DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MERCHANT MARINER | ABLE-BODIED SEAMAN | WATCH STANDER | LIFE AT SEA

[@CB-sn4xh]

Ah! Brings back ole memories of 30years ago when I sailed as an AB..loved the 12-4am Watch on the Bridge😊 The Stars, the Moon, never forget these glimpses of Divine Nature & Mystery of the Sea..appreciated then & now..miss the ole life at times ❤

[@realtalk2046]

An older gentleman man informed me of this career and told me stories on stories he had overseas. The free travel. Seeing the world. I’ve never left the US. Thank you for a great humorous break down of your day to day. I’m so excited to break into this field

[@kingj4173]

Same here

[@theartistcherrypi6454]

There’s a retired merchant mariner consultant online 😀

[@theartistcherrypi6454]

@@kingj4173 There’s a retired merchant mariner consultant online 😀

[@MagnusReardon]

hows it going?

[@realtalk2046]

@@MagnusReardon turns out I needed acl surgery, didn’t end up going that route

[@geaj4214]

My 19 year old graduated in june and is now doing paper work to join. Im sad and terrified of him going to work on a ship. Lord please be with him and help me deal. He wants to be a watch men. He just received his twic card today. 😢

[@sym9798]

He’ll be fine haha I work in the engine room and the guys on deck have made nice 👍🏽

[@candlestyx8517]

Modern ships are very unlikely to sink.

[@sym9798]

@@candlestyx8517 mmm I wouldn’t say that I work in the engine room and there’s a lot that could go wrong to where we could sink but you’re right ina sense it’s more difficult for these large vessels to go under I mean some years back I forgot the name of the ship that sunk but all 32 crew members died I knew the chief engineer and as well as the captain and this ship was a large container ship so it’s definitely risky

[@jonathanfreeman7883]

@@sym9798Jesus dude don’t be saying that under a mothers comment lol

[@hengineer]

Former Marine Engineer here, CMA Grad. I find vlogs of mariners fascinating. My time was different, I sailed MSC (Military Sealift). The life was mostly the same, just had more crew and slightly more time in port as our missions were different than cargo. But some of the "events" were wild. Changing a Main Engine Governor at 4:00 AM with the seas a bit rough was fun.

[@BTYE615]

I really want to become a merchant mariner, do you have any advice as to how I could do it the easiest? Schools or whatnot, I can’t seem to make heads or tails of the info I’m seeing on youtube

[@ethanstacy5473]

Sometimes ill hear other shipmates complain about how boring ship life is. But i love the boring days. It means nothing is going wrong. Thats usually the only time its not boring.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Life at sea seems pretty chill. Lots of time to think about things. Most jobs on land are hectic and chaotic, with little time to reflect on anything other than the immediate. Thanks for posting.

[@benmac940]

Generally is at sea, different story in port, particularly on ships that are only in port for a few hours

[@slocad11]

Another great video, another great story of a day in the life. You know, so few, so very few people ever get to spend any time at sea, so maybe they get to get a glimpse of a mariner`s work and experiences through your videos. Thanks for taking the time to create them with care. Love the music, the narration and the packaging. Well done.

[@JoeFranta]

Thank you so much for the kind words, apricate it

[@mrtidy]

I'm in my later years now, jeese I'd love to have my youth again. This is where I'd be.. your videos are an escape for me buddy. Keep them up. Gary

[@archieharding4436]

I was the 12 to 4 watch keeper in my younger days .Good luck and smoth sailing .

[@johnfisher747]

The rust will win, it never sleeps, you on the other hand must rest. The best you can hope for with rust is an uneasy truce. Love the pace of your videos, it sets the rhythm of ship life perfectly. Cheers 👍

[@pepere2205]

Underway is the only way. Fair winds and following seas, Joe. Thanks for doing what you do and for sharing it.

[@MrDixon1969]

Just found this channel. Really interesting to me. Been in a factory for 34 years. Makes me wish I was younger, I’d give this a shot. Good luck, be safe

[@andrewstones2921]

It’s (almost) never too late to change career, I changed direction completely aged 52. It’s harder to do physical jobs as you get older of course.

[@hamilcarbarca8659]

I was thinking the same.

[@DrunkenSailors1]

I joined agriculture university at 18 where i rent myself 15 acres of kiwi fields and started my career as a farmer, where lately at age 20 the fields were weak and i had to drop them since they didnt provide good sallary, and later i dropped agriculture as well, joined the Army at age 21, i served for 3 years, mostly at borderlines chasing outsiders immigrants, and 6 months ago i left the army ( no good pay regarding the tons of hours). I have been a truck driver the last 5 months, the pay is really good, but its too much tiring of a job and bad sleep.Now im currently studying to get into Menchant Marine School, and im 25.It seems a really calm job with stability,stable schedule and a really really good pay where i am from (you literally live to work nowdays without some major success, hardly can buy a car).So i believe its never to late to consider a career change, depends what you believe you *deserve* for yourself.

[@ericbest9562]

You are so chill, the only merchant mariner I ever met was the most intense high strung person I've ever encountered and in my life that's saying a lot! I worked on wells, changing pumps and pressure tanks, stuff like that and this dude was a customers brother and he is the only person that ever had me on edge and watching my back while working, he slipped on the ladder trying to unscrew the roof on the well house and it made him so mad he started beating the hell out of the well house with a crowbar, then the crowbar slipped while he was prying on the roof and split his lip! He completely lost it! I opened the door to my truck near by Incase I need to get away from him, he never acted aggressive to me but he honestly had me scared! I'm a big dude 6'4 and this was a little guy but I knew if went off on me I would catch hell trying to get him off. Then he started ranting about politics and secret government... I don't know if he was on a bender of uppers while he was off the boat or what. I'm glad to see you and your video because I've thought hard about going to sea but that guy kinda turned my opinion of getting on a boat, can you imagine being stuck out there with that?

[@GhostRider-kg5fd]

Joe, man just found you video’s really brings back memories class of 272 sailed on deck 4 to 8 was my favorite watch, sunrise & sunsets It’s a great life sailed for 30 years keep upgrading, got a nice pension out of it. SIU brotherhood of the sea, keep them sailing

[@johnland7186]

I spent 30+ years in the Canadian Navy many at sea. So i enjoy seeing the differences between merchant and military life at sea. Keep up the great work Joe!

[@HeRacesTheSun]

Joe; Thanks for taking us along on the ride, I enjoyed it. I always have a high respect & admiration for all those like you that work hard and make a good honest living.

[@JoeFranta]

I appreciate that!

[@Philip_Chong]

Stumbled on this channel today. Wish I was 30 years young. This is a perfect job for me! Be safe out there Joe!

[@luzdivina2235]

I don't know how old you are, but I am a female 46, and just started...

[@jonathanfiel6215]

@@luzdivina2235 I'm 41 and I'm contemplating on signing up. What made you decide this career move at your age if you don't mind me asking? I find it being in my early 40's that I'm re-discovering who I am and figuring what life has to offer. Stay safe.

[@merrick926]

50 and wanting to do this. will see if i can pass a background check tomorrow

[@1machoguerrereo508]

Thanks Joe, great stuff 👍 👏

[@svensshed1564]

Ahhh J gunning and painting, yes I remember is well. Was not my favourite thing to do but it was absolutely necessary

[@cjellijay]

The quiet times remind me of sitting in front of my radar scope on midnight watches, at the busiest airport in the world, knowing that in a few short hours hundreds of aircraft would be spaced minimally one after the other after the other, for the next 16+ hours.

[@clivehale397]

Just joined your KZbin channel Joe I love it ,went back to your start and am binge watching them all.....keep up the good work ...

[@adimeter]

Hard work getting those supplies. But it's required no matter how tired you may be. As a senior I feel for you. When I'm exhausted I go take a nappy poo. Thanks for another lovely video.

[@alcapone7319]

I float tested the deck crawler on the SS Cleveland. From the Port Wing! Good 'ol days.Old man wanted me to chip on Watch. Lol. NMU

[@braddexter8647]

Just found your channel. Spent ten years in the US Navy doing some of the same things. I miss being at sea.

[@zacharyohare2118]

This seems so similar to military deployment life for many.... And I enjoyed/miss that. It's a strange feeling of freedom and confinement- closeness and solitude. I may have to give it a go.

[@maltaconvoy]

The unsung heroes of the global economy, and in particular the US economy. Wish I could do your job, but I am very prone to seasickness. Thanks for this, it's great.

[@patrickbrowder6857]

So was I. I took a job on a tuna fishing boat out of Oregon and was down barfing and feeling half alive for 40 hours. After that, never had it again.

[@andrewlangridge8619]

Yep, the dog watch , the stars and those views, Takes me back to sea myself and its nice your videos take me there again! I Appreciate the effort you're putting into do this stuff!

[@JoeFranta]

Yea man, the stars never get old. Glad you're enjoying the videos brother

[@johnbeard3733]

You just gave me an idea. What if there was a cruise ship that went to sea for a few days with only retired seamen aboard who miss being at sea. We can all sit around and tell sea stories all day. But. You have to stand a watch at least once and do a shift on maintenance.....Drinks will be allowed...(off watch)

[@andrewlangridge8619]

@@johnbeard3733 Sign me up!

[@seandriscoll6595]

I like your use of the “Foggy Dew” song. One of my favorites!

[@joeyweaver7421]

I had a buddy that was in the Merchant Marines. I always wondered what he did, thanks for sharing!

[@ricbish]

Joe, great video. Very interesting to see how things are done in the merchant marines. I joined the USCG when I was a young man and learned about chipping and painting the military way! Looks about the same as your way😂! To this day I refuse to paint, especially white! Looks like you are liking the work and seeing some really cool places. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It’s pretty cool seeing all the different ships you’ve been on. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you again, God bless & stay safe!

[@kennethgrindrod6438]

Hi Joe was at sea 1969 /86 in the British Merchant Navy doing the same job as you but I preferred the 12 to 4 watch we just did look out during the hours of darkness or fog 12 to 4 in the afternoon we would do deck work with the crowd loved my time at sea served on most types of ships that was around at the time like your videos brings back memories

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you're enjoying them, nothing like the open ocean. Thanks for watching brother

[@The1122007]

Hey Joe, Just found your channel and becoming a big fan. It's nice to experience the places and ports you travel to and see how the real world moves cargo around. The best thing is your personality, you see, you never complain, and we watch you do your job with a hard work ethic. That is very rare for a young person these days. I hope this finds you actually at home for Christmas instead of the middle Atlantic. Thanks for the vids

[@dylanletchworth]

Dang dude. Your morning alarm is the same as my aid call alarm for when an aid box needs after hours transport across the ferry i work on. Usually at 3am hahaha

[@art1434]

Please, don't stop your blogging. I found it hard to find a native english-speaking seaman talk on his life at sea!!!! You you have any recomendations on youtube channels to watch (maritime life), pls DO drop it here in comments. May your watches run smoothly. God help you.

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks brother. welcome thanks for watching. An old classmate if mine is also on KZbin. Northwest Sailor.

[@adonahue00]

@@JoeFranta what academy? usmma?

[@JoeFranta]

@@adonahue00 Paul Hall Center, Piney Point Maryland, Shouls have some videos coming out in thr next couple months about it.

[@jayrico6226]

Vlogging not blogging

[@herpderpshandle]

JeffHK is also a pretty nice shipping channel

[@redc8783]

Ahoy glad to see ya back at sea Looking forward to the upcoming updates. Stay safe and head on a swivel. 🤪🤪🤣

[@JoeFranta]

thanks brother, it's very difficult to maintain the channel while sailing. (lack of internet and time) thanks for your patience

[@josephvasquez8278]

The Guieeetahr Miusique really reminds me of those wild wild western days when Bonanza at The Ponderosa was erry day, and visitiiing Wells Fargo to see if my letter from Poughkeepsie was on the Pony Express that day? Maybe tomorrow. The music gets a thumbs up. And Merchants Marinering. It's truly serious business like The Suez Canal, shiiiish! Thanks Sir and take good care.

[@LJDS1979]

Very cool videos. Glad I stumbled upon this channel. Merchant Mariners...a different lifestyle for sure.

[@EverythangGo]

Just signed up today doing all the research i can Thanks for the insight Joe 🙏

[@traintraintrain51]

Hey Joe Your videos are great. In my younger days I always thought about being a mariner but didn’t want to join the armed forces. Which I had known what I know now. Keep up the good work buddy and stay safe out there!

[@anthonysimms4735]

Only just discovered your channel, one word: fascinating. Gotta love the sea.

[@denigma68rltw]

Nice video, I hope you get your license and move on top. Former SIU (Deck Dept) now a Master Unlimited Upon Oceans.

[@ShipsatTheStraitofGibraltar]

Looks like fun!!!!

[@WillyatSea]

Interesting video. Nicely made. Thanks so much for sharing this part of the world. 👌💙⚓

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WillyatSea]

@@JoeFranta ☺

[@1machoguerrereo508]

Thanks Joe, can you get another meal at 20:00 hours?

[@MrGtargy]

Just ran across your channel. (How did youtube know I'd enjoy it???) But I do. Thanks for making these -- you do an excellent job. I also like that they are not too long. Take care out there.

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you're enjoying them, thanks for the kind words brother

[@andrewpuckett5295]

The 4-8 watch was always my fav.

[@bobwolfley2449]

Back in the 1980s as a usmc I rode on lots of navy ships...actualy worked a lot on the bridge...seems odd to see Comercial ship with only 1 person on bridge.. even small amphibious ships 20 sailors at least working the bridge at any normal time

[@Boddav]

Yes ,I know that feeling.Enter your room and look at your bunk like a faithful lover.

[@karenvann38]

Look at you, Mr. Franta! The videos are super impressive and I’ve been binging them. So exciting to see what you’re doing out there and am so happy for you! I should’ve gotten your autograph in Mad Beach 😉

[@schnebot]

7:27 oh man that first bite i got hungry after seeing that, so satisfying to just throw yourself into your meal after work.

[@st.clairrichardson6312]

it has been a while on land how about a tug boat gig on the river or at port they are both differant because a mariner always like to see land when on a ship some thing on the laker short but differant

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

I knew that was a bouzouki....they been using them in Irish music since the 60s....

[@TravG-x8z]

This is the job I wish I had taken up back in the day, talking 2003-04, when I started to question the job I was at and unfortunately stayed at way too long, talking nearly twenty years I stayed at a dead end mom and pop career wreck. But at that time some guy who'd worked the canneries in Alaska was trying to get me to experience it, but that work-life was way more dangerous and not as fun as being a merchant seaman. Wish he'd been a merchant seaman cause I would've gone for that job in a heartbeat! 6 months on the sea exploring the world and the oceans seas, while getting paid real good money, and then you have 6 months off to splurge at some apartment complex and not have to worry about the grueling 9-5 year round regime everyone else is stuck in. That's a great life!

[@Wugawamp]

New sub. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to experience some of what you do. Gotta suck for your loved ones worrying about you. Be sure to stay in touch often. I imagine your work is exciting (and not easy) - certainly takes a special person to do what you do. Be safe and best wishes - smooth sailing!

[@Sammydx1]

Looks like breakfast was 3 hardboiled eggs and tomato juice. Perfect Edit. Huge fan of your channel. Happy I found it

[@DatawaveMarineSolutions]

Love the videos. As a ship designer, these really help to understand the daily work and stress for the crew. Unrelated to this video, but one question always bugged me. On a long transit, how does the crew handle time zone changes with everyone running on a shift schedule? Does the ship just keep one clock regardless of where you are? Or do you adjust the ship time in 1 hr increments as you cross time zones?

[@Wolf1377]

That's a great question! Hey Joe can you please take notice of this question. I know that probably makes me sound like a dick but enquiring minds want to know.

[@AadamPe]

Incremental changes are done every 2 days or so (depending on speed) on EW voyages. These 1h corrections are usually done at night and split evenly so it affects the three shifts the same, i.e 20m each

[@brianmiller1098]

Or just use Zulu like navy

[@hengineer]

@@AadamPe As a former Marine Engineering Officer, this is the answer. We would usually transition each watch an extra or less 20 minutes, but do the official clock change from 1-2.

[@tutracrafty]

I spent 4 months on a bulk carrier. Generally, around 6 PM, we would get an announcement over the PA. "At 9PM the clock will advance by 1 hour. 2100 will become 2200." Or "At 9PM the clock will be retarded by one hour. 2100 will become 2000" or we would say that it would repeat, I'm not sure. As the deck cadet, I would usually make those announcements. There's a button on the bridge that you can press and it automatically advances the clock by an hour. All around the superstructure there are clocks with analog faces that are synchronized to the clock on the bridge. It was freaky when the third mate clicks the button to retard the clocks by one hour since all the analog clocks around the ship would start quickly moving backwards as if time had been reversed. The third mate was boned when we were going westwards since his watch was 1 hour longer. He was fine with that because we knew we would be going the same way eastwards and then his watch was only 3 hours long.

[@nationhlohlomi9333]

Interesting

[@theparadisesnare]

Vlogging at it's best! thanks for the videos Joe

[@JoeFranta]

You bet!

[@johncanetta6708]

Great job Joe!

[@Hito112]

I swear I seen you on one of your coworkers TikTok 🧐 & great work and display of what goes on. Definitely will look into pursuing this career

[@taylorsmith4758]

Looks like a cool career. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@wildwestunlimited]

Nice job man!! ... I can only hope that all you guys are fully trained for if pirates attempt to board? I'd love to see your training on that.

[@UraniumChef]

Great video man, keep up the hard work! I find your work inspiring, one day I hope to be a Merchant Mariner like you!

[@lawrencegroves8307]

Really cool video.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

My dad was in the merchant marines for a year after his coast guard career was over. He liked it.

[@loslingos1232]

Thank you. I want to work on a ship in the future. This is very helpful.

[@timpskihighbury8161]

Just started to watch these blogs and i found them by accident searching for something else about life at sea, I'm now a avid watcher, and im really enjoying them keep them coming Joe, safe travels dude. 👍

[@haulem]

The difference in the navy is you do not get the 4 hour break. If you have a 0400 to 0800 and 1600 to 2000 watch you still work from 1200 to 1600. If you are in engineering for example, and have the mid watch, you'll work 0800 to 1200, then do your 1200 to 1600 watch, report back to the fire or engine room after watch and work until 2000. That's why mid watches are despised in the navy because it's a 20 hour day while the other 2 watches are only 16. Rack time was all we thought about because between sleep depravation and physical exhaustion, nothing else mattered. That was my life for 4 years in the 70's on an amphibious assault (LPH) ship. When my enlisted ended I couldn't leave fast enough. I miss the sea sometimes, and the brotherhood but I never miss the navy.

[@foxbat888]

Unique insight and very enjoyable too

[@Rick_Dunaway]

what union do you belong to? how does one go about hiring/signing on? is there a local chapter, im in central MS. We have the ship yards in mobile and Ingalls in Pascagoula. thanks for the great videos i've really enjoyed them

[@ottelisezipporah-isadora8070]

I LOVE your channel! This is the 2nd video that I have watched. Your commentary is excellent. I love sea life and I day dream when I watch the videos. Subscribed immediately.

[@alvarogeorgenobregeorge69]

Greetings from Brazil everyone, God bless you all.

[@MrKneeV]

I did plenty of chipping in my early days in the Navy. Good times.

[@j3t594]

The foggy Dew was a nice touch

[@comm2531]

I shipped for 5 years as a contractor on MPS ships on Guam, Diego Garcia, Desert Storm, Honduras, Korea. Former USMC. Ya. Dig that needle gun.

[@jazz185]

The Foggy Dew is a great tune..

[@Michael43713]

Loved The Foggy Dew.

[@paulcapinpuyan3500]

I'm also a 4-8 AB in my current ship right now. It's true getting up in the morning is the hardest part. 😂

[@wyattandwill12]

Great video. I’m considering looking for work on a ship like that. It’ll help me pay off my debt (relatively small too) and give me more time to sit with Jesus. He’s always there!

[@Markplaats-x1h]

Can you do something with your hands as you stare out into the dark or out to the horizon? I mean, fiddling on the guitar or ukelele or something does not require eyesight on the instrument and it would help keeping you awake and alert and such... I work graphic design and photography and when I work on the computer with something visual (with no text or words) I can attentively listen to a podcast without slowing down the visual work. they are two processes that do not interfere with one another it seems. I would imagine something similar could apply to walking the bridge checking the horizon and fiddling on a music instrument in your hands.

[@kingmike40]

Never easy to get up at 3:30am especially in cold weather. Hard to give up that nice warm bed.

[@derekg853]

Huh? When on the 4-8 for a long time, it's extremely easy to get up at 0330. Joe is a fraud. Also a narcissist. He talks shit and real seafarers watch his movies for a laugh. His terminology is hilarious as he doesn't know much but is determined to be the Chris Cuomo of the sea!

[@THINKincessantly]

I bet the opportunity to look at the stars is phenomenal!

[@NancyASMR]

Stars!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@PolyricalTV]

Thanks Joe

[@bradleycrenshaw6778]

When you say that you are on overtime, Is it like conventional OT that kicks in after so many hours in a day or in a 40 hour period. I never knew that you guys were paid by the hour and who keeps up with your time sheets? Thanks for all that you do for this channel. New subscriber and thumbs upper.

[@2010gtoner]

always wanted as a younger man Joe to join the merchant navy, ended up a decorator, lol I am enjoying your stuff, keep her lit mucker from N Ireland. and a big fat sub, you're good at this stuff.

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks Geoff! Welcome aboard man

[@conceptc4105]

Seems a lot chiller than some Navy stuff i do. Thinking about doing this as for i currently have 11 months left which would be 5yrs. Eating during watch is nice instead of 15-20mins before.

[@JoeFranta]

A lot of former military people find there way over to this career after serving.

[@cameron1912]

How long do you usually stay on a ship before returning home? And do you ever get to get off the ship at different ports?

[@candlestyx8517]

I really think this will be the perfect career choice for me.

[@toogs8571]

Ah, The foggy Dew. Good stuff.

[@Bishop6-o6p]

So you have your own rooms? I would have thought it would be multiple people in each one.

[@Rodknockacres]

I miss being out on the water. I worked on the Great Lakes up until I was injured in August of 2021

[@JoeFranta]

sorry to hear that brother, hope you're doing better these days.

[@Whitepandemic]

how does free time look like? like time to recharge.. do you get a day off? i saw a 4 hour break in there, but how much time do u have time to sleep ect

[@JoeFranta]

Varies by ship and job duty the number of hours off per day. In general you work 7 days a week.

[@geddon436]

This is my first video of yours. 2:06 coffee is important when yolu have to stare out into the darkness. I was thinking of that, as you were walking to the bridge. You get up half asleep, go the bridge, then stair out into darkness, while sitting/standing. Seems almost impossible to NOT fall asleep.

[@SovereignMax]

Its super taboo to fall asleep on watch. I was on a much smaller boat crew of 5 so during watch you can walk away from the WH and smoke a stoge or exercise a little on deck then go back up to the WH. My rule of thumb was no more than 10 minutes away.

[@geddon436]

@@SovereignMax with all that walking, i'm surprised you still want exericise.

[@SovereignMax]

@@geddon436 thank you, I didn’t clarify, our boats were 110’ feet long.

[@adimeter]

You certainly cannot be spoiled. If you want that cup of coffee at 3:00 AM, you gotta' do it yourself.

[@aspiceronni4462]

6:23 🎶Oh Mammy dear, we're all mad over here, livin' in America🎶

[@sethbecker7162]

Firstly, thank you for recording your journey. I started watching you after a mentor suggested I join the merchant marines, and your experiences are quite illuminating. Secondly, what is the name of that song?? Shazam can’t find it anywhere. Is that a mandolin? Anyway, if someone could let me know something. Thanks.

[@JoeFranta]

Good luck with your journey to the merchant mariners, dont' be a stranger

[@Bigmamachunk]

I realize I'm coming to this *extremely* late, but the song sounds an awful lot like "The Foggy Dew"

[@jakeb92980]

Id like to know what types of things you look out for when on watch. Like who do you tell if you see something that needs to be reported?

[@JoeFranta]

I am watching for other ships and report their positions to my superiors.

[@Tommy2tone762]

Nice and very interesting!

[@Boddav]

No better way to end a day sea than a beautiful sunset.