In 2006, when I joined my first ship as a junior engineer, I was distraught and missing home. My Fourth Engineer had then said, " Paanch saab, jahaz ka paani aur jahaz ka paisa har kisi ko waapas yahin le aata hain." Six years hence I m still at sea, still a sailor, probably for many more years to come.
What is Merchant Navy?
Well for starters, merchant navy is a field that involves transporting goods and passengers across the world through seas and oceans in large ocean going vessels. There are various types of vessels involved in this like Gas carriers, chemical tankers, Oil tankers,Bulk carriers, General cargo ships etc.
These vessels are run and managed by a team of sailing officers and crew under the Master of the vessel. Two main departments of a Ships sailing staff are The Deck and the Engine Department. The Deck Department comprises of the Navigating officers responsible for the Navigation of the ship and the cargo. The Engine Department comprises of the Engineers who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ships machinery.
Apart from these two departments there also is a Saloon department that comprises of the Chief cook and Stewards.
The Master is the overall incharge of the ship. A Deck officer typically starts his career as a Deck cadet and works his way up the hierarchy by accumulating sea time and clearing exams conducted by the administration (Mercantile Marine Department in India) becoming Third officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer and finally earning his four stripes as the Master.
An Engineer starts his career as a Junior Engineer(also called a fifth engineer) and works his way up appearing for exams and accumulating sea time, becoming a fourth engineer, third engineer, Second Engineer and finally earning his four stripes as the Chief Engineer of the Ship.
Well that in a nutshell is about Merchant Navy. Ofcourse it is much more, but I dont want this to be too long and tiring. Those who want to read more on the topic can go through the following links.
Marine Insight : Maritime News, Maritime Careers, Maritime Jobs, Maritime Matters, Maritime Discussions, Cruise Industry, Offshore Industry, and Maritime Law
Merchant Navy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I had penned down my thoughts years ago when I had started off in my blog. Those who are interested can go through it.
Now I ll let Pictures do some talking. There would be many more seasoned Sailors here at XBhp, much more experienced than me. I request them to come and share there Pictures and experiences here.
My first and second vessel, a Chemical Tanker
One of my ships (an oil tanker) at the Colombo Dockyard
My fourth ship, a 160000 tonne Bulk carrier propelled by a 22000 Bhp MAN B&W Engine
My Fifth ship, again a 170000 tonne Bulk Carrier.
Breaking through the Canadian Ice
For those who love Pistons and connecting rods, during an Auxiliary Engine Decarb....
PS. Mods, I searched for a similar thread, but could nt find one. Hence started this thread. In case one exists, please merge it.
Cheers
Ride Safe
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