During my last hitch, I was written up for a minor offense which can be corrected by means of a verbal counseling. During watch turnover, my supervisor instructed me to walk around E/R and other areas, and wipe any oil spills/leak if I find one. I did exactly what he told me. The next turn over, he was so pissed because he said I didn’t clean the hydraulic oil by the thruster. I insisted that I missed that spot. He said he has noticed it days ago. I said, he could have told me when he instructed me. But instead he went ahead and wrote me up without verbal counseling. I’m new in the ship, just a hitch and half; I knew from the beginning he doesn’t like me. I signed the write up but I stated I disagree with it, because it was not deliberate and he should have verbally warned me first. I think he wanted the last guy whom I replaced. He did it the last time but different stupid minor offense, wrote me up without verbal counseling but I refuted it. This time, He said, he is sending it to the company. Was he wrong in writing me up without verbal counseling? I felt that he wanted to get rid of me “as if kill the guy and make it look like an accident”.
Welcome to the maritime industry. Harsh yea but that’s how it is. Write ups in my eyes are a sign of weakness and I personally don’t agree with them. Masters and Chiefs threaten all the time with them, for many reasons. Just be more vigilant and look for the small stuff like that. Keep your mouth shut and just do the job your suppose to.
[QUOTE=MassCap;149287]Welcome to the maritime industry. Harsh yea but that’s how it is. Write ups in my eyes are a sign of weakness and I personally don’t agree with them. Masters and Chiefs threaten all the time with them, for many reasons. Just be more vigilant and look for the small stuff like that. Keep your mouth shut and just do the job your suppose to.[/QUOTE]
No, pieces of shit on power trips threaten all the time.
If this kid is working on a ship, I say finish your hitch, voyage, dispatch, whatever the length of stay might be, then do your best to never go back to that ship again.
If it is not a ship, finish your hitch then let the office (crewing coord., etc.) know that you would like to go to another tug/osv/atb, whatever. I haven’t worked tugs yet, but it SEEMS to me how OSV personnel issues get sorted out. If the kid’s got a reasonably formed impression that he is not “the guy” that this supv. wanted, I doubt that is going to change anytime soon.
Important to note that if the letter of warning doesn’t make it to the office, it doesn’t weigh nearly as much these days. At this point, I think the kid has nothing to lose by finding out if the office did actually receive these 2 letters. This all sounds like BS, anyway. His supervisor is giving him these letters? Where is the vessel master in any of this? Letters of warning do not get handed out willy nilly without the master being in the loop, let alone being directly involved. I’m not saying the story is BS, just the actions of this supervisor and quite possibly the inaction or the master at this point. If the master is not being informed (intentiionally), that is a whole other matter which may find the supervisor himself going straight to step 2 or possibly step 3.
This is how the progression SHOULD work…
- Verbal warning with clear definition of offense(s) and clear explanation of corrective action / work standards to be achieved, etc.
- Written with a witness (another officer) at presentation of said offense(s) on paper to be signed by master and recipient.
- Grounds for termination. (And that all depends on what type of vessel you are working on as to whether or not the office respects or even acknowledges Master’s authority/position)
The OP could always use the chain of command. Clearly no point in talking to the supv. If the capt is either participating in this crap or unwilling to rectify it, then he then is out and it is time to call the company’s Desginated Person.
If the DP fails you, then you clearly work at a POS company and should get the hell out.
[QUOTE=Johnny Canal;149306]No, pieces of shit on power trips threaten all the time.
If this kid is working on a ship, I say finish your hitch, voyage, dispatch, whatever the length of stay might be, then do your best to never go back to that ship again.
If it is not a ship, finish your hitch then let the office (crewing coord., etc.) know that you would like to go to another tug/osv/atb, whatever. I haven’t worked tugs yet, but it SEEMS to me how OSV personnel issues get sorted out. If the kid’s got a reasonably formed impression that he is not “the guy” that this supv. wanted, I doubt that is going to change anytime soon.
Important to note that if the letter of warning doesn’t make it to the office, it doesn’t weigh nearly as much these days. At this point, I think the kid has nothing to lose by finding out if the office did actually receive these 2 letters. This all sounds like BS, anyway. His supervisor is giving him these letters? Where is the vessel master in any of this? Letters of warning do not get handed out willy nilly without the master being in the loop, let alone being directly involved. I’m not saying the story is BS, just the actions of this supervisor and quite possibly the inaction or the master at this point. If the master is not being informed (intentiionally), that is a whole other matter which may find the supervisor himself going straight to step 2 or possibly step 3.
This is how the progression SHOULD work…
- Verbal warning with clear definition of offense(s) and clear explanation of corrective action / work standards to be achieved, etc.
- Written with a witness (another officer) at presentation of said offense(s) on paper to be signed by master and recipient.
- Grounds for termination. (And that all depends on what type of vessel you are working on as to whether or not the office respects or even acknowledges Master’s authority/position)
The OP could always use the chain of command. Clearly no point in talking to the supv. If the capt is either participating in this crap or unwilling to rectify it, then he then is out and it is time to call the company’s Desginated Person.
If the DP fails you, then you clearly work at a POS company and should get the hell out.[/QUOTE]
The captain didn’t investigate and it seemed that he already believed my supervisor(C/E) when he signed the write up. When I woke up the next day, I was told to go up the bridge to sign the write up, which was crew change. I called the crew coordinator after I got off the vessel, to be transferred to another OSV, but I was told that there are abundance of personel and no available vessel yet. I haven’t heard anything from the company because it was only few days ago. The supervisor didn’t take time to know me, never had a conversation with me. I’m a minority and it’s hard not to think that part of the reason is the race issue. He didn’t realize that I could be a good asset to the ship because, aside from being a QMED, I could do Electrical, Refrigeration, and Welding experience that I can use to support him . But instead, even it’s just a stupid first minor offense, they are hellbent to get rid of me.
Don’t think it’s a race issue. Maybe he hates people with 10 fingers and two eyes. Good luck with your issue though and maybe you’ll never work for the guy again.
It’s probably less of a race issue and more of a “Show the new guy how big my dick is” issue. Some people in this industry are miserable pricks. Often they are in this line of work because it’s one of the few you can still get away with being a complete pyscho.
Luck of the draw sometimes…just keep doing your job. Get task details written down in JSA’s if you want a little more documentation to cover your ass.
If your gut says the boss doesn’t want you around its usually best to go. It doesn’t matter what kind of asset you could be - you will be denied the opportunity and/or recognition for it. Better luck on your next ship.
I agree with DeckApe. See if you can get a transfer to another vessel.
If the chief or master wants a guy gone, he’s gone. Or at least that is the way it is supposed to be. Yeah, there may be a hr process to follow, but the result is usually the same.
I have worked for some screwed up companies where it is too difficult to get rid of guys that don’t fit. But most companies don’t waste much time on it.
In my time at sea, I only “wrote up” one assistant, and it took three hitches for me to do it. It was less of a write up than it was a less than satisfactory evaluation. When I have an experienced, licensed (although he had one of those Assistant Engineer, Oil and Mineral licenses) engineer sign on, I expected a certain level of competence, self starting and interest from anyone that signed on. Any assistant or engineer that will be standing a watch should have the basic understanding of all equipment in the engine room and machinery spaces, and that includes general clean up and maintenance. I almost always gave the weakest of any assistant I had the easiest duties. Let’s face it, there aren’t a whole lot of areas that need to be examined on many vessels today, especially in a 4 to 6 hour watch. It seems that we are only getting one side of the story here, and that makes me wonder. He may be a new guy, but he has been onboard “a hitch and a half” by his own admission. Does not state his rating onboard (assumed to be QMED) and does not give us the type of vessel. What I also found interesting is that he stated that he did exactly as told, although he also admitted that he missed seeing the leaking hydraulic oil. Most times onboard, we have to do more than expected, although finding and cleaning up leaks was not only requested, but was not completed satisfactorily. Leaking fluids are also pretty important to identify, and exactly one of the basic duties of a watch engineer.
If he really wants the Chief to know what kind of asset he can be onboard, he certainly needs to step up his game.
No, I am guessing that we are not hearing the whole story, and that is typical of many postings.
Thanks for all you folks’ advice. I’ve been around myself as a seafarer in the Navy. Yeah, I’m fairly new in thIS OSV. I think he wants the other guy to comeback because he’s comparing me to him. I’m only a hitch and a half in that boat and still learning the system. He’s a young DDE AHP with 6000Gt guy who started as a deckhand then QMED . I think he sees me as a threath. I’m on vacation, so I’ll see what’s gonna happen next. I haven’t heard anything yet. I started looking around for a new ship.
[QUOTE=cmakin;149339]In my time at sea, I only “wrote up” one assistant, and it took three hitches for me to do it. It was less of a write up than it was a less than satisfactory evaluation. When I have an experienced, licensed (although he had one of those Assistant Engineer, Oil and Mineral licenses) engineer sign on, I expected a certain level of competence, self starting and interest from anyone that signed on. Any assistant or engineer that will be standing a watch should have the basic understanding of all equipment in the engine room and machinery spaces, and that includes general clean up and maintenance. I almost always gave the weakest of any assistant I had the easiest duties. Let’s face it, there aren’t a whole lot of areas that need to be examined on many vessels today, especially in a 4 to 6 hour watch. It seems that we are only getting one side of the story here, and that makes me wonder. He may be a new guy, but he has been onboard “a hitch and a half” by his own admission. Does not state his rating onboard (assumed to be QMED) and does not give us the type of vessel. What I also found interesting is that he stated that he did exactly as told, although he also admitted that he missed seeing the leaking hydraulic oil. Most times onboard, we have to do more than expected, although finding and cleaning up leaks was not only requested, but was not completed satisfactorily. Leaking fluids are also pretty important to identify, and exactly one of the basic duties of a watch engineer.
If he really wants the Chief to know what kind of asset he can be onboard, he certainly needs to step up his game.
No, I am guessing that we are not hearing the whole story, and that is typical of many postings.[/QUOTE]
Yeah I’am a QMED. The vessel has been in port since August, and only one generator is running. I found that the leak he was talking is an stain from a crane hydraulic pump that hasn’t been used for that hitch. I think they tested it before we crew changed last time. He knew about it but he didn’t tell me. He just ordered me to walk around to find anything leaks etc then wipe anything that I see. It was 2 days before we crew changed. When he talked to me the next day, that’s the only time he was telling me about it. He should have verbally counseled me first so that I’ll have chance to explain my side. He immediately told me to go to the bridge. They admonished me, then signed the report, written warning. That made me really depressed until now.
Go ahead and continue with your rounds and make sure you document all the leaks, etc and make sure you give to him and keep a copy for yourself. Show your worth by making the opportunity to repair these leaks, and if you are shot down, continue to document. Maybe not a list every day, but why not weekly or at the beginning/end of each hitch. Continue to act in a professional manor and don’t lower your standards, especially if you think he wants you gone. If he wants you gone, it will happen sooner or later, just remember to hold yourself to a higher standard. Good luck
[QUOTE=The Commodore;149342]Go ahead and continue with your rounds and make sure you document all the leaks, etc and make sure you give to him and keep a copy for yourself. Show your worth by making the opportunity to repair these leaks, and if you are shot down, continue to document. Maybe not a list every day, but why not weekly or at the beginning/end of each hitch. Continue to act in a professional manor and don’t lower your standards, especially if you think he wants you gone. If he wants you gone, it will happen sooner or later, just remember to hold yourself to a higher standard. Good luck[/QUOTE]
Thank you so much.
Seamanloko - I just read your 1st post about being tired as an Engineer and such. Disregard what I posted and edited. I thought you were a young kid.
[QUOTE=The Commodore;149342]Go ahead and continue with your rounds and make sure you document all the leaks, etc and make sure you give to him and keep a copy for yourself. Show your worth by making the opportunity to repair these leaks, and if you are shot down, continue to document. Maybe not a list every day, but why not weekly or at the beginning/end of each hitch. Continue to act in a professional manor and don’t lower your standards, especially if you think he wants you gone. If he wants you gone, it will happen sooner or later, just remember to hold yourself to a higher standard. Good luck[/QUOTE]
I agree this is about right. Good luck. Be a good shipmate. Seems pretty chicken shit. We have very high standards at work, but very few write-ups… perhaps 6% of all employees per year, but a lot of those are on 1st trip and just do not fit the reqmts. for long term employees, less than 1% per year
[QUOTE=seamanloloko;149340]Thanks for all you folks’ advice. I’ve been around myself as a seafarer in the Navy. Yeah, I’m fairly new in thIS OSV. I think he wants the other guy to comeback because he’s comparing me to him. I’m only a hitch and a half in that boat and still learning the system. He’s a young DDE AHP with 6000Gt guy who started as a deckhand then QMED . I think he sees me as a threath. I’m on vacation, so I’ll see what’s gonna happen next. I haven’t heard anything yet. I started looking around for a new ship.[/QUOTE]
There is another route you can take. You could take those pretty pink panties off and show them what you are made of. Don’t just do a good job, do a great job. When you finish with your rounds look for things that need to be done or cleaned. You may want to ask specific questions, like while I am doing my walk arounds is there something specific you have observed that needs to be done. What I have learned over the years, myself included is that management skills in our industry in general are lacking. There is not much training or education for how to get the best out of your people. People are different and what works on one doesn’t work on another. I was once a run his A$$ off type of guy and I believe there is a time for it. Over the years I have learned different techniques.
I don’t believe you should have been written up for this, but I wouldn’t run away from a challenge either.
I have to agree with your assessment that it ‘may be about race’. You haven’t gotten black enough yet. As in dirty from actually DOING your job. If you were pulling your weight, no respectful chief would criticize you. Stop throwing around the ‘Navy’ card too. You aren’t in a 30 man ER anymore, able to specialize in the 3 or 4 specialties you mention. You are a 25% responsible member of the ER department on your fine vessel. Act like it. If you have to be ‘told’ what to do (in an entry capacity) with your ‘credentials’ then indeed there is something else you are not being up front about. I know my job is WAY more frustrating when I have to micro manage the deckhands for what should be repetitive, ordinary, menial jobs that they are entrusted to do each and every day. (like Sanitary) If you are being ‘told’ what to do, then you have to re think your status on the vessel. You AREN’T Chief. You aren’t Assistant. You are the guy who gets his hands dirty. Go do it. Make the chief find NOTHING else to do after you do your rounds. That way you will know you are doing a good job that you can’t be faulted for.
BTW, he put it in writing, just so you don’t come back later and say: “It is a race issue.” He is protecting himself as much as he is making sure you get the idea that this IS about job performance as much as it is about the chain of command.
I disagree with the written warning before a verbal, BUT walking around wiping up leaks and spills in the engine room is like breathing. It should be second nature and you shouldn’t need to be told to do it.
Like the one person says keep a weekly list of your cleaning duties to prove you’ve done it and be sure to be great & not simply good.
I think the C/E was testing you. He knew that puddle was there but wanted to see if you did. I’ve worked for Chiefs that do the same thing (minus the reprimand but always with a good butt chewing if you fail). He is always looking for leaks. The A/E is always looking for leaks. The QMED should also always be looking for leaks.
Just because a piece of equipment is shut down does not mean it can’t/won’t cause a problem. I came on watch one day and noticed a very strong odor of diesel in the E/R. I did a walk through and asked the A/E about it. He said he hadn’t noticed. After a more thorough walk through I found the fuel return line to a generator that was off-line had a pin hole in it below the deckplates where it couldn’t be seen and was pissing fuel into the bilge.
Your job is to be vigilante in every way. Look for anything out of the ordinary and correct it if you can. Report to the Engineer on watch and let him/her know whether you corrected it or not and how or why not.