Big changes little changes , but ones that stick in the mind.

[j.sabourn]

Thinking back of the times we spent at sea and the changes that occurred some noticeable some not so, one that sticks in my mind and can’t even remember when it happened. Was the International code of signals , and must have found out when up for a certificate. The A flag was when I first went to sea a signal indicating “ I am undergoing a speed trial” , at sometime in the long distant past I was informed this was incorrect and now indicates “ I have divers down”. Anyone remember other changes which slipped in without fanfare.? Another was the measurement of wires which used to have 12 24 or 37 wires to a strand, dont think that’s there anymore , and if I remember correctly were measured by circ. Like rope but now think by diameter. JWS.

[j.sabourn]

And the ones that didn’t seem to catch on .. the combination rope and wire for mooring lines and springs. As against the good ones that did the likes of teepol as against soda which used to sting like hell if had cuts In The hands. Put a whole new light on soogying . JS

[Tony Taylor]

And the ones that didn’t seem to catch on .. the combination rope and wire for mooring lines and springs. As against the good ones that did the likes of teepol as against soda which used to sting like hell if had cuts In The hands. Put a whole new light on soogying . JS

Teepol story (true)
2nd engineer enters workshop after heavy exertions on bottom plates, on his way through to the control room he snatches half full bottle of cordial (orangey colour) sitting on sink unit and manages two or three good swallows as he enters control room, only to find it was neat Teepol. Resulting in much retching, coughing, spitting and large bubbles from nose and mouth, secondary result, huge hilarity from all the other guys in control room at the time, no one could help him due to being in paroxysms of laughter. Final result, about three days of sickness, runs and much p-ss taking. Provided amusement for ages afterwards. I dont know if that was why they changed toe colour to green eventually though.

[j.sabourn]

Bet someone mentioned about the old remedy for getting the mouth washed out for using bad language. JS

[vic mcclymont]

Changing over from imperial to metric measurements for electric cable sizing.
Also changing colour coding of cores of electric cables.
Vic

[j.sabourn]

Engine room ear muffs coming into vogue, then much later having the insets for them supplied for changing at frequent intervals. Suddenly everyone getting safety conscious, a bit late for most engne room staff who are now stone deaf. JS

[j.sabourn]

Carbon technochloride which had been used for years suddenly disappearing from the sphere of use as was discovered it could be harmful to your health. JS
Lifebuoys suddenly appearing as no longer canvas covered kapok painted red and white , but one complete moulding painted high luminosity orange,
JS

[j.sabourn]

Barometric pressures after years being in inches, changed to millibars and the final push over the line to Hectopascals. Have no idea why and what difference if any it makes, maybe change for the sake of change or to appease someone’s vanity. JS.

[happy daze john in oz]

I think John Hectopascals sounds a lot more scientific than millibars, something from the local milk bar maybe?

Some thing else I notice you never see now is the Blue Peter flag on any ships.

As to drinking Teepol, many long years ago I managed a catering outlet at Smiths the car parts makers.
When the temperature reached 23 degree we had to give all the workers a drink of cordial.
We made this up in batches for the various departments in plastic bottles of all kinds.
The departments would send persons down to collect them.
This day one bright spark picked up what he thought was a bottle of cordial and took a swig.
The Ambos told him he was very lucky he had not swallowed any as commercial strength Bleach can be deadly if ingested.

[j.sabourn]

Re. Blue Peter unless your referring to the kids tv show, the last time I looked at ithe international code of signals well over 20 years go, was still then when flown in port meant “ all persons are to return on board as vessel is about to go to sea” P could also be flashed at night at a ship to indicate his lights were out or burning badly.. Today may be different ? Maybe they pull the flag up at night and shine the aldis. On the flag. ? Cheers JS
PS just think if you put a lump of caustic soda in your whiskey thinking it was ice. Maybe why James Bond always wanted his martini always shaken and not stirred.? JS