[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]
Shipping isn’t dead, but it is certainly hurting. It thrives on war, retail good sales, etc., just like you thrive on the oil market.
both industries have cycles, not too long ago big osv master was nowhere near full contract MMP wages, and the mates on OSVs were certainly even further out and that is before an hourly wage argument is entered.
In late 70s and early 80s 3/M on Valdez run (MMP) we’re making at least $14k a month. Wonder how much supply boat mates were making back then???
my point is there is no lead there is no relief. There is one captain (master) at a time, period. All others are mates standing watches.
paying people based on their license and experience vs paying them for their experience and actual level of accountability is a bad idea. It creates dissension on board and towards the office.
that is one thing the unions have right. The captain makes captains wages and the salty old 3m with previous master’s experience gets paid 3m wages. He may not be compensated for his experience, but his vast experience is also not part of his job description.
sounds fair to me.