and ethnic groups.
Visiting Central Taiwan is a must especially Chichi, Nantou which offer visitors one of a kind touring experience. This rustic place is a historic landmark that dates back in the Japanese era where they built the now popular Chichi or Jiji train Station. The train station is a picturesque landmark of attraction and self expression of poetic thoughts and narrative ideas.
Tourists can sit, relax or even nap in the train station’s comfortable sitting area while waiting for the train to arrive. One can chill by having a drink or two of the train station’s free cold water. Foods and drinks are also being offered in stores nearby. The locals are friendly and simply the best to have a conversation with.
The railway itself is a great experience to see, for it is fun for any tourists to take memorable pictures. The railroad tracks’ design commands serene beauty because it passes through tunnels, greenery, attractive houses, farmlands and clean river in the Ershui locality. The train, likewise, offers good and safe ride from and to the place of destination.
Tourists can also visit the cable bridge connecting Chichi and Shuili. The imposing bridge is only few meters away from the Chichi train station. A safe walk going to the bridge from the station is a wise decision. The cable bridge exudes elegance and beautiful structural design which is perfect for picture taking and for relaxing while viewing the vast expanse of the structure and the river that flow underneath.
Night market is also an added attraction in Chichi district where visitors are treated to a night of festive activities. Vendors in their “vehicle stores” line –up the long strip of road catering to various customers. Different items are being sold in the night market, like clothes, shoes, gadgets and other products that draw interest from buyers especially tourists. Night market is not complete without the usual food stalls serving delectable Taiwanese foods. A hot serving of various dishes really is an experience to die for. Gastronomic will experience Taiwanese dishes at its best and think of coming back for more.
Aside from Chichi train station, Taiwan offers various tourist attractions in different locations encompassing the whole island nation. Visitors can have their shopping in cities like Taichung, Taipei, Hsinchu, Kaohsiung, Tainan, the oldest city of Taiwan and other shopping district. Tourists can feel the charm of Taiwan’s rustic beauty by visiting Taitung, Hualien, Pingtung and yes Chichi, Nantou and other popular rural areas gifted with natural beauty and mystique.
Taiwan for sure is worth visiting not only for the frequent travelers but for all people eager to discover the island nation that pride itself for having ethnic and cultural diversity long established before Taiwan became an economic tiger of Asia and the rest of the world.

APPLYING FOR A SEAFARING JOB IS A LONG & TRICKY ROUGH SEA TO HURDLE

RATINGS DILEMMA

Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.

Well, practically seafaring job is one of the best professions in the world which offers a lot of great opportunity. And perhaps unequalled, because to join one would be able to experience life at its best: Good salary in US dollars, meet with different nationalities, see various countries and cultures, explore the “seven seas” (or the “5 oceans”) and of course a secure life upon retirement.
These are the reasons why men and women in known countries including the Philippines that supplies great number of seafarers to the world’s shipping industry are queuing-up in manning agencies hoping to land a job at sea. In the archipelagic country like the Philippines, seafaring job is an attractive opportunity because first of all it is free to apply; only that credential and competency are the one strictly required.
Foreign employers represented by manning agencies mostly located in Metro Manila Philippines, are implementing these rules or policies to protect all applicants from paying placement fee and to maintain the high standard of qualification of all seafarers. In this particular issue, it seems that the rules or policies are good and beyond question the fact that it implies favorable advantage to all stakeholders.
Indeed through this long-established system, seafaring jobs continue to grow except that also through this means, under-the-table transaction of applying for a job at sea has long been part of the system and likewise increasing in numbers. And why is it so? The problem can be traced to the air-conditioned offices of manning agencies with people milling around as crewing managers, assistants, secretaries, or even utilities stricken with “emphatic crewing syndrome.”
The syndrome is exacting that the rule run like these: “whom you know, not what you know” “back-up me you,” “protégé,” “patronage,” “close connection” and other forms of “empathic crewing syndrome” the one that “you scratch my back and I will scratch yours.”
This is an open secret in the crewing industry; an exposed and disgusting wide-opened “sea chest” of “emphatic crewing syndrome.” Applicants near the seat of “office power” easily hurdles the quest of getting a job at sea and immediately deployed even without the appropriate credential and competency. Others, who have no connections but qualified are feted to the worst kind of treatment especially RATINGS.
The RATINGS or the lesser mortals in the seafaring industry are the most affected by this kind of ignominy. They are subjected to some kind of immeasurable hopelessness, desperation or failure because applying for a seafaring job is a long & tricky rough sea to hurdle irreparably effected by the “emphatic crewing syndrome.”

The code of Omerta

According to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia in the internet, Omertà implies “the categorical prohibition of cooperation with state authorities or reliance on its services, even when one has been victim of a crime.” Even if somebody is convicted for a crime he has not committed, he is supposed to serve the sentence without giving the police any information about the real criminal, even if that criminal has nothing to do with the Mafia himself. Within Mafia culture, breaking omertà is punishable by death.
To insiders and outsiders, the code of omerta is also known as the code of silence. This mafia code, however, has evolved since it was adapted by crime syndicates in Europe particularly in Sicily and other parts of Italy during the 16^th century. Because the code has benefited much of the mafia bosses and the criminal organizations they belong, it became the epitome for others to follow the code through which the authorities themselves adapted it as part of their strict implementations of certain rules.

The code of omerta, however, did not only made inroad in the inner structure but it influenced governments, military organizations, school fraternities and street gangs and the corporate or business community especially the shipping industry. Governments anywhere in the world had perfected the code of omerta, giving rise to the many anomalies and killings committed by despots and rogue states.

The military organizations, known for their strict discipline and code of honor, have easily adapted and honed the code of omerta. Soldiers are required to adhere and strictly follow the code. The one that “what you hear, what you see, leave it here,” kind of dictum, or the explicit “see no evil, hear no evil” explanation. Clearly, the principle and philosophical aspect of omerta is what bind the military to the code of silence.

Fraternities, gangs and the shipping industry were equally in good rankings among the followers of the Mafia code. They have the same thinking and inclination towards the code of omerta which protects their interests and standings in a place they called theirs. To glean on the background of fraternities and gangs make us understand that their version of the code of omerta is for stronger brotherhood but sometimes fatalistic in nature.

On the other hand, the shipping industry is more than a follower of the Mafia code. For those who may not know, the shipping industry is the Taliban version of the business sector. They do not only strictly adhere to the dictum of the code of omerta but they are enforcing the more severe form of gag order to all seafarers particularly on ratings and junior officers.

In other words, the shipping industry mostly in tanker, bulk, cargo and other vessels with the same operations usually do not conform to the United Nations Human Rights Convention of protecting the basic human rights of all citizens of the world. According to a local TV report which was aired months ago, most of the time, seafarers were experiencing gag orders from the higher ups.

Just like in any government, military and other sectors, shenanigans are prevalent in the shipping industry. Nobody is allowed to bring up issues that concern the operations of the vessel, more so on LPG Tanker vessel. Anyone found guilty of breaking the code of omerta is dealt with severely, either by suspension or revocation of contract. There’s no Ifs or Buts. The “see no evil, hear no evil” is the standard rule and applies to all ratings and some officers.

I, myself have suffered the fate of rudeness after I posted articles regarding my experience in my short stint as a crew of an LPG Tanker based in Singapore. I was ordered by the shipping agency to delete 4 of my articles to which I complied. I took it as a mere gesture of propriety. But most of seafarers actually fear of losing employment that is why they too had become the accidental followers of the code of omerta. Obviously, bigots and oppressive people are really hard to crack.

The dos and donts of courtship

Steps to Avoid in Courting a Woman’s Nod

Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.

Basically, people still believe the intrinsic form of courtship which in most cases remains as a way of getting into a relationship. And that is a fact. But in today’s modern world, changes had been a factor that influences the very form of courtship. And that is a fact also.
Courtship, in layman’s term and in my own understanding, is the expression of one’s feeling to a woman whom a man cares and loves. And that’s the most exciting part of it. However, because of modern culture that we have now, courtship in the truest sense has become more complicated than the previous times.
The following are some of the explanations based on personal experience taken from my old and recent encounter of courting a woman’s nod. I was actually rejected 3x.
THE DON’TS: 1.Do not expresses sincerity and truthfulness 2. Do not brag your clean living lifestyle 3. Do not say flattering remarks (ex. You are beautiful, simple, brave etc.) 4. Do not say the “I Love You” often because women of today are prone to “sweet-message” fatigue. 5. Do not impress her of your swear words, because, again women are easily annoyed by that kind of courtship tactics. 6. And last but not the least; do not fool your self that you will win her love hands down.
THE DOS: 1. Pretend to be somebody 2. Be gorgeous looking yet animalistic inside 3. Be superficially simple but rough inside 4. Be a talker and giddy to impress the girl 5. Speak like a rocker without seriousness 6. Be a lover boy because it’s the in thing. Women look for sexually active partners 7. Be armed with gadgets to take videos of your sexual tryst. 8. Be a cigar-puffing fellow to show your macho-like personality. 9. And last but not the least just plays the girl’s game and you will win her love.
The dos are based on actual interviews shared by indefatigable individuals I’ve met in gatherings and in trainings only recently.