Search found 19 matches

by mentatblur
Fri Jan 13, 2017 1:33 pm
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Paris Mou Huanghai Developer
Replies: 8
Views: 4591

Re: Paris Mou Huanghai Developer

What is the point of ISM and inspections if they only arrest for 3 days and let them sail away?
I read the pdf last night and was pretty shocked. I guess I should be happy I'm working on pieces of junk on the great lakes instead of brand new chinese owned and crewed vessels
by mentatblur
Sat Dec 31, 2016 7:15 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: For the economic geeks among us
Replies: 1
Views: 1868

Re: For the economic geeks among us

Haha. I'm still wondering how we're able to sell 11 billion to saudi arabia, yet we can't build our own ships in a timely fashion? I guess it's easier to build small stuff and sell to desert dwellers? Or perhaps that 11 billion is only in promised equipment? Seems really sketchy to me. Happy new year.
by mentatblur
Mon Nov 07, 2016 10:06 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Fatigue and Rail
Replies: 6
Views: 3971

Re: Fatigue and Rail

We go over 16-18 hours sometimes. We almost never get 6 hours of rest, even after a crazy day. This last week was really crazy. If I complain I will lose my job (more accurately, told to "think about moving on")... I currently work on board harbour tugs, but with a crazy on call system...t...
by mentatblur
Wed Nov 02, 2016 3:48 pm
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Fatigue and Rail
Replies: 6
Views: 3971

Re: Fatigue and Rail

I agree. I'm pretty sure that's just part of sailing and I'm not sure how we'd ever get around those occasional long days. I don't think they're that bad at all until they become a serial problem. I think fatigue is a real issue and if they really cared about safety, there wouldn't be a push for sma...
by mentatblur
Fri Aug 26, 2016 9:33 pm
Forum: Available Positions
Topic: Fairmount Shipping Vancouver looking for Tech Super
Replies: 8
Views: 4951

Re: Fairmount Shipping Vancouver looking for Tech Super

You're right and I agree Banasa, but...how much is a 3rd engineer's salary deep sea? The great lakes salaries are the way there are because of the working conditions and crew cutdowns leading to more overtime. IMO anyway. I think the people who dream up these ads are not the same people who hire/mak...
by mentatblur
Thu Jun 23, 2016 6:33 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Mutiny and ER fight
Replies: 21
Views: 10307

Re: Mutiny and ER fight

Wild. What's even more hilarious (to me!) is that island of Mauritius is where my parents were born! They immigrated to canada in the 70s. Island in the middle of no where.. can't tell you how many times I've attempted to explain the location to curious people. Also cool to see a Mauritius helicopte...
by mentatblur
Wed Jun 22, 2016 11:07 am
Forum: General Job topics
Topic: Seafarer Shortage
Replies: 6
Views: 11555

Re: Seafarer Shortage

Darn... here I am trying to get back into the scene. Applying everywhere and hoping for the best. In the past it was really easy to get a job. So far quiet... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/20/facebook-obsessed-millennials-rejecting-lucrative-maritime-caree/ Another article stating the simi...
by mentatblur
Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:07 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Canada Transportation Act Review - Report
Replies: 25
Views: 10311

Re: Canada Transportation Act Review - Report

Thanks all for your honest answers. I'd just like to say thanks to you guys for keeping this website going and full of current issues that affect us all directly. What's the best way for younger engineers to try and make a difference? Easier said than done of course (understatement of the day). I to...
by mentatblur
Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:09 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Canada Transportation Act Review - Report
Replies: 25
Views: 10311

Re: Canada Transportation Act Review - Report

I'm trying to get back into sailing, after taking a couple years off to try another trade. Is it really getting that bad out there? When I was sailing, people then were always doom and gloom too. Turns out I was lucky in my first career path after all! Hope there are still jobs out there. I have to ...
by mentatblur
Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:32 am
Forum: General Job topics
Topic: Jobs at McKeil
Replies: 5
Views: 12074

Re: Jobs at McKeil

Hey all. I have very similar experience working there years ago. They truly do put new staff in crazy situations, little to no safety...the experience made me quit sailing for a long time. That superintendent that martin mentioned is probably someone I went to school with, and the attitude doesn't s...
by mentatblur
Sun Feb 22, 2015 8:07 pm
Forum: The Workshop
Topic: Belzona, the wonder tool
Replies: 12
Views: 7931

Re: Belzona, the wonder tool

I have seen contractors use belzona to repair camshafts, during my cadet days. Seemed shady at the time, but have seen it quite often out there
by mentatblur
Tue Oct 21, 2014 12:32 pm
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Russian Ship Adrift Off BC Coast,,,,,
Replies: 6
Views: 4075

Re: Russian Ship Adrift Off BC Coast,,,,,

I also live on vacouver island. The headlines anytime anything marine related occurs always make me giggle / cringe. You'd think the locals would know a little more, being victoria and all... I constantly ask people how they plan on getting oil to the island sans tankers...all I get are blank stares...
by mentatblur
Thu Jul 31, 2014 9:01 am
Forum: Crew Mess
Topic: Volvo piston
Replies: 9
Views: 5121

Re: Volvo piston

Could not agree more JollyJack. Even in my limited experience (compared to you guys) it was easy to adopt that attitude. The photos remind of a marine engine we had shipped to us. Hole blown through the crankcase doors, piston skirt seizure, crown melted into popcorn.. good times. Also caused by a l...