Late on Watch

[Capt Bill Davies]

Hi Bill, were these late comers the super Japanese ones or were they British>

They were British Brian.

The super duper Japanese were always on the bridge 10 minutes before the changeover.

Cheers

Bill

[j.sabourn]

As 2nd. mate was quite often on one ship where the mate always appeared about 0430 in the morning, I got quite used to the fact, and as was a very hard working bloke didnt mind too much. However when I was mate on a ship,recently talking about, the 2nd Mate was in his late 50"s and the 3rd. Mate was in his 60"s and both full of Bull. I was 27 so they thought I was a pushover. Twice it was 0402 when I relieved him on the Bridge, he used to say I should be there at least 15 minutes to take over the watch, I told him no way. He was ex navy or said he was, he was one of these Hostilitys only seamen who during the war got temporary commissions, I believe he was a Lt/Commander. I did some checking as he was always boasting how he navigated the fleet to Sydney Australia, what fleet I wouldnt know, however found out he had been in the Catering Division in Sydney NSW for most of the war. The 3rd. Mate no cert. used to dress like an admiral, used to spoil the effect though used to wear an old cloth cap. Two what I would call posers. Anyhow this second mate complained to the master I was giving him late reliefs, as twice I was 2 minutes late for the watch. I can assure you he got no sympathy from me after that, he didnt stay too long. Regards John Sabourn

[Captain Kong]

Hi Bill, thanks for that.
In ESSO on the VLCCs, we always relieved at a quarter to and left the Bridge after hand over at quarter past. This was so a man could get his `night eyes` and be familiar with the surrounding traffic and any course alterations during the next watch. Also have a little chat whilst doing so with a cup of tea or coffee.
So no problem on lateness. We also got paid overtime for any work after watch keeping.

Cheers
Brian.

[j.sabourn]

Different ships different ways. Bridge watchkeepers were only called at 1 bell. To be on Bridge 15 minutes in advance would have been physically impossible. As regards night vision the watch was handed over when both were in agreement. Only saw people counting minutes when handing over on ships where they didnt want to spend any extra time conversing with their fellow shipmates. Maybe I spent more time on user friendly vessels. I suppose you had to sign the Night Order Book also, this used to have the time of logging on and off as well. With all the instructions on how to keep a watch. Cheers John Sabourn.

[j.sabourn]

Further to the discussion re calling. The Farmer was also called at 1 bell, the other 2 watchkeepers at 0330 hrs. I used to send the wheelman down at 1 bell to call the mate, unless of course we were in the shipping lanes. He also used to call the farmer to make sure he was awake. The helmsman were always on time, as 2 hours on the wheel was long enough. The next wheelman also used to bring up the log reading to be logged in deck log. Remember the old pea whistle? one blast for the Stand by man 2 for the log reading. Maybe again different ships different ideas. Cheers John Sabourn.

[Capt Bill Davies]

Further to the discussion re calling. The Farmer was also called at 1 bell, the other 2 watchkeepers at 0330 hrs. I used to send the wheelman down at 1 bell to call the mate, unless of course we were in the shipping lanes. He also used to call the farmer to make sure he was awake. The helmsman were always on time, as 2 hours on the wheel was long enough. The next wheelman also used to bring up the log reading to be logged in deck log. Remember the old pea whistle? one blast for the Stand by man 2 for the log reading. Maybe again different ships different ideas. Cheers John Sabourn.

wrt to the Farmer John, I recall as an AB in the China we used to leave him in until we, the outgoing watch were going below. This could easily be half an hour into his watch.

Brgds

Bill

[j.sabourn]

Not very efficient as regards watchkeeping Bill that means you had no standbyman. Who called him for his 2 hours lookout? Ah see what you mean, he was called before you turned in, that was more than likely what happened elsewhere, Have seen it backfire though as sometimes the lookout never got knocked off in time if the mate was busy with stars, and the old farmer still snoring, tough luck on the lookout though. Never saw no big deal in this, only those who wanted to make an issue with it. Cheers John Sabourn.

[Capt Bill Davies]

For example, the outgoing 12 - 4 are usually shooting the breeze until about 0420ish and on there way to turn in one would give the Farmer a shake. One would cover until he appeared in the mess room around 0430. I would say fairly standard John.

Brgds

Bill

[E.Martin]

The most annoying thing I can remember is someone come to relieve you at the wheel a few minutes early,would stand there untill the bells rang before taking the wheel.

[j.sabourn]

Yes I know Bill was the way things used to be done. Pleased others can remember. Ships seemed to get around better in those days. Cant think of anything approaching such for the past 30 years now. Totally different attitude, skills and compatabillity with the work load which we had. Watchkeeping was an essential part of the job, but it was only a very small part. Cargo work, Cargo gear, different cargoes, preparation for such, working out laytime demurrage and all the harbour work involved. Chart Correcting would be a full time job nowadays, all the manuals to correct, stripping the Gyro down every port. The crowd were on continuously on maintainance of ship and gear. Jobs that no longer exist on a ship now, but had to be done then. I think the younger seafarers of today it would be hard to find who would be comfortable with the old methods we worked under. Cheers John Sabourn