WORKING ON A CONTAINER SHIP | LIFE AS A MERCHANT MARINER

From the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020 I spent 77 days working on a container ship as a watch standing AB.
#Containership #merchantmariner #siu #cargoship #merchantmarine
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[@b-man1232]

This is why I love KZbin!!! I have never been on a cargo ship, probably never will...but, I can still live vicariously through you! So damn cool

[@scottgibson6735]

I went on a cargo ship from Jacksonville.to Guatemala I was listed as super cargo. Super cargo,is basically the cargo owners representative. The cargo included 52 British sports cars that my father,and another investor had boughtThere was a representative for the other buyer to.we had the run of the ship,and bridge.The crew was mostly Filipino.The captain,and officers were German,but they all spoke good English.The Captains wife was onboard.She was hot,and knew itShe liked sunbathing in a little bikini, that really wasn't worth the effort,since it didn't really.cover anything.she was easy to talk to on most subjects.She worshipped her husband,and wouldn't . Thank you for the vhear anything bad about him

[@Randallsixx13]

I agree!

[@JOovshak82]

Right!!!! I like watching people riding trains across the U.S. Can't afford it so I'll just travel through someone else 🍺🤘🧀

[@supahfly_uk]

Well said, It's why I watch people in wing suits or flying jets lol.

[@jasmith1867]

Living vicariously sums up most of my youtube experiences.

[@Art930]

Female senior citizen here. Wish when I was a young woman that I would have had the opportunity to do a job like this. The most adventure offered was being a teacher or secretary. Thanks for posting these videos - I get to live vicariously.

[@davidestrich7055]

When I was in the U.S. Navy in the 70"s, there were female nurses on board the larger ships...carriers and cruisers. That could have been your ticket to travel. Nowadys there are females on many mid and large ships for not just nursing but tech ops..radar, sonar and cooks opening up the world for adventure seeking girls.

[@t.fidler5895]

Women on a ship is a no go

[@andrewcorsaro1]

If you are a senior citizen you might be, say, 70 years old. Which means it was the 1970s and 1980s through your 20s. Lots of women did a lot more than teacher or secretary in those times. Stop pretending like it was society that prevented you from living your life the way you wanted to.

[@officerdoofy7376]

​@andrewcorsaro1 granny btfo... good job,fellow redpiller! You showed her real good

[@Donald-ky2fg]

Nothing is offered you go out and you take it. People who receive offers are related to someone . Nobody offers anything, ever.

[@xcheyx]

As a person who moves the containers in and out of ports/ramps, your hard work does not go unnoticed! We appreciate y’all ❤ without you we can’t do what we do

[@twimine]

I like how he said “something about a virus - I am sure it is nothing - lol”

[@jiggscasey1874]

It was nothing

[@Spyke-lz2hl]

I remember thinking the same thing back then. Man oh man…

[@Spyke-lz2hl]

@@lilbigmoney9148 Except over a million people have died, but whatever, I guess none of them were close to you so you don’t care. Cool.

[@stephanromeo684]

I lost a couple friends to it 😪

[@stateradio115]

@@jiggscasey1874 Whether or not you believe the virus was a hoax, it is retarded to say it was "nothing" when all the world's economies slowed down, entire countries were locked down, and million of people (some with preconditions albeit) died.

[@MidtownSun]

Dude. Not just the production-value, but the individual shots .. the editing and how you pieced your story together with the visuals…. SOMEONE needs to convince you to do this full-time!

[@MidtownSun]

I have a direct link to the merchant marine life (Mass Maritime,Maine Maritime, Kings Point, etc) and the pride you guys have in what you do; how the general public has no clue what it takes to keep an engine room running across the Atlantic. But your skills in visual storytelling need to be utilized off the boat, my friend. As much as I enjoyed seeing this and all of the work you put into it (it shows), I want to see you use these talents outside the bridge. You’ve got the talent - use it!

[@JoeFranta]

I appreciate that!

[@paullsmith5548]

​@@JoeFrantayeah this was amazing man. Good shit

[@TheCoolTube]

Very nice work here sir.

[@johnleca]

My father was a merchant sailor on Liberty ships. He could splice ropes and even steel cable. I have his marlin spikes and he became an American citizen legally and was recognized by the US for his efforts during wartime. He would say he could get along with everyone and was always friendly and would offer help to anyone. He so enjoyed life and doing things. He was a great father. Godspeed to the Merchant Marine.

[@NorthPaddle]

I live in Alaska, where virtually everything gets here on container ships. I see them every day at the port but it was great to see a little insight from a guy doing the job. Thanks for posting. 👍🏻

[@SWExplore]

Yep, Joe, I know that I'll never likely be on a container ship, but you brought us along, and for that I am grateful!

[@The-Sea-Dragon-1977]

I was 3/Off on SeaLand Charger. Great Ships. Am Captain now. These videos really give an insight into life at sea. Good job Joe.

[@carolinehoward180]

My dad was a Master Mariner and Captain in the Merchant Navy for many many years. He did this trip down the Suez lots of times. He later went on to be a World renowned Ship Surveyor and I spent a lot of my early childhood on board cargo ships just like that. I loved the smell! There is nothing like it! I’m sad he’s not here anymore to ask about all his travels. Great upload. Thanks 🙏

[@michaelorfanos7416]

My father was doing the same job, from Greece and jumped ship in New Orleans. He met my mother in Mass, also Greek and joined the army and served. Elvis was in his platoon. My father didn't know who he was. They were in Germany together. I asked him if he ever spoke to Elvis and he said yea but didn't like his music because he only listened to Greek music. He also said he was better looking than him, LOL!!!

[@KerryOConnor1]

underrated comment here folks

[@chemoboy-dannypheleps9234]

gosh dang

[@michaelorfanos7416]

@@chemoboy-dannypheleps9234 It's all true, They also went to Korea for a short time but no fighting. I was born when he came home. He also told me about when he was 10 years old and in Greece during WW2 living on the island of Skopelos. It is not far from Athens. He said he sat on the rocks by the sea and watched the German ships trying to sink Greek subs. When he saw oil the people got ready to save the Greek sailors and they saved many. He also said that the normal Germans under occupation were very nice and all were alerted if a Nazi was coming. My dad said that he hated the Nazi but the normal Germans or later Italians were all very friendly. My Grandfather was part of the underground but mostly stole wepons to blow up in the water to stun fish so they could all survive. My Dad still has a scare on his face from being slapped be an SS officer for not leading his horse on a path to the upper village. We say MONO PATHY in Greek. History is wonderful and we should all be wise to not allow our freedoms to be taken away again.

[@JS-hp1ow]

How did he smell? Apparently he was a really smelly guy.

[@straycat1081]

While stationed in Germany in the '90s, I had a haircut by a barber who claimed to have cut Elvis' hair. I believe Elvis was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, GE.

[@Dandarez073]

One of my biggest regrets in life is not going to the maritime academy after high school, I went to the open day, but ended up choosing not to go because I didn't feel like moving to Vlissingen at that time. This just makes me feel the itch again... I'm 36 and work on a farm now, but I guess it's never too late to switch it up.

[@JoeFranta]

For sure Dan, I switched careers at 31. Never too old brother

[@xmzru]

don't give up on your dreams! I believe in you sir!

[@OmmerSyssel]

Unless you have specific technical qualifications, it's pretty much upwards career change. Majority of basic jobs are long taken by cheap Asian and Eastern European sailors. Even on Officer level occupations are becoming scarce... Ask around among Ship agencies with a good reputation. If you can afford the break, hope for the best and try it

[@xmzru]

@@OmmerSyssel Should I still pursue this career? I just graduated high school (I'm in the us) and was planning to go to a maritime academy to be a deck officer. what you said is giving me second thoughts...

[@charleneparis6695]

It's never too late!! 2 weeks before my 38th birthday, I started work on an inland chemical tanker (and I'm a female, Scottish Expat, mother of 2 nearly adult teens. I've been living in NL for 13 years) I'm doing BBL opleiding to become Helmsman. Currently enroute from Antwerp to Frankfurt ⚓️ I've worked in Radio, been self employed, worked in communications and did HBO social work opleiding before I stepped into this world. I sometimes still can't believe I'm doing this 😂 we work 1 week on 1 week off and it's a great way of life...Follow your dreams 👌🙏⚓️

[@mikestone9129]

Interesting video. Before I went in the army I was in the Navy. Something about be at sea, miles from land, especially at night that makes you feel small and insignificant. It can be so peaceful one minute, and horrifying the next. Loved it.

[@EinundzwanzigPanzer]

What did you do in the navy and what did/do you do in the army, and why did you switch?

[@jasonmoyer9492]

Lol, I was a Cav Scout for 8 years in the army then went merchant marine. I come from a navy family to. I was born on a navy base in rota Spain. But I enjoyed being out on the ocean. I've never seen so many beautiful sunrises or sunsets or the red moon. Don't see that on land

[@cvgodd1432]

So true, the ocean is like a big monster than can be beautiful and scary af at the same time. I just think how many people lost their lives in these oceans and what mystical creatures are at the bottom.

[@762gunr]

*Army *navy.........prick.

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

Mike I have a friend who did that

[@BruceMilpitas]

I worked on a container ship in 1985-1986 for 12 months. Loved the experience. I got to passed the Suez Canal 12 times. Unfortunately we didn’t have KZbin or digital cameras at the time. Your video brought back lots of memories. Thx.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

Do you miss it

[@BruceMilpitas]

@@crishnaholmes7730 Very much.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@BruceMilpitas ok

[@jamesraymond1158]

Interesting. Reminds me of working on a Norwegian freighter from Brooklyn to Naples via Tenerife in July 1963 when I was 16. They didn't have container ships back them, everything was loaded and unloaded in small loads from the hold. I worked on chipping paint and polishing in the engine room. One of the high points was breakfast, where the chef would cook anything I asked for. I even had my own cabin.

[@torbenlarsen331]

I guess I was lucky to work as engineer on a bulk carrier in the seventies. I worked for the Danish company Torm Lines. I remember how we always spent at least 4 to five days in the same place. In the South of Italy close to Pompey we stayed for two weeks, so I rented a car and drove to Pompey and also Naples. We sailed for orders allover, not like a container ship which sails constantly on the same destinations. I have sailed from Constanza in the Black Sea to Salvador in Brazil and of course la Plata River too, not to mention all ports on the US east from coast Corpus Christi to Duluth. In Europe from Narvik, Norway to Italy. As officer I had signed a contract which meant 12 months on board and then 10 weeks vacation with salary and pocket money. It was such a great experience.

[@joeskis]

you've been to the great lake they call Gitche Gumee?

[@torbenlarsen331]

@@joeskis I have been to Thunder Bay, in December. I think we were the last ship to leave Thunder Bay, because they had already begun to remove the seamarks. It was very cold when we came to Chicago with lots of snow. But some years before I hitched hiked across Canada from Montreal to Vancouver. On the way back I jumped a CP train and a RCMP saw it but he couldn't catch-up with my spinning legs. I did 800 miles with that train.

[@torbenlarsen331]

@Endofstory you're right, we were very lucky. I later worked for the Ministry for Environmental Protection here in Denmark 🇩🇰, where I had a fleet of smaller vessels to taken care of.

[@torbenlarsen331]

@@KISSHOOTERS6969 you can contact Maersk Lines they have their own education system.

[@paleamigo8575]

That sounds awesome! Congratulations on a rewarding career.💯

[@dereksuddreth8672]

Great Video! A lot of the work you do I did myself as a Seaman/Petty Officer on two US Navy Knox class Frigates during my 4 year enlistment from 1977 - 1981. Standing watch (3 sections at sea), chipping, painting and cleaning were the order of the day. Seems like I never got enough sleep! We were stationed off the coast of Iran in the Gulf of Oman during the Hostage Crisis. We briefly visited (with no Liberty Call) Mogadishu, Somalia to deliver documents (years before the downing of the US Army Blackhawk). Soviet warships tailed us into and around the Black Sea (and we sailed alone). Now things are heating up again between the Russians and the USA. It seems like the Cold War never ended... I did see 20 different Ports of Call, some great Liberty (Subic Bay, Philippines and Pattaya Beach, Thailand were my favorites), and some not so great (Istanbul, Turkey and Columbo, Sri Lanka). It was a great experience for a young American. Things were much cheaper in the Far East and people were friendlier to Americans in the Pacific nations, probably due to the Japanese occupation during WWII. They did not forget their Liberators. I did a lot of 'growing up' back then. I recommend every young person try it, either in the Military or as a Civilian Seaman.

[@nicevideomancanada]

I often imagine being shipwrecked on a deserted island with 24,000 Containers full of stuff. One could write an on going t.v. series where the castaways open up some more containers every episode and find interesting stuff they can use on their island paradise

[@MahiTanMazy]

That's a good idea tbh

[@davesynth3860]

Play the game Stranded Deep-you’ll make that a reality.

[@nelliesfarm8473]

Sounds good to me ..except I'd like my dogs with me too 😂

[@nicevideomancanada]

Ok, you can come with your dogs too. ;-) there will probably be lots of dog food on board. @@nelliesfarm8473

[@Daniil_Georgiyev]

How much can you make a month on that job?

[@debbiesims138]

this is why I love KZbin. you get to see things you never thought you wanted to.

[@heruammen8522]

I had an opportunity to become a merchant marine back in '76. I did the TWIC and MMC qualifications and was a month from starting my apprenticeship. I ended up receiving a small college scholarship and decided to go in that direction. I followed logic instead of my heart and passed on the opportunity to see the world while learning an important craft. This video showed me what I missed out on.

[@creoleDJ]

Sounds fishy…the TWIC policy wasn’t enacted until after the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001….🤨

[@alexmay1217]

I don't think u missed much... being in the navy .. ur port stops are short and restricted... ur better off just making good money and traveling on ur own dime....

[@joebidet2050]

The twic wasn't required until 2009

[@tapiwamudumo3194]

I am from Zimbabwe and would love to become a sailor 1 day

[@joebidet2050]

@@tapiwamudumo3194 go to Britain

[@marianopastrana7680]

They way you went straight forward. No long introduction, no greeting, short farewell. Nice. Following you as of now.

[@johnkane1898]

Loved watching this video. Never went to sea due to defective color vision. My Dad that passed away last year went to sea at 16, went from an AB to becoming master. Then his last 25 years was as a Harbour pilot in Belfast Northern Ireland. I have a real passion for anything maritime.

[@charlieboutin3341]

Awesome video! Took me back to working on a Mississippi river barge for 2 months in 1984 when I was 22. Alamo Barge Lines, the Molly Anne. Chipping rust with a needle gun then painting, scraping wood and lacquering, and mopping the decks of diesel oil from the exhaust..Lots of that! Absolutely right about tightening ropes and cables to secure being the most dangerous part. The weight involved would pop them like a string sometimes and sound like shotguns going off..stay out of the way! Started in Baton Rouge and went upriver to Chicago, then back down to Texas. I was ready to get off in Corpus Christi (my home state), but am really glad I did it. Something I’ll never forget. Hope life finds my shipmates Spanky and Cowboy safe and well. Thank you very much for posting this video. God bless mate! 👍👍👌✌️🇺🇸

[@squatchpnw2331]

I'm a truck driver and I'm on the road for 30 to 60 days at a time so I find this very interesting, sounds like something I could do well.

[@Hawaii96720]

incredible stuff! Living in Hawaii I do appreciate the immense effort it takes to ship anything and everything overseas via container ships.

[@nemo227]

What a great experience, an experience that relatively few people have and that most of us can't fully understand. I met a merchant marine back around 1956 but I was too young to ask him questions the way I would today.

[@John-redc]

I went to sea on cargo ships when I was 15, then retired when I was 68. Beginning as a Deck Boy, then an Ordinary Seaman, then Able Seaman. Working on everything from Bulk Carriers, LNG Tankers, Oil Tanker, Offshore Supply Vessels, Offshore Oil Rigs, Seismic Survey Vessels, FPSO Vessels, and Container ships. Probably more, but don't remember. A good life, a hard life, a different life.

[@Aviator27J]

Some of us just have the inner nomad on the outside. The innate human need to explore and move. I've never served on a seafaring vessel like this but the idea has definitely occurred to me. I'm an aviation guy and always have been. I travel the world by air, but getting around the globe in numerous means interests me! Spaceflight like in Star Trek would be fantastic, riding the rails all over the world, taking ships and boats, etc. I'm still waiting for my opportunity to work in Antarctica too! I'd enjoy something like this if I didn't have a family (and a career I love), but enjoy it for those of us who think it looks like fun!

[@tryingtolearnthis]

Made that trip a couple of times but it was mostly under the water. The Suez Canal we had to transit surfaced but was one of the best experiences of my life.

[@andrekeefer2034]

I worked on an oil tanker. My schedule was 6 hours on, 6 hours off as an AB Tankerman. However I was doing alot of paint/rust chipping and painting while underway or at the anchor.

[@MrBillagordon]

Thanks for posting! I was a Merchant Marine from '91 to '96. Deck Dept. O.S. first run bulk carrier Operation desert Storm. Did almost the same run as you across the Atlantic to Saudi Arabia. After that went to the west coast did the oil tanker runs to Alaska up and down that coast. Best run though was a Sea-land Container ship I worked in the Caribbean. They call it the Crescent run. New York, Jacksonville, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, New Orleans. If you ever have a chance to do the Crescent Run do it!!

[@Phoenixesper1]

"Happy 2020 everyone" If only he had known....he'd never have gotten off that ship! LOL

[@balaton1]

Keep doing the Lord's work son. I was once worked my way to be "relief captain". While I am not older and happy, my maritime years will always be the most rewarding. Bless you son.

[@oldedwardian1778]

Oh no even on a video like this we have to have a GOD GOON make some DUMB, STUPID REKARK ABOUT HIS FAIRY FRIEND. SHUT UP.

[@MrMomoitin]

I've got to do something with my life. I was considering working freight rail transport but this also sounds awesome

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

I've done both, currently a Mate on the Mississippi river. The ten years that I spent as a freight conductor were the worst years of my life. Maritime is BY FAR a better deal than rail.

[@TheWefikus]

Try banging your head against the wall

[@begley09]

Can always work intermodal at a rail yard.

[@stephensmith4480]

I have worked in the Rail Freight industry for 32 years. It`s like most things, there are times when it`s not so good but thankfully, there are far more good times and I have worked with some great guys.

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

@@stephensmith4480 yeah, as an old head with tons of seniority and retirement in the near future, I'm sure it's great. I would almost guarantee that 90% of railroaders would tell a new hire to stay away. Class 1s are CONSISTENTLY listed as the worst companies to work for in the US. Worse than dollar general on most lists. That's BAD. Sure, the potential for good money is there-if you make it through the years of being furloughed all the time, and either starving on an extra board, or having so little time at home that your family falls apart. I have seen these things countless times, and after 32 years, I KNOW you have too. The work/life balance is ATROCIOUS on the railroad. Gone for 2-3 days, home for 12 hours to sleep, grab clean socks, answer the caller, then on a train again. The really sinister thing is that the railroads could easily implement policies that would greatly increase quality of life, but they never will because of the adversarial nature of rail officers vs union members. Eight hour calls would not be that difficult to implement in 2022. That would be a life changer! Nope. You get an hour and a half, and you'd better answer or you're fired! Not to mention having to fight for all the things you're supposed to be paid for. With all of the options available in n 2022, freight rail would be my LAST recommendation for anyone looking for a career. Not to mention all of the automation in the industry. Engineers will be gone soon, conductors will be replaced by roving utility jobs, switch engines have been remote controlled for fifteen years. On the other hand, I work 28 days on my vessel, then I get 28 days off. I get paid on the 1st and 15th the same paycheck whether I'm at work or at home. My employer values my hard work, and I am rewarded for it. I move up based on hard work and initiative, rather than the date that I was hired on. This rewards good employees, instead of moving up lazy people because 'seniority' dictates, while hard workers carry their weight. Oh yeah, and they will NEVER be able to automate my job😁 Nope. rail was hands down the worst job I've ever had, and maritime is the best move I've ever made.

[@ronniechilds2002]

Thank you for that, sir. I envy your sense of curiosity and adventure, and your courage to satisfy them. Seeing life on a ship from your unique perspective was damned interesting. Nice editing, too, good pace.

[@jayfloramusic]

One of my school friends I grew up with got bad grades in high school and ended up getting into Mechanical Engineering, I got into Electronics. I got a nice office job. He got Merchant shipping spending months away from gf. Used to feel bad for them. But finally he got promoted so now he also sits in an office and others are doing the merchant trips. Very happy for them! They just bought a home and had a kid. Great to have father home at all the time.

[@frankaxiak1959]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed my time in the Merchant Marine in the late 90s.

[@svanablak]

i remember aquiring my MMD back in '07. but by then procedures and processes were changed due to 911. subsequent requirements were added and it was expensive! i considered it but i was already working and i was getting older and concluded that at the time it wasn't in the cards for me! your post was awesome and it allowed me to reflect on could've been!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@TheBatugan77]

I worked as a Navy bean on two USNS ships. Those civilian mariners were a trip. Enjoyed the hell out of them. Many were veterans or even retired military. Good eggs.

[@armorhide406]

Everyone always thanks navy sailors. What we do is not nearly as important as what a container ship does. Thank you for your service

[@johannsebastianbach9003]

Large oiler tankers keeps the Military on the Run💪🏻💪🏻

[@michaelhaney3388]

My grand dad was a merchant marine in 50s,60 s,70s out of Los Angeles harbor. He was a cook. Almost became a mariner at the time but went to college and on to a short-term pro football career.

[@roccofoxtrot8743]

Still that is awesome!!!

[@manueluy3628]

Thanks!

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks so much Manueluy!

[@robertwalton7307]

Great story! Never have been to sea.Forty years ago worked unloading frozen Icelandic fish in Everett Ma. Really enjoy your ocean travels.

[@tomskid27]

Bro, Joey. I’m still binge watching all your videos. They’re calming man and gives me a sense of peace. I just retired from 26yrs in the Navy. I guess that the reason. Watch out for the sea. She’s always callin’ ya back.

[@rainymcg]

My Dad was a Bosun in the U.S. Merchant Marines from 1946-1969. Port Said was his regular route. Your video brought me to tears as I recalled his stories. Thank you so much for posting this. Please be safe out there.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

It's cool how these guys get different ships, different assignments different crews different ports. They can't get bored. But it's definitely a young man's game. I couldn't hack it for long. I'm 55 or 56.

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

There was an old commercial for the Army once, "It's not a job, it's an adventure." I never was in the Army, but being a commercial seaman certainly does look like an adventure. I'm almost 73 and I look at this and envy you, Joe, for the places you've seen and been. Great video.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

@@Diogenes-ty9yy the best commercial for being a sailor is the Village People- In the Navy kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ6qpqxmn86YrNU

[@AndyBankside]

This just a perfect KZbin video on so many levels. Simply brilliant!!!

[@paleamigo8575]

I totally agree!👍

[@peterhamlinhamlin8908]

Containership was automation. Before this generation could imagine. We loaded 100 pound bags of coffee,cocoa,cotton individually onto the ship itself. Lotta dockeorkers. Replaced by trucks and cranes today.

[@phillandon4127]

I did this exact run when I was on the Maersk Denver as 3rd assistant engineer (2015). After oil opps in Algeciras the port engineer would give us a bottle of red wine for "not spilling a drop of oil" so for one night not on duty we could have a good "spill" on them.

[@josephhabedank7984]

Cool video. I was my units super cargo NCO my first deployment to Iraq in 03. We borded in Beaumont, TX and went around the coast to savannah, GA. Then we went across the Atlantic and through the Suez canal and up to Kuwait. I never that much exotic seafood in my life. Was amazing going through storms with boat rocking and seeing the merchant marines climbing all over our helo.s trying to keep the plastic covering on them from blowing off in the storm.

[@grizzlysteele3199]

Brings back memories of when I was a kid. My dad was a chief purser on container ships for ellerman line from the 60's to the 80's Used to spend my holidays on board the ships with my dad

[@bluefamily3937]

My dad bought and sold those freight containers and I've spent many hours cleaning them, painting, them and playing on the roofs! Many hours on the road tracking chassis and containers in all the ports on the east coast. Stacking the boxes with the cranes on the boat was real skill!

[@STV-H4H]

Cool flashback to my time at sea. I went from Seattle to (nearly in view, or not) Alaska, through the Aleutian Chain (once into port to drop off a dead body. A deceased inspector who was suspiciously found floating in a brine tank absurd a factory fishing boat owned by a Russian company that had partnerships with an American seafood company) Your 4 on and 4 off schedule is like mine, except I was 1 of a 9 man crew. Seeing the vibrator you were doing rust removal was the part that prompted my comment. Oh the hours spent with Earl and a couple of the other AB guys and occasionally the chief engineer would come to give us a pep talk saying how easy we had it in his time as an able bodied seaman he had a hand powered air compressor that burned coal and he was tasked with hauling coal himself and stoking the fires! I am making that up. He was a good friend of mine, that got me both the job in the first place as an electrician, and helped grandfather me in, writing those hours as sea time so I could start as an Oiler. Which made me slightly higher on a very short totem pole of seniority. I was ultimately still on the bottom. But the 6 voyages to Russia were really exciting. Back then, 1994 I believe, only a few American sailors had ever been there. They loved us Americans and I dug them. I tried to learn to swear in Russian, but since I was only ever with the Russian workers for a couple shifts weeks apart, I didn’t really memorize anything worthwhile. Besides, telling my friends at home to fukc off in Russian never had any impact. They didn’t know what I said. 😂

[@_Angelo569]

Joe, I know its a year too late but thank you so much for this video! It was awesome to see what it was like on a container ship! Take care!

[@19irving]

This brings back great memories! I lived in Jersey City for 19 wonderful years. I loved to ride my bike to a park in Bayonne where I'd see these amazing ships going through with the tug boats. I found one of my favorite cats ever living in that park, a HUGE blue furred British Shorthair. May he rest in peace.

[@amsedan43]

The video shows a barge carrying boxes. In my day Merchant Marines sailed on real cargo ships. It took skill to rig the booms for loading and unloading the ships plus secure the rigging and cargo. We used sonar, RDF and celestial navigation tools. Had to work the helm in rough weather if the Iron Mike couldn't handle it. As deck crew three of us shared a focsile for each watch; 4 - 8, 8 - 12 and 12 - 4. I guess it's like comparing a square-rigger sailor to us as we are to modern barges, box-haulers which I don't call ships.

[@JLBREMER]

I’ve worked at a call center for 10 years (unfortunately) this type of job after that would feel like such a relief. Cool video man thanks for sharing !

[@nord4338]

Thanks for giving us a glimpse of the lives of you guys that are at sea 24/7, transporting everything the rest of us use, the goods of a FREE MARKET economy. Well-done!

[@Skannkhunt42]

2 years ago i found this channel and decided to try this as a career path. 1 year into my maritime engineering degree and so excited to start my onboard training. Pretty sweet that its paid also. so excited

[@JoeFranta]

Best of luck!

[@LordEradicus]

I admit to knowing almost nothing about merchant mariners except that I've heard the term merchant marines a lot during my childhood (one my grandpa's friends was a merchant mariner during WW2). So this video was definitely an eye-opener. Thank you.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

My wife's granddaf was on a Corvette boat in the Canadian Navy in WW2 searching for U-boats in the North Atlantic. Interesting/terrifying time to be a merchant marine. They were a tough generation of kids.

[@leonkarsten]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 Ah, that's nothing compared to the bad bully words that kids must suffer on social media these days.... 😆

[@gabrielrousseau_NM]

I only read about them in novels where you could get enslaved on them. No one gonna ever know anything out there. Especially in foreign ports.

[@wetmemedaddy5065]

@@leonkarsten soft boomer moment

[@C00LWhip]

What a great life experience. I admire what you had accomplished. Ive always had the attraction to the Sea.

[@willm6705]

sweet !! i sailed out of NY harbor on a WWII C-3 freighter summer of 1965, age 16/17, earning $$ for college. adventured down the E. coast then to S. Africa and E. Africa and back. earned a lot more than summer camp counselors. :)

[@sevenstarsword9014]

I'm on the Canadian side sailing on the Great Lakes, I've never been able to do a container ship but Ive done everything else, now currently fulltime on LNG tankers. They keep you busy, its good work, good pay with all the OT.

[@aaronortega1083]

Hello sir. I am a Registered nurse and a paramedic. How do I get a job on a ship or oil rig ??? I cannot find any leads ANYWHERE.

[@sevenstarsword9014]

@@aaronortega1083 American or Canadian?

[@aaronortega1083]

@@sevenstarsword9014 american work in nyc.. any companies i can email? or get in contact with

[@sevenstarsword9014]

@@aaronortega1083 I'm on the Canadian side, we have different certs to be able to be on the boats but I do know SIU American members usually go to Piney Point and go thru the unlicensed apprenticeship program. I would look up the SIU in the States and follow up with them. You can find non union work on the boats but the pay isn't as good.

[@aaronortega1083]

@@sevenstarsword9014 thank u brother godbless

[@aaronwon6056]

Man this brings back memories.. i left shipping as second mate 6 years ago. Suez canal shots really bring back memories. Cheers mate.

[@BradPaulus]

My son has made that voyage numerous times as the Chief Mate and Captain of the Maersk Chicago, thanks for sharing.

[@imnotavingthat6813]

Brilliant to watch, i was on container ships for p&o for 5yrs and did many a trip following your footprints. Superb memories evoked. Cheers dude

[@secrTcraze]

How does someone stumble across such job? What requirement are needed for this type of job?

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Im a trucker and have been to ports several times....when you look up and see a container being lowered from a crane down onto you from way up high it's very intimidating!

[@peterhamlinhamlin8908]

Hope the crane operator's not drunk!

[@lynnmcculloch-m4h]

❤❤❤❤❤ super great video !

[@elianimationgames1327]

I live in a port city so a large portion of jobs are shipping or somewhat navy related. It always fun seeing the ship come out and into the harbour!

[@boinknook]

My father was a longshoreman and he took me to see what it was like and productivity has skyrocketed since the 60's. Sometimes when the trucks would pull up below the cranes, the whole truck would yank up and the trucker yelling "put me down!" 😄

[@dbenadon]

This was fantastic! Thank you for sharing an experience most of us would never have.

[@laurenfrancis-talley215]

This was so fascinating! Looking back on this, I know you were probably grateful for those short port stays and that you didn't go into the Pacific!

[@santabarbaratribe]

It would’ve been nice to have gotten more of a tour of the ship and the rooms you guys stay in

[@UraniumChef]

I've always wanted to see how work on one of these ships goes. Making me wanna be a merchant mariner more and more with every video of yours I watch!

[@jasonmoyer9492]

It's actually a cool job. I enjoyed it. I was a engineer though and not a AB or Bosun. I did good amount of welding and keeping engines running. Check gages and messing around with mills and lathes in the machine shop. I learned a lot of different skills and honestly it's not hard work. A few hours on a few hours off. The only time I've had any issues was if the captain or first officer was a jerk. But that was rare. At least for me.

[@Nikkk6969]

@@jasonmoyer9492 what’s the pay?

[@aralmarpuc6886]

​@@Nikkk6969 Pay does not worth it unless you're an officer or engineer.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@aralmarpuc6886do they get to save up though

[@battle_promaster3631]

Nice job on video. Definitely know what you mean about coming home. I did 8 years in the NAVY. Always looked forward to coming home. Great job!! 👍🏼

[@Cahan89]

7:35 because of what you describe here, i chose to sail on a smaller vessel. i were almost always on land when during port stays.

[@Cha-y412]

Thanks for the video. My friends Son went to NY Maritime College and is a 3rd officer on a Container ship. At age 27 he works 6 Months straight and has 6 Months off. Tough life no doubt but he makes a very nice pay check.

[@jarodlee9474]

you are living my dream. as paraplegic i could never do such an awesome job. please post more videos.

[@jasmith1867]

I'm an old man and will never be able to do these things either. But we get a glimpse of what it might be like in real life.

[@COA319]

👊🇰🇪🙏

[@stateradio115]

Great video. Has that old school youtube vibe. I hope you document more of your life!

[@hervemugisha8931]

you sir are a seafaring and RVing natural poet. I respect you. Salute

[@threetoyotas]

Nice video! I picked the wrong job. Worked in the engine room in the US Navy. Sooo many 18hr+ days out at sea with no days off obviously. Sure wish they paid OT making that massive enlisted pay. In the end it was truly a great experience and got to see some amazing countries.

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

curious to know if u qualified for disabled pay for life

[@threetoyotas]

@@feelinghealingfrequences7179- No. I’m sure I could probably try something for what I’ll describe. Seems these days everyone that serves gets out and gets disability. I wanted nothing when I got out. Even though I was hospitalized for almost dying from electrocution. Only have one scar on my hand but both were burned. Also watched a pretty gruesome death while onboard. Honestly when I got out in 2000 I just wanted to be done and move on to the next chapter of my life. My brother served the same time I did. Got in a bad illegal drag race accident. Just this month of June, his rating went up because he hired a lawyer several months back. Went from 30% to 70%. Or about $1100 MORE per month. The accident happened in 1998.

[@DCJNewsMedia]

Just awesome, fun educational, and your a most excellent host brother. God-bless you and your family 👪 ❤️

[@WillyatSea]

Cool videos. Thanks for sharing! 🤙💙⚓

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks for watching!

[@gwenyngruffydd]

Don’t know how this video came on my homepage but glad it did. Really interesting!! We import a lot so it was so good to see the journey these containers take. Keep up the good work 💪🏻💪🏻

[@Boddav]

Karachi -1980. Spent 6 weeks there trying to get repatriated after the company went bankrupt.A very memorable experience.

[@cherrysmart3500]

What! The company went bankrupt in the middle of the voyage?

[@ae-ji2rw]

As a soon-to-be marine engineer, I LOVED this video!!

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

What a cool as hell adventure. Definitely something to tell someone else's grandchildren about!

[@ileanapaniagua5161]

Very interesting. Just went to the port of Long Beach and was wondering about the shipping containers and how they were transported.

[@jlm8699]

Very cool... I was on destroyer 75-79 Suez, and all the rest you described.... Watching you work with a needle gun brought back a lot of memories... 😊

[@nowherefast9786]

Another great job brother. Keep em coming.

[@jarrettvalentine6777]

The Baltimore bridge collision brought me here.

[@yournewstepdaddy1]

nobody asked, brother jarret.

[@ShirleyMalia]

Me too

[@davidreinacher7653]

Same

[@BIGDAWGTEMP]

I like this I live in Charleston & I always see these ships

[@roberthall140]

been at sea for almost 30 years unfortunately the Australian coast from governments selling out to multinationals loved the video thanks for sharing your experience

[@stefanmru919]

you regret doing this job ? i m young and i want to do it too

[@boblatkey7160]

Nothing unique there!

[@eastwindfl]

nice content Joe. I ran pleasure yachts, mostly east coast and Caribbean then morphed into yacht sales. I enjoy your positive delivery mate!

[@chitownbear7733]

God bless you bro. You are a real American who works every day, even without overtime sometimes, to get the job done. This work is the backbone of our economy and you guys don’t get enough respect. Gratitude bro

[@C-130-Hercules]

This was a great adventure! 🚢 I miss traveling the world 🌎. Just like you said… “everything starts looking the same”…. I Totally agree. I look forward to your next adventure!

[@JoeFranta]

thanks man, trying to work on some new videos now

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

@@JoeFranta just found your channel, but I'm looking forward to it. I am a Mate and work western rivers, but I'm always eager to learn more details about other opportunities in maritime. Great content, btw!

[@craigrmeyer]

No one else is making videos like this. No one.

[@EanestoB0rg9-s1h]

Cool channel, I'm a small sailboat skipper so it's interesting to get a view from the bridge of one of those huge ships.

[@williamchristian8705]

Well done video. Good pace. And structure. It looked a bit fun but also I’m sure it could get boring. I’d of done it back when I was younger I’m sure. It’ll be something you’ll really think back on when you’re older. My Dad was a Merchant Marine during WW2 in Adak,Alaska. He always talked about it as he got older. But thank for a very well made video. I enjoyed it.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

I did it a bit when I was younger, 18 in fact. Too young. Had an exciting social life at the time, which slowed to a complete halt while on the ship. No movies then, and no internet. Sure, there were a few interesting sights to see, but the boredom was unbearable. I resigned after just one round trip, and never went back. Several decades later, I think I could do it again today, and even enjoy it. I’m used to a less hectic life, and could probably manage the slow pace now.

[@Rzon0810]

​@@sirrathersplendid482518 is too young that age humans would love a crazy hard grind pace this job is good for 20s 30s

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

Hell of an adventure for a young man.

[@chemicle]

Loved it - wondered what it would be like on container ship. Now I know - thank you for sharing your journey.

[@corporalpunish6089]

As a old Sea-Lander, it still doesnt sit well with me that the US was willing to subsidize foreign carriers but let all the US carriers like SL, Lykes, USL, and APL slip into oblivion. Glad there are still SIU jobs though. Thanks for the videos to remind me of the old days.

[@LxgxndsNeverDie]

Hey Lykes is my last name

[@robertirvin927]

Ahoy sailor! Thanks for the amazing videos! Safe travels fellow mariner

[@JoeFranta]

thanks for watching!