Diggity Dang Mang

Well I have come to the conclusion that the video idea simply won't work.Not because I can't or didn't make a video,I did,but because it won't upload.Whatever the reason our lesson will take a different direction.Now moving on to plan B,I just made up plan B,we will go into the hierarchy of the ship/tugboat/vessel.So here goes.Everyone knows what a captain is,but do they fully understand what they do?The Captain is of course in charge of maneuvering the vessel,that's the obvious.The Captain is also in charge of many many decisions that affect everyone on board.Just a few to consider,the captain is responsible for charting the route to the dock,he is also responsible for deciding what everyone else on board must do to make that happen.Whether it be what's for lunch or how to make up to a barge or even setting up pilots for rivers,line handlers for the dock.Most importantly he is solely responsible for the lives of the deck crew and any and all damage done to the vessel,barge dock etc.That was an easy one let's move on,shall we.


Following the Captain is of course first mate.The first mate is responsible for maneuvering the vessel when the Captain is resting.His job duties also include learning all that he can so one day he can be in command and make the calls.The first mate is the deck crew boss if you will,he ensures work is being done in proper fashion.Things liking painting,cleaning,splicing lines and so on.Most first mates tend to be younger than Captains because they are still learning and even though they possess a Captains license,they either don't have enough sea time or aren't confident that they are ready to step up and take command.




The deck crew is underpaid,hahaha,sorry had to say it.The deck crew consists of many rating,rankings and strange people.The larger the vessel the more deck crew needed due to Coast Guard regulations.I won't get into that topic to much,summed up it depends on the GRT,or gross rate tonnage,and how far offshore the vessel goes.Most offshore tugs consist of two OS or Ordinary Seaman and one AB or Able Body Seaman.The OS is responsible for cleaning,painting and general maintenance of the tug.The AB is responsible for everything the OS is plus a few extras.Things like talking the barge in when approaching a dock,helping the captain maneuver offshore,and dealing with ornery OS type situations.



The engineer,well that's self explanatory,yet still very important.Do I have to state the obvious here I mean the engineer come on people he keeps us moving and fixes everything we break.Well that's about everything on the subject.Lastly let me just state again that everyone on board has a purpose,a job and responsibilities.Without one person doing there job it makes it more difficult and sometimes impossible for the tug to continue operating safely or at all.Many ships have multiple AB and OS.They also have 3-4 Captains Mates and 2nd Mates.It all depends on the GRT.I haven't decided what the next lesson is.I would like to say that if anyone has any questions on this topic or any other topic boat related just ask.