Inspired by Charlatan's "world through my phone thread." Charlatan asked me last year to submit some photos from my ship. For those who don't know, I spend about 8-9 months per year living and working on the Great Lakes on bulk cargo ships. Some of these photos are from my camera, and some are from my phone, which explains their quality. I found it rather difficult to take pictures on board ship, partly because I find the subject matter so boring, I had to keep reminding myself that other people might find it interesting.
Leaving Cherry Street in Toronto after unloading salt. this is a good photo despite the quality because you can see the boom. I work on what is called a "self-unloading bulk carrier" which means that we don't require shore cranes to unload us. The cargo holds are have gates on the bottoms and a conveyor belt that runs the full length of the ship. the boom can swing either direction at right angles to the ship and can unload anywhere at up to 6000 tonnes per hour.
this is a view of the cargo hold gates (and for scale, one of the deck crew is hosing the holds)
Here is the boom unloading salt in Picton, Ontario. this dock is scary because the mate (that's me, the officer in charge) can't see the top of the dock which is about 100 feet higher than the deck, and the boom is so close to the cliff that wildflowers growing on the side of the cliff are brushing the bottom of the boom. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, any damage to the boom, and I'm fired instantly!
the forward draft marks. these show how deep the ship is when loaded
the corridor outside my cabin
my cabin, excuse the mess
officers get their own suites. the deck crew has to share bathrooms (and on some ships, cabins!)
double bed (handy if your SO comes to visit) - did I mention that we ship out for 3-4 months at a time?
Chief cook bbq steak for saturday night
the galley (that's the kitchen to you landlubbers)
loading grain in Milwaukee
everyday, I thanked God that I worked on a ship where they appreciate good coffee
the Pilot station (where I spend most of my time in command of the ship)
my ship in the Welland Canal
and alongside in Gary, Indiana (awaiting better weather to leave)
everyone needs a mascot
when I'm not looking out the window, I'm watching the radar
exchanging pilots in Quebec
occasionally we pick up hitchhikers
yes, I do know what all this stuff does
and while I do work some pretty long hours, I do on occasion, get to see some beautiful sunrises
