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14th January 2017, 11:00 AM
#21
Re: The Cruise
58-65 we always had 3 on a watch. Went from 1st wheel 2nd wheel and farmer. Was after the seamans strike in 66 that they changed the rules and was one of the first ships under the British Flag that got written confirmation, that could cut this back to two if had a bell in the messroom to summon someone. I went Foreign Flag shortly after. Weekend overtime was just watch keepers. This was on British steel charters. This is what Dalglieshes did anyway. When I came back in 71 things had all changed again and by 78 the writing was on the wall, so I skidaddled and went with Wimpeys Offshore, then bettered myself and went with Seaforth Maritime for 8 years, then got made redundant so went back foreign ships for about a year, no trouble with overtime there they didn't pay it. Came back on to even worse salarys on stand by boats. Some of them owners were really from the family Scrooge. Most ex deep sea people would never have touched them. The rest is history as I lounge back in by Spa Bath staring at a deep blue sky. Aint life wonderful. Thank Harold Wilson and the Shipowner for the decline of the MN. Many after the strike never bothered again. JS
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17th January 2017, 05:52 AM
#22
Re: The Cruise
There are times on any cruise when things go wrong for some and this last cruise we were on was no exception.
We had left Freeo on December 21st and were cruising along quietly when on the night of 23rd all hell broke loose in the casino.
Two men, both as full as a boot no doubt got into a fight, tables and chairs flying all over the casino according to some who were there. Master at arms, now security, was called for and the two men taken away. Locked in their cabins they were both put off the ship on Boxing day at the first port of call, Unjung Pendang in Indonesia. Not the best spot from which to attempt to make your way back to Oz.
Then the night of 27th two other men began a fight in one of the elevators, some fight as two of the big mirrors were broken. They were put ashore on the 28th at Semarang.
On the 29th two ladies were in the passenger laundry to do some washing, one washed a dress which she hung up to dry. On her return later in the day the dress was missing.
Later that night in one of the lounges who should walk in wearing the dress but the other lady who was in the laundry.
The owner of the dress challenged the other lady and when she said she had not taken it the other one threw her drink in her face. The fight so we heard was as good as any title fight and the two were put ashore in Probolingo on the 30th. This is by far the very worst place any one could be left as it is a day by bus to the nearest airport.
All six will be banned from ever sailing with princess again and all other cruise companies sailing from Oz will be notified of them.
Happy daze John in Oz.
Life is too short to blend in.
John Strange R737787
World Traveller
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17th January 2017, 01:27 PM
#23
Re: The Cruise
Likes (Received):17652
Default Re: The Cruise
In Cunard and Canadian Pacific Empresses in the 50s, the bridge watch consisted of. two Mates, two Quartermasters and a Bridge Boy.
Lookout up the mast in the crows nest.
Cheers
Brian
Here is one Invitation on QM2 from the Commodore.... There was only me and Anne invited to the Bridge....
Last edited by Captain Kong; 17th January 2017 at 01:28 PM.
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17th January 2017, 02:40 PM
#24
Re: The Cruise
Just looking at your post Brian 2 mates on watch,funny enough I was trying to work this out the other night,I was officers steward a few time on the Emp.Of Britain and the mates as I reacall were.Chief Officer who didn't do a watch.1st,2nd,3rd,4th and 5th that comes up one short for 2 to a watch.I maybe wrong maybe the Chf/Officer did do a watch but I thought that he was more admin and running the show.
Regards.
Jim.B.
CLARITATE DEXTRA
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17th January 2017, 03:00 PM
#25
Re: The Cruise
Hi Jim#
there was two Mates to a watch on the Emp of Scotland and the France when I was on them and also on all the Cunard ships I sailed on. There would be a Senior one and a Junior one. on each watch. They had Senior First and Junior Firsts and senior Seconds and Junior Second Mates and so on.
Brian. The new Queens today also have two Mates to a watch also Holland America. It is also good training for the Junior Mates
Cheers
Brian
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17th January 2017, 04:45 PM
#26
Re: The Cruise
Hope they all got D.R.'s That is the trouble makers on the cruise
not the watch on the bridge.
Last edited by john middleton; 17th January 2017 at 04:47 PM.
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17th January 2017, 05:56 PM
#27
Re: The Cruise
It is quite common to dump Unruly passengers ashore in the next port, no matter how primitive it is. Two women got fighting on QE2 world cruise, they and their husbands were put ashore in Tonga, mid Pacific. Find your own way home at your own expense, No refunds.
Last year on the Amsterdam, two passengers didn't turn up for boat drill before sailing on World Cruise, They were put ashore in Miami, and so lost the cruise.
Everyone is told and also of what would happen if you disobey.
Cheers
Brian
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18th January 2017, 12:07 AM
#28
Re: The Cruise
Re .Post 19.
Just a little correction,the Queens in those days ,carried two Bridge Boys.
One Messenger, the other the Working Boy. For example, 12-4 ,each afternoon,Scrubbed the Wheel house Deck .The Boys ,reversed positions Homeward bound.
The Officers,also included,a Day, and a Night Officer. Various Duties, Such as entering reports in the Log Book,regarding day to day happenings.Which we were allowed to read ,in one of the Two Chart Rooms.
Such as Quote"
The Stewardess on Section X? Whilst entering ,Cabin X. with the Morning Teas. The Ship rolling Heavily,She inadvertently Spilled the Contents."No Major injury was sustained.
There was one ,very ,unpopular Mate among his Peers, and generally with anyone else, that came within his ken. Name Bell !"Ding Dong."
After a Lunch -time relief ,The 12-4 Mate returned . A little time,later. True: He said.
"What are you steering Quarter? "274 ,sir, Whatever!
Angrily,"Who told you to to steer that! " Mr Bell . Quote : "That F-in Idiot. Bring Her back to 269." ?
Latter trips ,Bell, was Night officer . Out of their Way.
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18th January 2017, 03:13 AM
#29
Re: The Cruise
Originally Posted by
john middleton
Back to the T.V. programme ,the episode of lost luggage has
been used so many times, on a day at Luton airport and similar
reality shows, and didn't the poor K.P. remind you of Peggy in
Hi de Hi and her dreams of a yellow coat. Where have all the
British seafarers gone?
Hi John.
Sounds like an old song. Where have all the seamen gone, gone ashore all bruises, bloody watching under manned ships going off on cruises.
Cheers Des
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18th January 2017, 09:14 AM
#30
Re: The Cruise
That cruise HDJohn in oz sounded something like that immigrant ship the Captain Cook.lots of fighting aboard her I believe.
Regards.
Jim.b.
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