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The gravity davit with open lifeboats are quite dangerous. Enclosed lifeboats on cantilever davits are safer to operate in weekly testing, and allow for easier access in true emergency situations. The days of using tricing pendants and old fashioned rigging methods are long behind us if looking at o...

I posted a few years ago about this, but didn't have much luck. Maybe a fresh face will see this message. Perhaps 15+ years ago, I purchased several blueprints of the AAA class from Great Lakes Model Dockyard (and the late Al Jackman comes to mind). Sadly, I lost three of the four pages. Does anyone...

Agreed on the mindset part of this. For me, I experienced the days of 25+ crew on a ship, but I can honestly say my day is less busy now, even with many fewer people. Automation can be your best friend. The times of "good old days with everything manual" are going away very quickly (and th...

If in reply to me, yes, I began my apprentice program and university studies at age 18. This was not unusual, and is still the norm for Europe. I have over 25 years at sea, in one way or another.

Writing from work now, I am a Chief Engineer on board a post-Panamax size ship. My engine room crew is two. Me and a 2nd Engineer. Some deck/utility people to help when required (usually daily, small jobs here and there). Fully automated with a Kongsberg K-Chief system that costs more than many lake...

Yes, when we loaded grain for export from the USA (in the Gulf of Mexico ports), the final inspection was performed by a US Department of Agriculture inspector, who would witness putting phosgene gas pellets in the holds, then sealing the holds with silicone. Prior to loading grain, the holds were i...

Yes yes, of course the seals would not actually have a lifespan of so many years. Typically, I have seen them changed out at each special survey, 5 years duration in service. The bearing surfaces will have a much longer lifespan. I forget the Great Lakes has a bit of a different circumstances regard...

For clarification, water lubricated stern tube bearings have packing (usage of this system was uncommon even 40 years ago). In this case, you would re-pack the seal...the bearing is likely a bronze alloy and is replaced in dry dock when worn. Oil lubricated, oil sealed stern tube bearings are the mo...

I also have been visiting near-daily since 1999, when I came across the site on a boring, cold winter day. Enough kind words cannot be said - not only to the administrators, but also to the users, as without us, the site would really not exist. I know it has been addressed before, but what is the ea...

Baltimore is likely the largest East Coast port for auto import (and export). Our BMW arrived from Germany through Baltimore, then trucked to the Midwest. I believe South African-built BMWs arrive in Jacksonville. It's worth noting that Wallenius Wilhelmsen has USA-flagged ships (MSC charter). Likew...

Sorry, been out of internet range for a few days. I see you put one book aside for me (on a ship until Dec 24). I'll be sure to send off a check as soon as the mailman is back from his Christmas break.

Thanks a lot! Looking forward to reading the book.

I'll take a copy as well. One problem, I'm on a ship until December 24. I can remit payment a few ways though.

poleprince86 @ gmail (dot) com

Fair enough, new technology is always difficult at the beginning. The problem is that azipod technology is not new technology. I worked with pods built 20 years ago, just as I now work with ones built less than a year ago. The design really hasn't changed - they are 95% the same. ABB/Rolls Royce has...

Was the rush to re-power based on the deadlines for EPA Tier II and Tier III emissions standards? As far as Key Lakes not re-powering, it likely comes down to economics. Perhaps CN doesn't want to invest anything other than routine operations. The fleet is more closely tied to iron ore than other co...

It pains me to read some things here, such as "Most US flagged ships involved in deep water trade are also steam powered" and "How many ships do we build a year for commercial purposes? I know we have not built a new laker since the late 80's. It seems the only things we build are war...

With Oglebay Norton, we used to have Conveyor Belt Service come down (nearly) every lay-up. Anyone remember Bob (?) from Duluth with CBS? He would visit a few times each season, planning work for the upcoming winter, or repairs underway. He always seemed to win whichever football pool he was in...

Shore power is almost always 480/440 VAC, 60 Hz. In the past it may not have been, but any shipowner/operator will not accept a layup berth without normal service voltage in today's date. I am working at a shipyard now and we are connected to 6600 VAC, but the ship's transformers are still used as w...

That's actually how I found them, through their website. The Buy Now button isn't working for me, so I sent an email, but haven't received a response. The owner's house sounds very interesting. Scale model railroading and Great Lakes ships are a good combination. The model railroad industry is obvio...

Hi All - I know this may be better suited to the modeling forum, but they don't seem to have as much traffic as the main page, so hopefully someone here can help. Is Bearco Marine still in business? I'm trying to get a few blueprints they show in stock (AAA class, Bay Ship river class, Huletts, and ...