[QUOTE=rigdvr;130964]I cant believe we are going to sail this narrow channel again…lord knows we are never going to come to a passing arrangement on this one c.capt.
As for the watch system, I just dont see it working out well. Most OSV’s carry enough crew (16+) to be close. One problem would be customer requirements. Most of the majors require two officers on watch. They are willing to pay for it but a 3 watch system now changes that from 4 officers/DPO’s to 6 plus a “floating” master…never gonna happen. Now assume everyone wants even time, thats 13-14 officers to man one 300’ OSV! We are experiencing crew shortages as it is. Add 2 riggers per watch for a total of 6 and 4 engineers plus oilers and you are looking at a 20 man crew so a rotation of 40+ to man ONE BOAT.
As for the labor situation…if unions are so great then why is US shipping dead and the money is found at the non union companies? Southern car factories have much higher employee satisfaction rates than Detroit. Most of us believe in honest work, honest pay not I got a contract, fuck you. Thats just how it is. If i decide that I feel Im not being treated as I should, I vote with my feet. Unions are big business and benefit the union bosses more than the membership. For someone who hate “Joe Boss” as much as you, surely “Joe Union Leader” is just as bad if not worse. I can speak for myself and cut out the middle man skimming my checks…
I do agree that the terminology is flawed. If Im not “lead”, Im not “captain”. It really boils down to the payroll people. They pay according to your license, then your ranking on the vessel. If you only hold a mates license then you will be paid less than a “master” even if you are both technically mates on the billet. Somewhere along the line it got out of control.
Enjoy typing your typical “Joe Boss” reply…I respectfully sound one short and intend to see you on my port side sir.
OH, JUST WANTED TO SEE HOW IT FEELS TO YELL ON THE WEB. THE VOICE IN MY HEAD AS I TYPE IS LOUDER THAN I EXPECTED…[/QUOTE]
To my knowledge BP doesn’t want the Master to stand a watch on the vessels it has contracted. You’re absolutely correct that the crew compliment would get out of control very quickly and there just aren’t enough people to have 30+ crew dedicated to staffing one vessel. I actually think the manning levels on the small 100 ton vessels are the most ludicrous though. With a COI calling for 4 how can 2 guys operate a boat for 12 hours, pump fuel, water, transfer cargo and do this safely all while following the company and USCG rules? Just doesn’t make any sense.