Did notice that the deck crew were using fire hoses for washing-down the cargo holds. On vessels that I had worked on we use rubber hoses, 2 different diameters: 3" ID and 1.5" ID. The 3" are powerful and can be handled by one man, and the advantage over a fire hose, is that they are flexible. A charged fire hose is very difficult to handle and is like walking around with a 30-foot tree trunk! Drying the holds, we use push-brooms to push excesd water into the bilges (and sometimes get the mate to slightly pump-down a ballast tank) to give a port or starboard list. In cold weather, when the tank-tops do not dry easily, sometimes we apply sawdust and push this along the tank-top to pick-up any last residual moisture. I once saw on a ship many years ago, where they used large 'squeeges' to push the residual wash to the bilge wells. Worked like a charm - they were constructed on board; about 1.5" wide x 1/4" thick and about 2 feet long & attached to a push-broom bracket. Strange that did not see something similar on any other ship. I'm a recently (10 months now) retired mate, having 'come-up through the hawse pipe' on Canadian ships. Was very lucky to have seen a lot of this world (high Arctic, GOM & Mississippi R., Great Lakes, Canadian & US east seaboard, northern Europe and the Orient), given that Canada has a very small deep sea fleet. I already miss most of the people I had worked with over the yesrs and especially those on my last vessel, for the last 8 years. Also, one begins to wonder if it's prudent to retire at this juncture, given inflation and general spiralling-out-of-control costs everywhere. Thanks for the video - some very beautiful shots at sea...

I've just had a blissful trip out of my own troubled world into another seaworld vista and ship vignette - how refreshing! Thanks Joe Franta for making the world human!

Spent more than a couple decades as a US truck driver (really don't want to do the actual math.) No matter where in the shipping industry you are, it's just a fact of life. Take it all with stride and do what you can to accept the delay and fight to keep good cheer. Allowing the frustration to get to you can cause you real problems and can often be dangerous. It's hard to do, but keep your head.

@Phill2tj23

Жыл бұрын

So true.

@kevinh.4045

Жыл бұрын

As a pilot who mostly flies freight in Alaska this is well said. There’s something we can all relate to in these kind of industries

@thadlm2698

Жыл бұрын

Great advice brother👍🏿!

@erika.franca8019

Жыл бұрын

happens to me so many times Im was on maritime industry (crewing) for more than 20 y, its so frustrating when the change every thing. Now I'm on trucking industry and things are the same.

@slawomirczekaj6667

Жыл бұрын

As a data analyst working around support. The same here. Just only view of black screen in the end of the day. You get the views. Enjoy it. And still inwould not change my job.

Former Filipino sailor here, early year 2000 my cadet ship lasted for 13 months onboard. That was brutal, in my 13 month i was the longest working onboard.

@gablan1468

Жыл бұрын

We have a saying here that "the iron gets to you" (translated literally) after a while, so did you feel like that after such a long time spent onboard the ship?

@virgiljrb.2402

Жыл бұрын

@@gablan1468 maybe subconsciously. But I heard some crews in the 80’s can go as far for 24 months.

@gablan1468

Жыл бұрын

@virgiljrb.2402 My teacher would tell me stories of him staying onboard for a year, and that always sounded like a hell of a long time for me, I can't imagine what it would be to do a 24 months contract...

@virgiljrb.2402

Жыл бұрын

@@gablan1468 before there was no ISPS yet, sailors and visitors come and go onboard freely. Party always in every port. So one year onboard comes fast.

@gablan1468

Жыл бұрын

@virgiljrb.2402 Nowadays we get to see nothing but the port. In this sense, it seems that it used to be much better back then when you were working.

Being Ex-military, I can feel your travel (or lack of) home pain. As you said, "It is what it is". I have been to Ascension at least 6-7 times in the last few years with the USAF, and I completely agree Ascension is a marvelous place. But given time, it can grow small and a bit claustrophobic. I especially like the abandoned NASA site for the views. The road up to Green Mountain is another story. You definitely need a driver who competent, especially if you are in a truck with a manual trans. Keep your vlogs coming, we really enjoy them!

@michaelhoran407

Жыл бұрын

Did anyone fly to Ascension in a twin engine turboprop plane from Brazil when you were there? Cheers.a

What sucks is the people that make the decision that your trip is being extended is home with their families or sitting at their desk in a brick-and-mortar office.

A lot of us know how you feel about someone telling you when and when you can't go back home. When you do eventually get back home, make it EXTRA special!

Don’t let the plan change get you down. During my time in the military they use to feed us shit sandwiches with frequent plan changes. 50 percent you just had to grin and bear it, 50 percent turned into great times with friends and adventures. You never know, Norway may be the greatest experience of your life.

Back in the day we used to sign two year articles. Never knew when you were going to get back home. I don't care to remember how many Christmases i spent at sea or in a foreign port. It was how it was and we accepted it. Hard work and hard conditions. Keep the faith, mate

Thank you Joe. All the best for 2023

@JoeFranta

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Ant, appreciate it. Hope 2023 is a wild one

@johnnyangel9163

2 ай бұрын

May I ask how much money you make?

There’s always some suit that will say, “Absolutely our holds are spotless and dry, it’s our company policy”.

I'm astonished at the primitive way you have to clean out the holds! What a daunting task!

@sanfranciscobay

Жыл бұрын

Hauling 1 Bucket up by rope with all the machines on board?

Joe, seafairing is unpredictable as you well know..I am a ex commercial fisherman, but just keep putting out the content! It makes me sleep better thanks!/ CC

Unexpected changes in sailing plans was how it worked back when I was in the USN, par for the course.

That sucks. I know how it feels to be counting days on deployments to go home, but than get extended. At least you are healthy, safe as can be and not being shot at.

@michlo3393

Жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, the ol' 12 months downrange and just when you're all excited to leave, another 6 months falls in your lap. I don't miss that at all. Ugh. After that the excitement revolved around a buddy getting a care package and a pack of REAL Newports! oh man was that a head rush, 120 degree heat, full battle rattle and a loooooong drag on that thing knocked me on my ass. It's the little things that get us through the shit I suppose lol

As a guy stuck to a place because of family and job, the fact you must change your itinerary as you say is hard to comprehend as a problem. Roll with it brother. You're the reason guys like me watch your videos

There will be better times ahead Joe! Great video as always. Looking forward to the next one.

I'm a dock worker on the west coast and even though I had a vague idea of what went on during transit. It definitely still was really interesting to see what the crew has to do while underway. Keep up the cool videos very interesting.

Thank you so much for doing these, my Uncle was in the Merchant Navy (UK) from 1960 to 1990 and at 79 years old tells us about his adventures. Over Christmas we've watched these and they bought back so many memories for him. He has a few health issues and it's great to see him smile again. Thank you.

These videos are interesting. Breaking the story in bits and pieces is good.

In that kind of situation you just have to live for the moment , to be contented with where you are not where you are going. you are living it Joe, enjoy it.

Really great video, Joe. Have enjoyed each of the journeys you have posted, was always fascinated with the lives of sailors as a little kid growing up in the great lakes area. Hope you continue to make the amazing content you do so well.

As we had put hesion over the strom boxes and the lid that covers the bottom of the hatch leading into the bilge into the ballast tanks, and had used our bilge pumps for pumping out the water in the hatches, and we had washed the hatches out wether in port or at sea 😊

Yep I spent 10years in the navy years ago and you just went with the flow you had a lot of highs and some lows just the nature of the job they were still some of the best years of my life. Great videos mate all the best for the future 🌅👍

Your the "Mike Rowe" of the shipping world!

Hang in there Joe! I'm sorry to hear of your delays. Back here in the states, we're having loads of fun with a mini-blizzard, threats of electrical blackouts, etc.

Those are the breaks. Hope you enjoy your break home when it comes. Enjoy the videos very much. Value the honesty. 👍

Man your style is pretty unique, really enjoy your videos. Wish they were longer.

Thanks! I guess all jobs have ups and downs. I like how you turned it around and wanted to see the next place.😀

@JoeFranta

Жыл бұрын

Just like in life. Ups and Downs. Cheers Dean!

@JoeFranta

Жыл бұрын

Just like in life. Ups and Downs. Cheers Dean!

The usual reward for a tough job done well is a tougher job.

Another great vlog Joe, I used to go to the pool in Glasgow where you got a choice of three ships, I took a tanker this time,I was told we were coming back to the UK in three months( I was flown to Curaçao) When I joined her I was told she wasn't going to europe till November( this was January). It fair took the wind from my sails lol. As you say it's the nature of the game and I enjoyed every minute of it,highs and lows.

I can hear you're bummed out, but I'm looking forward to seeing Norway, depending on the weather there . . .

Kind of like when I was driving long haul. You think you’re going home, and they wind up sending you the opposite way. Quite the process to clean out those bins. You must have a large desalination plant to be able to do a clean water rinse.

Rob said flying the old 747 classics for Kalitta (out of Detroit Willow Run) was the same way, pick up an AddHok charter to somewhere in the world and while you’re going there the office would try and find a back haul from SOMEWHERE even if it was a different continent, you NEVER knew What was Next.

Dude I sail for MSC I’m always overdue at least 4 months I feel your pain hang in there

I’m surprised they didn’t make you repaint the holds!

To be honest I was a bit surprised that an empty leg of that distance would be considered in the first place? It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to run those ships, empty or full. So full is best, surely? I bet there's more than a few tuckers here who would only want to drive with a load on? Your videos are really great quality and you know how to tell a story well👍 The Christmas one was so good, I even managed to get my girlfriend to sit down and watch it all the way through! happy new year to you and all reading this🍻🍻🍻🍻

@erika.franca8019

Жыл бұрын

Ships are running in different way, also Im on trucking industry and in maritime for more than 20 y. Ships do a affreightment contract , fix voyages or time charter (there's a lot of types of contracts) if happens things like that all costs are paid by cargo owner or who contract the ships, that's why they don't turn back to Canada "empty" (in ballast), the contractor (im supposed), find another extra contract to go delivery in NOR, probably they ill pay the transit (in ballast) between Ascension Islands to Senegal.

I feel your pain Joe. I was supposed to go home from Hawaii and ended up not getting a relief and had to fly home from Japan.

Ship schedules won't let you make definite plans. One of the guys was having his wife meet him in Hawaii. We got in early, and left the day she was flying in

You are a gifted storyteller, thanks for taking us along with you Joe! Merry Christmas.

@JoeFranta

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words Ant. Glad you your enjoying the content. Merry Christmas and happy new years brother

Knowing the Norway video before this one... i am not sure you shall regret this additional trip 😉

The Military is the same way, Joe. It's why I did my 4 and moved on. Unbelievable memories......but I had had enough.

Yeah, been there, done that. Cleaning the hold after we had a cargo of coal, next cargo was fertiliser, so it had to be scrupulously clean.

Hi Joe. Sometimes it’s not working out like you envisioned it. I’ve worked many shifts both Christmas and New Year. It’s only a state of mind. You are making money, not spending! Chin up.

Navy vet here. Love your vids. Brings back some memories, good and bad. Look forward to the next one.

These vlogs are something else, seeing beautiful places is one of my favorite things on youtube recently, but mostly special flights. These bulk carrier vlogs give a really cool perspectives that you normally wouldn't get on most other ships, It sucks that the crew were punished for being efficient, I hope such hardworking men reap the fruits of their labour. Anyways, Happy holidays!

@erika.franca8019

Жыл бұрын

Its a very unfair industry, we spend a life on board, working 24/7 in meant time owners get more rich and they don't care about the ship it self

I appreciate your being real about the experience, both the ups and downs...

I recently retired. My last trip home was not in the original port either. For me it meant an 18 hour drive in a rental lol but I definitely feel ya. I have been to Norwsy. Gorgeous country. Expensive. Love your videos. They help me show my family what I dealt with on the job. Be safe Joe and happy new year

@zoom5024

8 ай бұрын

How does that actually work? Can they just "leave you" on the other side of the world and it's up to you to get home, or have the company set everything up with hotels, taxi, airplane tickets, etc.

Thanks, Joe franta love ur videos, take care my friend, kieran from Laghey donegal town, lreland

I feel you man and that's the reality of being a seafarer.

I can feel your frustration . Thanks for sharing.

Keep the faith Joe. Lots of blue-collar guys, just like you, watching this and getting screwed by "the man". Doesn't make it easier, but you're not alone.

U rock Joe. Good fun to watch your adventures,the good ,bad and the ugly. Keep up the good work mate!

You would think they would have installed a Butterworth system on there by now, include an eductor or something for dewatering with solids.

One of the best channels on youtube, Joe. Thanks!

Thank You, for your "essential service". You will have the opportunity to reflect on these times as your best of times. In the meantime, it is just work. What I know now, in old age, is that you are chiseling the sculpture of your character.

I *finally* realised where I’d heard your voice “before”. Your voice is just like Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) - and that’s a compliment in case you wondered. A very pleasant and masculine voice.

Have been in that same position, as there is nothing worse than a change of orders, and i exactly know on where that you are coming from Joe 🕊️👍😎👍

What a bummer, hope the food was good.

I'm hooked. Very different from other YT channels

Stay safe out there Joe!

Ships an ship owners have ilttle interest in what seafarers plans are,I`d been 8 months on a reefer working on the West Coast/Japan run then West Coast/Banana runs and wanted to go home.Eventually I flew home from LA because there seemed little chance of ever going back to the UK

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

Sad to see/hear you so down man - that sucks. And the extra work as well. Those are truly the bad days and they are real when they hit. I’m offshore on a drilling rig at the moment, just caught another week meaning I’ll be doing a month - no good. But when I’m home and with my son, it all becomes worthwhile. And it will for you too mate, the next time the bad times come. Stay strong, stay safe, and thanks for moving our world for us. I’ll keep on getting that Oil out for ya

Another little gem from mr Franta!

Sorry you're not going home. My nephew is in the Navy Training to b a yellow jacket on an aircraft carrier.He loves it.We do miss him.

I enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing so much

thanks for sharing have happy new year 2023 lilo from israel

Merry Christmas and happy New Joe 👍🏻

That's one of the cleanest bulk carriers I've ever seen

Love your adventures!

During my employed life a good job well done was taken for granted followed by a bigger challenge but never rewarded. Eventually I jumped the rat race and now work for the best boss in the world... Me! And to keep it perfect, my operations remain small so I don't need hire and become... Them. Just take out of the job what you need now. Money, experience, calm the mind, whatever but take this advice from an older guy: Never think that things will change if you keep doing the same thing.

Just got my twic! Applying to SIU! Thank you for all your videos!

I feel your pain getting extended. You’ll laugh as I tell you, I flew for the airlines for 30 yrs and typically we flew a 4 day trip with 3 overnights. If we got extended a day or two we would be frikin pissed. Yeah. We didn’t know how good we had it. Enjoy your vids. Awesome

Love this channel 👏👏

Would people pay to sit in a theatre and watch your work? Hell yeah !!!!! Like to see Guillermo del Toro assist with a finished product. Safe travels my brother, time awaits you !

Here's hoping you get to go home soon!!

Another interesting post Joe, thanks for the upload. Merry Christmas and Happy new Year as well. I've had my fair share of disappointment and changes of plans as far as work is concerned , so I understand how you feel. Once you put yourself in a mindset that your heading home and you THINK you can see light at the end of the tunnel, you soon realize that it's a train heading right for you. Fuck. Oh well, you've got no choice but to get on with it. Looking forward to your next post, be well.

Hot, then cold. Take some vitamin c for sure

Love the videos. Sorry you got stuck on another run. Such is life sometimes, extra money isn't bad tho

Love your content sir. Cheers from N. California

Good morning Joe, I fell very identified with you through your videos, I have seen many videos about the sea, but yours are the most authentic, Im captain Zori, thank you for doing them, will be in contact.

a hero for 1 day

Dude, weather has been trash over here. It’s a blessing

I figured you guys had hammock hooks in your rooms to help sleep when the ship is rolling. You should do more interviews with shipmates and dockhands when you get a chance.

Luv ya Mate..Happy New year 👍👍🇳🇿🇦🇺

Aw Joe, that's too bad. 😒

Great video man. I understand the feeling you do a great job to kick ass get done early and it's like oh let's go do this instead. I'm almost stopped working hard just because when I do it seems like I always get more s*** thrown on me it just makes everything more difficult unfortunately

Hi Joe,another great vid,so sorry for your situation but hey it,s another tick on the travel map,take care and stay safe buddy,see you next time

Piney point class 892 phase 1

@matthewquinones5509

Жыл бұрын

Same here bro

@juan-hs2fq

Жыл бұрын

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.

@randallcox2852

Жыл бұрын

That’s 5

@djhines8652

Жыл бұрын

@@juan-hs2fq @mr guy

Yeap, as we used to say in the military, no good deed goes unpunished. Dakar sounds cool if you can get off the boat.

Dude need to get you to 100k!

My best friend and I learned this lesson from our similar jobs. You should never be the best every single time. Otherwise, they'll always pick you and let the others slack, because your Mr. Reliable; and if something goes wrong, it's on you! Be the 2nd or 3rd best and you'll still have great job security. At least @5:37 you were performing the most unique arm workout worldwide at the time. Peace.

Horrible feeling, been there done that! So many sailors have to do extra time and trips!

Merry Christmas, Joe. If you’re ever stuck here in Missouri I would like to take you out to dinner but I don’t think you’re ever going to be stuck here in the Ozarks… Considered an open invite. Couple years ago I was living in Alaska and you might’ve actually been stuck there and I just wanted to say I really enjoy your channel and the honesty and it’s just good you tubing. I appreciate it.

But Norway is a kool place, and i am looking forward seeing you there!

well joe ,thoroughly enjoy your vlogs,keep up the good work at sea and making your vlogs .ime an ex merchant seaman many years ago but still spend 3 months at a time on cma cgm container ships from southampton england to china ,south korea and a dozen or so ports in between in other countries .my last booking was cancelled due to covid ,i was gutted as i was going west istead of east .dom repub,2 ports in columbia,panama,panama canal,ecuador,chile and peru.then back to north europe ports ,lehavre,rotterdam,hamburg back to england .

My personal record was a mere 75 days, but I worked on a barge once where a guy was told to wake a Filipino deck-hand gently with the news that he was going home that day as he'd been on for a year, so as he wouldn't burst into tears...

That’s what I’m talking about!

Reminds me a bit of butterworthing the tanks on a tanker I was on. Not fun work.