From tow to push with a tugboat

Big Steve shot me transitioning from towing to pushing a barge on the tractor tug Cross Point in Bristol Bay, Alaska at the request of my 6 yr old son. The weather (i.e. wind) couldn't have been better, the task is much more challenging when the wind is blowing.

[@snoyo6583]

That’s my dad

[@AlexKall]

Impressive manoeuvring and so smooth!

[@captjimmie]

Thank you for the kind words sir

[@havelovewilltravel777]

This is fascinating thanks so much for posting this

[@andrewrockhold1924]

Operating that boat looks complicated. Made it look easy,cool video

[@cymbalom]

This is awesome.

[@DionysiosA76]

James, you can't be much older than me (24), awesome job!

[@captjimmie]

Thank you sir! Was your age when I started driving boats...decade and a half ago (when this video was shot)

[@stevetadlock5223]

True confidence!

[@JonSteitzer]

I spent some years working for Dunlap doing the shuttle run, we'd always see you guys in Bristol Bay.

[@captjimmie]

We must have met at some point Jon

[@jamesdillard3583]

I love tugboat and I would love to get my little tugboat going again but I ran out money to finish it.

[@salehPutra]

Good manuever capt

[@muradshhadeh9020]

good job Captin... i'd love ro become a tug master... but i don't know from where to start.

[@jazrobean1]

must serve in capacities - - starting from deckhand - - for at least 4 YEARS OF DAYS of sea time - - stair-step in proper positions, training, licensing exams, etc. - - - lots of DP now - -

[@igorasaulyuk9695]

Hello Capt. James, It is Igor writing this time. I work for McKeil Marine as Chief/Off., here over Great Lakes & Rivers in Canada. I am so exiting of your video posted via Ytube regarding switching from tow to notching up barge. Could you please, respond back to me with details of your TOW GEARS you guys usung. Seems for me, you guys, do not use Spring line( Shackle line, penant whatever name it) and you use to connect Towing wire straight to bridle (which is again SOFT LINES! NOT STEEL WIRES) thru MasterLink...... This routing is awesome, instead of using of different kind of steel bridles+ shaklines..... Once again, Capt. could you please, return to me witm more details of your TOW GEAR. Capasity of Tow wire, whinch, bridles, etc....... It would be greatly appreciated all your co-operation. I wish calm saes! Brgds, IgorA⚓⚓

[@captjimmie]

Igor, please for give the late reply. I don't have notifications turned on and missed it. The tow gear used in this case is very simple, primarily because we make and break tow so often and it needs to be done quickly. I'm struggling to remember the size of the poly pro 8 braid lines, I'm thinking 10" circumference, about 80' in length. It might be this: www.seamar.com/item/RPE3BSP-8S/ROPE-BLUE-STEEL-3-X-600-8-S/ These two bridles are shacked directly into the tow line, which is 1 7/8". This arrangement has little surge protection and we only use it for coastal trips with limited swell exposure. Otherwise we grab the surge gear hanging on the barge. Care has to be taken to ensure that chaffing gear is used where necessary.

[@igorasaulyuk9695]

Hi James, Many thanks for your responding. I do not want to buzzer you a lot, but if you wouldn't mind, I ask you a few more things. Could you please, let us know about some details of: - Tug boat particulars; - Barge displacement; - Voyage descriptions of that time. Once again, I very appreciate your sharing experience. I wish calm Seas! Brgds, IgorA⚓⚓

[@captjimmie]

@@igorasaulyuk9695 Igor, I texted you a couple days ago. Ping me back and we can have a chat.

[@liminasd5528]

Are its using ASD capt?

[@parekoyvlog645]

Good job..

[@ismail4927]

Its better to hip up if u on a single screw...I see u hv an assist tug..I learned the hard way during the 80's

[@rivalpairunan8876]

I really hope that I can work on that tugboat. Who can provide information for working on that ship

[@SheepDog7071]

You look damn young to be tow cpt... how long did it take you from start to finish, to get that position? I am 48 and looking at a career change but, I want to move up to tow cpt asap..

[@SheepDog7071]

Been playing with my dick since before I can remember,,,

[@captjimmie]

+SheepDog7071 Things are tougher now, I'm afraid. Much more regulation and requirements to become licensed. I was lucky and got some good breaks from solid mentors. Finding employment is a bit tougher now that offshore exploration in the Gulf of Mexico is slow due to low oil prices. If/when the price of oil rebounds, a good way to get experience and training. Here is the relevant USCG page with info: www.uscg.mil/nmc/. I'm assuming that you live in the US, can't really speak to any other jurisdiction. An honest start to finish time to get into the wheelhouse would be seven years. That being said, you can earn a good living along the way in other positions. Guys that can't do a good job as a deckhand or mate wont make good captains. You get paid to gain experience and become more valuable. I can't speak to your particular location, may have to be willing to travel for work or relocate altogether. Hope that helps.

[@SheepDog7071]

Thanks a ton sir. I am in the process of standing by for a deckhand position now, hoping to get the call soon. My son is in, or will be soon and I hope to do the same.

[@AckBoater]

You would think the manufacturer of that plotter would provide a better looking hood for it.

[@captjimmie]

Martin Mack yeah, plastic hood broke. Had to improvise. Not a fan of cardboard?

[@AckBoater]

Kidding. HAHAHA

[@jazrobean1]

ya do what WORKS in a pinch @@AckBoater

[@kennethmarlow2731]

I've done that many times

[@retkes4629]

Thats so smooth. Can I joint to You?

[@thatarkansan]

I want a job as a deckhand any advice to a 20 y/o with no maritime exp trying to land a job?

[@captjimmie]

Hey Alex. If you live near the water or a port it makes things easier, otherwise you will need to be willing to relocate most likely. Get a TWIC card, doesn't take anything special just some money and a back ground check. www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic You need one to work on boats or at vessel facilities. It shows you are serious and know what you are doing. Next find out what is happening in your area. If you can find someone who already works in the industry there, try to talk to learn about the area and who might be hiring. There are frequently companies looking for young people willing to work hard and learn. If you are willing to relocate, that opens opportunities up a little bit. Do you know anyone who works in the business near you, or perhaps some other connection?

[@hermestrismegistus8154]

Go walk the docks

[@galactus21]

are its using a VSP sir?

[@captjimmie]

They're little Z-drives, Schottels, 1 meter diameter. Shallow draft vessel for extremely shallow waters.

[@galactus21]

single or double?

[@captjimmie]

Double with a conventional Kortz knozzle center main in between for some extra grunt when the weather kicks up

[@galactus21]

So, which moving is a kortz nozzle? the propeller are motionless?

[@captjimmie]

Three propellors across. Outboards are Z-drives. Center is conventional in kortz nozzel with shutter rudders. Center was retrofit, hence the strange configuration. Works better than anticipated.

[@pratwurschtgulasch6662]

the camera work seems choppy, must be a low frame-rate and you didn't explain those 2 joysticks wheel things

[@rivalpairunan8876]

can you help me work on the tugboat I have an Indonesian seafarer's certificate

[@steveparker3936]

PAINT DRYING...

[@donharrus9994]

Steve Parker just like watchn paint dry

[@brad1179]

I'm assuming that's a river tug? Bristol bay area maybe? Very unique having 2 z drives and a regular prop. So does that center engine have a rudder or nozzle? Or is it just for propulsion?

[@captjimmie]

Yeah, it's river and coastal tug. It is ocean rated, but isn't a fun ride in big weather. Was underpowered with the two Z-drives, so they put a center main in as well, with a nozzle and shutter rudders. It really helps the towing performance, seldom used for manoeuvring. She works out of Naknek for most of the season. www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:427459/mmsi:366798280/imo:0/vessel:SPENCER_BREWER

[@subuhan8844]

Ikut kerja bos

[@captjimmie]

Is this in Malay? If a complement, thank you! I hope...

[@kavikanderson6967]

Naknek

[@tuglife5737]

Pushing view sucked I would have hipped up cmon.....

[@captjimmie]

Only rookies need to see where they're going! Good question though. Sometimes we do hip up, but I like being on the push. Better maneuverability and a tighter make up. The shape of this hull, with the geometry of the lines, doesn't do well. Far too boxy with tight curves. Thanks Jason.

[@markduncan6690]

This guy who is the 'Pilot' looks like 18-19 year old!!! A hair-cut and shave may serve him well!!!

[@captjimmie]

Umm...thanks?

[@cheezychuk]

+James Cunningham To mark duncan: Your remark is based on ignorance.What serves Capt. Cunningham well is his knowledge and experience in the operation of his tug and handling the barge. I'm a retired towboat Master from BC, we never pushed, always towed, mostly log barges. Nice smooth work Capt. Cunningham.

[@captjimmie]

Thank you Capt Chuck!

[@markduncan6690]

And you Sir!! I question the title you use Tow-Boat Master? Not as much as the implication that what I said was based on 'Ignorance'!!!! My observation was not bringing into question the ability of "C.C.' !!!! Why don't you let 'C.C' fight his own battles !!!!

[@captjimmie]

Battles? Peace brother, you'll find no fight here.