I was in the US NAVY so I’m familiar with being at sea for extended days. I’ve crossed the Atlantic and sailed in the med Thank you for showing the life of a Merchant mariner. My father spent Time in the merchant marine but he passed away before I got out of the navy. I never got a chance to ask him anything. You have showed me so much of what his life was like at sea. Thank you so much. Reidar Clausen

insane, I can only imagine being inside that thing when it launches - has to hurt like hell! but better than jumping overboard and bobbing in the water with just a life jacket!

@magnemoe1

8 ай бұрын

You get bumped around but don't think it hurt. Know that people working on an oil platform has to do an safety course including a drop of one of these boats from higher attitude than on most ships.

@bas6983

7 ай бұрын

If it is launched correctly and filled upto capacity its a “smooth” ride and water entry. The bow is designed to pierce the water surface and the buoyancy brings her back up. (Working at sea >20y and 95% of this time with ffb.

@Oleg_Volsky_knots

4 ай бұрын

In that dinghy, I've leapt over two dozen times. Fear lies in the helmsman's perch. The world vanishes for others, the plunge is swift. The true terror? Lingering within the FFB-no air, no water, no sustenance.

Once, as third party, had to reprovision expired food items. I was amazed at how small the interior was. Many sharp corners and edges. Saw one fall, empty, during launch inspection. In a closed space, once one person succumbs to seasickness, it's contagious; everyone is infected. Thanks for explaining and demonstrating the contents of the craft.

Back in the late 90s I worked offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, we had weekly abandon ship drills (or more if a coast guard inspection was coming up). Usually we all just went to our assigned boat, put on the life vest and took a roll call. Once though, they opened up the boat and we all got in. It was a standard davit-launched boat, so there were no seats to strap into like this one, just two concentric rows, pretty much like bleachers. Since I could see they were all well maintained, regularly inspected, and there were usually other rigs and work boats around to provide quick rescue, I had always felt pretty comfortable with the idea of using one. Until I got in one! Now mind you, I was still pretty confident that they would float and keep us alive, I was horrified at the prospect of sitting inside one baking in the muggy gulf air. While I was fairly resistant to sea sickness, I wasn’t immune, and if anyone puked I had no doubt that I would be joining them instantly! I’m still impressed by their engineering and upkeep, but that hot stultifying half-hour (even with the hatches open) sure was eye opening! 😦 🙃

Fascinating look inside the lifeboat; clearly it is a last resort and there won't be any roaming around if there are 30 people on board if everything goes to hell in a handbasket. The part that made me smile a bit, perversely, is that the water and food rations are the same brand that I have in our bugout bags out here in fire/flood/volcano/tsunami land on the Left Coast. Thanks, Joe, and Thank You to Jeff for the tour. I sincerely hope and pray that neither of you will ever have to put any of these tools into actual practice....

@alexwilliams9900

5 ай бұрын

I hope your kidding those life boat food bars are the minimum calories you need to do nothing but sit around all day. If you are walking or doing any physical demanding activities. That will not do.

Your day always gets better when Joe posts a video 😊

*Not the tour we deserve, but the tour we need.*

@MarshallRedmon01

8 ай бұрын

I'm planning on going to sailing school so this is really needed

@johnnyb4380

7 ай бұрын

We don’t deserve shit in life u either earn wat u get or u appreciate wat u get

@baska-

7 ай бұрын

@@johnnyb4380 you're weird lmao

@ScottGinATL

7 ай бұрын

At least y'all are not going on "a three hour tour..."

@MarshallRedmon01

7 ай бұрын

'The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was toss'

Thank you for sharing this insightful video Joe. There are a couple KZread channels featuring these life boats as private vessels. I cannot imagine having to be in one of those for any length of time. Looking forward to seeing your next video in this series (with some trepidation). Until then, please stay safe out there. Wishing you a gentle voyage, smooth sailing and a memorable journey. Peace brother

cool, I recently did my phase 2 on the arc independence . had drills alot and I still like to see this stuff . going back to Piney Point for phase 3 on January 4th. then phase 4 ship. glad I can spend the holidays with my folks before I go back . I was supposed to go phase 3 Oct 24th but I wanted to stay home for holidays with my parents while I still have that chance . I feel so lucky to be able to do that . Then I'm ready to get back to class and then to work.

@JoeFranta

7 ай бұрын

Awesome man!

OMG, just loved all your videos. Just a regular person but I cruise a lot and would always see a cargo ship in the distance. I was curious how the crew lived and worked on those ships, if they're enjoying it or not. Then, I came across your KZread channel and just binge watched all your videos (from the first video until this one). The quality, details, different types of ship, crew, Jeff Hatterban music, and insights were very encouraging. I even tried making the different rope knots. (lol) You took us to places I've never heard of before and loved what I saw in your videos. Your honesty of what it's really like working and living on a ship, the ups and downs. That's great for someone who might want to work on a cargo ship. The discipline and focus on the trainings for the job. You have to love it. Watching your videos made me really appreciate all the work you guys do to bring needed materials or grain (food) to different countries. The world is a small place, and everyone needs one another. I think of all of you as on a mission for humanity. The best thing is kindness you show to others. I've subscribed and I look forward to seeing more great videos. Please don't change a thing. One question, would you ever consider working on another cruise ship?

The flare is good till may 2023 hopefully this is a old video 😂

That bilge bailer bucket is what we used as the pee bucket. Use, throw overboard, wash out, and bring back inside.

best lifeboat you've got is the one with your bunk in it. Mind your navigation, maintenance, and HOUSEKEEPING!

Joe hi from Alberta Canada. Enjoy getting to see the glimpses into your world. Had a rough idea how the life boats work but now its crystal clear. The pause between when the life boat is launched and when it contacts the ocean must be a real butt pucker. Beyond the regular operational testing and support supplies look see are the crew ever required to jump in and test ride ?. Great channel, thanks.

@JoeFranta

7 ай бұрын

I'll have a video about the launch of the life boat out soon. It is quite an operation even for testing so not really a joy ride situation., But crew does need to be inside for the launch to properly balance it.

Nothing like a good tanker 'stach! What's the head situation in the life boat? After all the stress of launching, someone's gonna have to go. Another great video. Thanks Joe.

Absolutely brilliant video Joe. Thnks for sharing so much of your professional life with us, Stay safe dude.

Thanks Joe & Crew! Love the vids!

Maybe a stupid question, but how about going to the toilet inside the vessel? There must be facilities for that too, right?

Thanks for another great video Joe (and Jeff). Can't wait for the next one to see the launch.

Thanks Jeff. Well done. It's good to know you guys are out there doing it. I have complete respect. You even through in a 'barely know her' joke. I love it. Thanks for sharing Joe!

I see a Joe Franta video pop up, I watch. Life is good.

Jeff and Joe are cool dudes.

Joe, another fun video. Great to see other aspects of life on board

👍🏻 Thank You! I’ve been a Firefighter/Paramedic for 30+ years now and, despite the fact my department is 2nd due rescue for a large port on the East Coast of the USofA…. I’ve never actually seen the inside of a “Life Boat” (other than antiquated B&W photos in our training books). Just wanted to express my appreciation.

Excellent! Thanks to Jeff and you!😊

Wow that was absolutely fascinating! Thank y'all for sharing. Cant wait for next video.

New anxiety unlocked

Thanks Jeff, great content 🎉

Excellent information. Well done Joe.

Great video, Joe. Keep up the excellent work!

Awesome content as always. Thanks for the virtual travel.

A really interesting tour, many thanks!

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

Wow, that’s amazing 😮!

Another brilliant video

Great video. Can't wait for the next one!

Awesome bud! Always wondered

thanks men!! always fun and educational to watch your vid and trip 🙏

Thanks Geoff, that was really interesting, though I’m not considering a change of career 😁

Great tour - only thing missing was getting to see the boat dropped into the water! How often does that need to be tested, I wonder?

Great topic! And great teaser for the next one.

Your vids are such cool insights into, what's to me, a completely foreign job and lifestyle. Awesome stuff

Great job Jeff!

very informative! Thanks what a life!

Great stuff Joe 👏 👍 👌

Hopefully you're found quick! Those little water packets won't be quenching your thirst for very long!

Some enterprising Soul has one of these on the canal network in the middle of the city in Glasgow. They are living in it and have an open fire and chimney stack installed.

That was an excellent tour. I’m looking forward to the launch video.

I had the experience of having to be launched in an 18 man survival Brucker Survival unit from an Offshore platform, I was in 1967 so I am sure many improvments have been made..

WOW! So interesting! Thanks!!

Awesome video can’t wait for the launch video !!!

Thanks Jeff!

Thanks for sharing. Not for someone claustrophobic but I guess better than the alternative.

Good to know Joe… thanks!

Another great video!

Frickin awesome

Cool, thank you!

Thanks Joe! Always awesome content and very interesting and with just enough humor. I figured one of these days we would see you dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow! LOL

Can't wait for the next episode.

Great content Joe.

Great videos. I wish I knew what a merchant mariner was 35 years ago

Another great video! Keep them coming.

@JoeFranta

7 ай бұрын

Dean thank you as always!!!

Love you Joe!!!!

Fascinating

Hi. Just discovered you and love your adventures. I particularly enjoyed the life boat videos....many thanks from an 'armchair adventurer'

Great VLOG. Very interesting.

😳Wow. Just wow. That was indeed something to see.

Awesome. Keep up the good work. I learn a lot of english out of your videos

Brother, you are some kind of story teller. The content, editing, and music. Whatever life has in store for you, please keep telling stories.

Very interesting. Thanks to Jeff. Wondering where the food that is brought aboard is stowed. Looking forward to next video.

Lookin forward to the launch ...

You've been doing great coverage of a range of marine operations, so do you have plans to become a deck officer?

well that was different and informative. sure beats an open rubber raft.

Thanks Joe, and what will I remember........"Tanker-Stache"!

Great video as always, and very interesting. Shout out to Jeff, great tour guide. Question....are there any recent or not so recent situations where these were actually used other than testing?

@JoeFranta

7 ай бұрын

Luckily in my years of sailing i haven't had to use a life boat!

@mudcop58

7 ай бұрын

Captain Phillips

Ah the old "Clockwork Orange"! Nice

I surely hope there’s a spare fuel filter in the tool box. In my experience you’ll change those more often than an oil filter.

Looks pretty claustrophobic in there eh, great to show us round though thanks

Hopefully, you never have to use one of these for real. Stay safe, brother, and thank you for all you do for all of us.

Where would I know such details from? But Joe the sea wolf told it well. Thanks bro!

Just out of curiosity, how much fuel is onboard and how long will it last?

@JoeFranta

7 ай бұрын

Per regulation a lifeboat must carry enough fuel for at least 25 hours of cruise speed (usually 6 knots) operation but this can vary.

@wirecutter59

7 ай бұрын

@@JoeFranta Right on, thank you.

Man, that’s a tight place if someone just so happened to have a stomach virus or $h*t in their pants on the free fall. I’m 6’7’’ 275, that would be intense and have to be psychologically stable or get tied up outside so you could pitch a fit. I can’t believe that engine in that thing, that’s a high tech unit. Thanks Joe, great video, I watch them all, and never comment, but this one I have always wondered, you know just curious about it. Take care, stay safe.

But, where was the tour of the head ? Great vid !

I'm not in the industry but love your videos. This didn't get explained. What's the outside water mister for? Thanks!

You would think there would be more electronics such as a vhf radio...sat phone...eperb...personal locater beacons etc...

Jeff, I would definitely put my life into your capable hands! I have maverick seen anyone talk about the pressurization pump before today. You’re awesome and you have my vote. Maybe that’s why you’re going to release and drop next time?

@tankerlife23

8 ай бұрын

Thank you sir!

@mitchellbarnow1709

8 ай бұрын

@@tankerlife23 Hi Jeff! Do you have any public social media posts to share, because I would like to learn more about your amazing maritime career.

@mitchellbarnow1709

8 ай бұрын

@@tankerlife23 You’ve got a great tankerstache as well!

@mitchellbarnow1709

8 ай бұрын

@@tankerlife23I’ve subscribed to your channel with notifications turned on, I’m ready to watch when your content comes!

It is so much larger than I thought it would be. We use to use the round kind here along the So American gulf coast. Old ones have been used on land during major hurricanes. Worked real well for some. I am surprised new modern items have not been used. I think a solar panel might could be used. Also, why not have a drone available? Crew could send it up and look around for vessels in the area of land at a distance. Then know when to send up a flare or smoke bomb. If other vessel was near fly the drone to ship and send message that way too.

@chrism5126

8 ай бұрын

This thing will never actually be used.

@bennetts-revenge_2

7 ай бұрын

​@chrism5126 hopefully not!

lit af ! is that a tanker ship ?

I just think it's pretty cool that the two guys from Scrubs live right next to each other in the t-mobile commercial.

It has been a long while since I checked my spare tire. 😀

"Tankerstache". That's one to remember!

SPLOOOSSSHHHH!

Great video! How much fuel does it hold?

@husseltoo

8 ай бұрын

It varies greatly from lifeboat to lifeboat, this is a 30 seater but there are way bigger models that are lowered on davits. Anyway, per SOLAS regulation a lifeboat must carry enough fuel for at least 25 hours of cruise speed (usually 6 knots) operation, again, this depends on the lifeboat and if it's towing a life-raft or not, what size engine it has, weather and sea conditions and so on and so forth.

i might need resuscitation after having to listen to that background guitar ditty for the whole damn video...

👍👍

Dig the stache man. 😂

add piece of sand paper to your safety kit because if you do have corrosion on a flash light you can just scrape it a bit and tada just like new again

👍

Hey Joe, When on the bridge is there a watch for any ships, rafts adrift? The reason I ask is I helped sail a 82’ haft rig catch from Kauai to Sausalito and we got hit by a rouge wave and laid us flat on the starboard side. The ship righted itself but our old satnav got busted and didn’t real know where we were. I soldered the pc board and got it working after a few days but we were the only ship out there.

@JoeFranta

21 күн бұрын

I have some videos from voyages where I stand watch on the bridge. There is always someone present on the bridge scanning the sea for ships etc.

Really interesting video, and hope you guys never need to use it mind 🙏