Listen to the Captain of Interlake Steamship Company's Mark W. Barker (Captain Paul Berger)

During media day for Interlake Shipping Company's newest motor vessel, the Mark W. Barker, we had a WONDERFUL opportunity to meet Captain Paul Berger and ask for his tips on how recreational paddlers and boaters can share the river with commercial maritime operators. WATCH, LISTEN, LEARN, AND SHARE this important information from an experienced Great Lakes freighter Captain so you can avoid an unfortunate headline.
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Before you head out on the Cuyahoga River for a paddle, please spend a few minutes on Share the River's "Know Before You Go" page for more tips on how to have a fun and safe paddle on Cleveland's hard-working, historic and scenic Cuyahoga River!
sharetheriver.com/cuyahoga-riv...

[@rustymshakelford7058]

He was my relief captain on the TDA 20 odd years ago. Good man

[@RioJudy]

Oh baby! They couldn’t have picked a better captain! He came from commanding the Mesabi Miner! He’s just the very BEST.

[@jacobrapin1284]

Wow, amazing speech by the Captain! I’m so happy to see this new ship sail the Great Lakes.

[@TOTALCAMARO]

All the captains and their crew’s do a great job maneuvering their ships either through a narrow river or coming in off the huge Great Lakes. Coming in towards the docks to load or unload is so fascinating to watch. I’m grateful to get to see them on the live cams or in person.

[@coldspring624]

Can only imagine what Cap has to put up with on the river. That being said it was a pleasure to see the Mark W.Barker Up in the Soo

[@briangustafson5757]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@robertbate5790]

Interesting interview. I needn't worry here in the UK, but I do watch a number of great lakes KZbinrs. I've seen a couple of near misses on video, and wonder how on earth people?e can be so careless. I am actually impressed by the skill of the crews who navigate the bridges and obstacles. Not a skill you can learn in a classroom 👍👍👍

[@user-fk8ry2cs5c]

Hi Cap I was one of many that built the Masbi Miner

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

It stands to reason that they’re not gonna turn over the newest ship on the Lakes to some B-lister. It has to be an honor.

[@difreighterwatcher8603]

As someone who tries to get great video of the Freighters as they sail the St Mary's river I always make myself aware of the distance I need to maintain from the Freighters and on more than one occassion I watch in horror as people are clueless as to the dangers of coming to close or putting themselves in the direct path of these ships.

[@Fortytwowheelman]

Years ago, when I sailed for Interlake. It was made perfectly clear to me, that I was working on one of their BOATS ! I sailed on the largest BOAT on the lakes. When did they trade in their fleet and now have a bunch of SHIPS ? Just asking.

[@pumacat1637]

All people need is some common sense while using the lakes and river systems and realize that there are others using it besides them

[@dansweet6793]

I like this Captain he seems like a down to earth but doing whatever it takes to get the job done. But my favorite Captain will be Captain Bernie Cooper and Don Erickson may they rest in peace. Good to know we still have great Captains out there.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

A little bit of common curiosity with the smaller pleasure crafts would go a long ways just like brake checking tractor trailers on the road

[@Madhouse_Media]

Looks like he not only got promoted, he actually looks younger now than he did two years ago 😂 Who's in command of the Mesabi Miner now?

[@scottburns2600]

A boater gambling with the commercial shipping lane is equivalent to trying to out run an active train crossing. You will lose and you will lose big

[@FreshwaterNautical]

Im assuming they have a guy "riding the bow" as we call it, giving distances and keeping an eye out on the bow as well.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

in the modern economy, not necessarily..... captains and there companies need to penny-pinch, meaning, as little crew as they can afford by regulation... (crew are especially expensive since, unlike machinery, they can resist ill-use) very often, a tug might only have as little as two people on watch... I am sure, the bridge we see here is of a rather well maintained and monetarily healthy operation, however, never expect that to be the case for any ship you see... a large percentage will be old barely sufficiently crewed vessels with minimal equipment.

[@jameseggert229]

watch out for booby big wheels , on lakes or rivers, he owns the water, a dork