Bond and slop chest

Was having a bet with myself to see who would say had I not spelt dirk wrong, and shouldn't it be spelt with a c. Cappy I had you odds on favourite. Cheers John Sabourn

welljohn I have always spelt dick with a c in it

It is interesting to read your posts John I reckon your sea experiences like Brian's are both incredibly interesting for someone like me who spent only a short time at sea, but also dare I use the word adventurous. Your oil rig time beyond frightening but the time in the east with some of the owners almost pre war. I wonder what the situation is now with the old ships I used to see in Asia? Yes I realise most of the crews are Asian but could their treatment conditions be as bad, it seems so from what I read in various areas? How these sort of owners get away with this akin the Capt. in PNG with the ferries is intriguing as the law just never seems to step in until a tragedy occurs thus maybe the Aussie unions do in that way a good service? Of course for me I am for ever grateful that in the main the ships I served on were well managed, crewed, feed etc so my sea time was although exciting from my maybe naive point of view nothing like yours or Brian's so I doff my cap to you both along with all the others on this site accepting I was blessed.

I wouldn't call any of which I have written as adventurous at the time it was purgatory. Most of us remember the good times, but many if casting their minds back will remember the bad if they want to. There was always a down side to shipping which was mainly food and conditions, over the years these got better, however for those who are not aware there are still seafarers being used and abused be it foreign to us. Many on here have decried the unions myself at times also, there are times however they are the only source of help. However I do not see the Union Movement in charge of a country, but as a working mans representative. They are not the cause of all our ills as some would put as the downfall of the British Merchant Navy. These are my own personal views only. Cheers John Sabourn