SAILING ON A WEST COAST TANKER SHIP | LIFE AS A MERCHANT MARINER

In 2020 I flew out to meet a tanker in San Francisco. Spent 100 days sailing up and down the west coast, occasionally heading up to Alaska
JOE FRANTA'S SLOP CHEST (my store) slopchestsailorstore.com/
INSTAGRAM: / franta.joe
MY RV CHANNEL / @joefrantarv
#siu #merchantmarine #lifeatsea #sailor #tankership

[@TheMartymar1976]

22 years in the US Navy, when I retire I'm thinking about being a merchant mariner, I love the sea!

[@danielbornhoeft7803]

Start working on you Merchant Marine Credentials 6 months before you get out. A lot of the fees will be waived, because you are on active duty.

[@gweminence1]

They only credit 50% of USN sea time towards credentials. (Because Navy ships spend so much time tied up). However, with 20 years, you should be good for some advanced creds.

[@aleksandarsavkovic1237]

I allways wonder what its like in the navy do you mind explaining a bit i love the sea and protecting people is a respectful job but i never really knew what its like

[@johannsebastianbach9003]

Sailing to foreign waters and looking for trouble

[@johannsebastianbach9003]

Sailing to foreign waters and looking for trouble

[@felixraimondo1774]

The story telling, the video, the music, the singing are so well done and you can paint. Thank you for sharing.

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rtnorton2565]

I was a bit stunned by the Bon Iver song. Please pass along appreciation to the singer.

[@liamh9814]

I like the slow narration, no “hey guys,smash a like”.

[@eltrokerodelasalsa8963]

@@JoeFranta Is hard to get a job in the ship wat we have to do ?

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@JoeFranta always wondered what the job of a merchant marine was. These videos gives you an excellent view of what the job entails! Thanks for the videos.

[@hengineer]

"The modern American Sailor is one of the World's Best Painters". "Once over Dust, Twice over Rust" =-P

[@JoeFranta]

HAHA, thats right. i was hoping someone would enjoy that comment

[@davidwelch6796]

You have an amazing skill of not saying very much but telling us a great deal. Thank you for taking the time to let people like me, who have no experience of the ways of your life, begin to understand a little about the merchant navy.

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks for the kind words Dave,

[@sylvesterblue]

Come to think about, that is very true

[@gman1010]

Just feel I have wasted the past 35 years stuck working in an office. What a great video, thanks for sharing

[@k.s.9400]

You and me both brother

[@CundaliniWantsHisHandBack]

Same.

[@erikscribner970]

The cuts back and forth between you rolling around putting socks on and the view from the bridge were hilarious and so well done. Thanks man!

[@JLBREMER]

I've worked at a call center for 10 years now (sadly) hated every last minute of it. The feeling you must feel of being free on the Ocean and the money must be amazing. Shout out to you guys doing it and not just wishing like us. Great video !!!

[@aurigacars8016]

Get out there and change your life you are only here once. It’s never too late.

[@nitongpelingon8374]

My father my grandfather and my uncle together with most of my male cousins here in the Philippines are sea fearers. A salute to all seamen!

[@gyrene_asea4133]

Had to watch when the Tanker and West Coast came up on the screen. Dad was a tanker specialist from the '60s thru to retirement and Skippered many years on the run that you depict. He was an AB in 1941, went thru New Haven MM as a cadet in 1942 and sailed until 1985. RIP.

[@SWExplore]

I had recently found your channel, Joe, and I really like it a lot. Your adventures on commercial ships is truly exciting and something I had never had the opportunity to do in my office job. Thanks for the ride!

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you're enjoying the content, thanks for the kind words

[@garysullivan5285]

Same here! I just discovered your channel a few days ago and already subscribed immediately.

[@garysullivan5285]

Hey Joe I just discovered you channel a few day ago and immediately subscribed. I actually started with the video of a tour of your room on a container ship then watched the other Merck container ship videos and now obviously watching your west coast tanker journey. I live in Philly and not to far from the ports here. How am I able to sign up for something like this. I already have a engineering background but just looking to see the world also. Thanks joe and safe travels!

[@billsmotrilla6215]

Everything about this is awesome! The storytelling, music, videography, and overall vibe. Please keep making these!

[@tomm4423]

"Hey Ma", From where else would you sing that song, ...but from the helm of a freighter. A beautiful moment. Thank you to the singer, and you Joe.

[@jznnotjason]

Not sure why the algorithm suggested these videos, but damn I’m glad it did. Great story telling about an industry I have had no exposure to. Thanks for sharing.

[@northwestsailor526]

Oh snap! I just finished the video. “You want rain on the ship, just start painting”. Mark was the relief bosun when I got on my current ship. Did my first month here with him. Small world.

[@kennethkunz2449]

Joe I totally agree with the last guy, Bill. Your videos are whimsically charming in a magically quaint way, plus including little outrageous treats such as a whispered: "EFF-you Djibouti". The talented theme music, which I think you sometimes do yourself, is perfect. The cinematography and scenery enthralling, and your matter-of-fact, ordinary-guy narrative simulates just how I might feel if I were trapped working on a floating prison. Each of your videos is a delightful vignette of the life of a hardworking guy trying to make it through a sometimes impossibly tough world. Thank you sincerely Joe - I confess that I wouldn't last a week in your shoes on one of these sailing adventures!

[@Trapper4265]

That was a beautiful song D.J. sang, and he sang it a capella, impressive. I love the "Tanker Stache." I've heard them called "flavor savers." LOL! 🤣

[@neilpk70]

It'd be awesome if there were more channels out there that showed what people's jobs are like on a day to day basis as well as this one does. Joe's almost got me convinced to run away to sea for the first time at 52 years old.😃

[@benjaminbrown-bi6vw]

I'm 45 and just applied for the SIU unlicensed apprenticeship Program at piney point. Hopefully I get accepted.

[@macworks9389]

I remember rolling like that and I always thought it would have been a good idea to have a hammock like they did on the old warships before I got in the Navy. Alaska and the Aleutians. Magnificent desolation

[@henryjohnson-ville3834]

I was about to say something relating to a bed made with a gyroscope-like tech so it sways the direction of the ship but hammock is an easier explanation. 🤭

[@jibbymcbeet]

What an epic video. You’re not a sailor. You’re an artist, Joe.

[@JoeFranta]

Aw man, thanks for the kind words Matt, glad you're enjoying them

[@dionnemichael7]

I work as a production scheduler in an oil refinery. It was really cool to see what happens on a crude/chemical tanker. After all they are not just dots on Marine Traffic. Thank you for sharing! Loved it.

[@IvanJrgensen-is7xe]

This is not a crude or a chemical tanker, it’s a product tanker… sorry…

[@ghnanrohit3029]

It's a chemical tanker not crude or products but it can carry all three I work in similar ships

[@soggybottom3463]

Excellent. 90 percent of people have no idea what makes the world tick. Thanks for reminding us, great job.👍👏👏👏

[@williamgoodrick4367]

Looks like a fantastic job for a young adult.

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Just watching the pitching and rolling makes me want hurl.. Lol I'm glad there are folks who are able to do what you all do.

[@joeblow5037]

spent 7 months on the USS Nimitz (Marine Air) I tell people all of the time that it was awesome from leaving muddy, murky Norfolk.......to waking up the next day to the most beautiful blue water and dolphins jumping alongside the rear hanger deck elevators. 🐬🐬 In another life I could have been a merchant marine. but alas, in landlocked Oklahoma 🤠

[@laneprestwich6994]

Wher abouts in Oklahoma

[@joeblow5037]

@@laneprestwich6994 okc

[@laneprestwich6994]

@@joeblow5037 cool I'm a born and raised okie been here 31 years just 2 hours south of you in waurika.

[@joeblow5037]

@@laneprestwich6994 Rock on, fellow Okie 🖖

[@alphadragongamingFTW]

Hello Fellow Okie! :)

[@CarsCatAliens]

As many other people have stated. Great editing and story telling.. since age 10 I knew I was going to,and wanted to cook. Age 14, started tech school. Started getting paid to cook at age 15, head chef age 19... Cooked for 22 years. Now I'm disabled.. But man if I didn't have a career chosen that young, this would have been a great career for me.

[@jamesbillington5058]

When sailing for the SIU, I always remember that exciting feeling one has when their relief shows up and you are heading home. Great video Joe (SIU 1982-1987).

[@MrBillagordon]

Relief, and you cash out

[@Daniel58bjuyghbn37]

Commenting as a Photojournalist with about 40 years experience, I really enjoy your storytelling. Keep up the good work.

[@phillligawa4790]

I bumped onto one video and I have binged on them for the last few hours . You guys are braver than me to go into the open seas .

[@paleolithband1806]

Dude....this might be my favorite The sailor song in the middle, northern lights and fresh crab.....ueaaah buddy 👍

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Joe, what a fantastic documentary style video! Someday you are going to win an Academy Award for a short nonfiction film.

[@cat6457]

Thank you Joe for another great video. They are so interesting and you do such a great job.

[@CurlyLemongrass]

Great content! and well put together. This brought back memories of being stationed in Alaska..many moons ago.. Northern lights were breathtaking ..

[@BTScriviner]

Just came across your channel. Love being able to follow along vicariously on your travels.

[@skoodadoo]

Awesome, Joe! Great video man

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I get so sick from the slightest motions, I couldn't have sailed those seas that you did, Joe. I could see that you were not having fun, but you still did your job and that is amazing!

[@psykonect]

I found your channel some days ago and love your content. It's nice that the KZbin algorithm is showing your channel to new people, you definitely deserve it.

[@wdsracer]

Fantastic video. thanks for taking me along.

[@titus142]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@ritaloy8338]

I do remember being on the helm on the Columbia River and it is quite a sight. We picked up the Bar Pilot just past the Columbia Light Ship and transferred the Bar Pilot with the River Pilot at Astoria Bridge before going to Portland.

[@rompompomkladivo6623]

Yeah, the channel is really cool. Love everything about it. Keep doin ya thang Joe!

[@craighellberg4366]

I lived in Seattle for many years and spent lots of time in the San Juan‘s. I miss all the water. Thanks for sharing your experience and I really like the music in this video. Never heard of these guys but I’m definitely going to purchase the album.

[@jacobdueholm9855]

I just discovered this channel. I’m living my sailing dreams through you now😄🤩!

[@jameswardle7977]

Just started watching your videos a million miles apart from your life being a farmer! Great videos 👍👏🏼 stay safe.

[@lmlmd2714]

Just discovered this channel and I love it. Great music... the views... the story - love it :)

[@matthewgoss562]

Recently came upon your channel. Great videos Joe. Thank you for showing us the life of a merchant mariner

[@mikel9567]

Love your videos. Anacortes is my neck of the woods. I almost went to work at the refinery you were at, but decided working in public works and fixing roads was a better fit. Not sure if you knew it, but Anacortes is actually on an Island. It's called Fidalgo Island. Keep the videos coming.

[@paulshepherd1348]

Another very interesting informative video. Fascinating really... I have grown to hate my job as it now stands. I just feeling doing something like this... it looks one hell of an experience.

[@michaelglewwe46]

Just recently stumbled onto your channel, loving the videos, very well made, and makes me think back fondly of my time on a buoy tender in Alaska when I served in the USCG. Kinda wish i had stayed at sea when i got out now. Stay safe out there! Subscribed!

[@knifemaker2472]

Great videos. Interesting to see a profession most of us know nearly nothing about. Thanks!

[@JoeFranta]

glad you enjoyed them

[@divelbiss36]

It’s pretty cool to see this video of you coming into anacortes, I work on a tugboat and we go to anacortes all the time to bunker ships. I noticed vane brothers bringing in a barge on the other side of the dock at the refinery.

[@rags417]

Man I love learning new stuff ! The Tanker-stache - who knew ? Thanks for a great channel and a great video !

[@rndycttn007]

Joe thank for the cool videos, especially this one on west coast tanker runs. I have been curious about these tankers as that when you were going to and from Anacotes Washington, you cruise right past my house on Guemes Island. That is the small island on the north side of the channel directly across from Anacotes. We hear the tankers coming and going not from the sound of the ship but the tug boat escorts, they have a rumble that you can feel. Thanks again for the info.

[@tommy2cakes287]

Great, great video. Thank you

[@RICKROCKERTHEORIGIONAL]

Hi Joe, Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@ianbauer4703]

Great job, sir, thanks for posting!

[@hashbrown8670]

I stumbled on this channel because there was a bulk carrier outside our vacation cabin in Ocean Shores WA. My research on that vessel lead me here and I am really enjoying the content, great job!

[@jeffvandenberg8422]

So cool. I'd love to do a trip like this. I see the tankers all of the time at work. Cheers. Take care. Stay healthy.

[@JoeFranta]

thanks mate you too

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

07:50 Italian-made Agusta A109SP helicopter (reg. N301CR), used to transfer the Columbia River Pilot to/from the ship, via winch.

[@achum2sum]

thanks for the sailor song, our surrounding environments are awesome if we take a moment

[@whathappenedtofreethinking6902]

Great jam in this video. Definitely giving off some great vibes.

[@dustykatz2744]

Your videos are great, really enjoying them. Thanks

[@The4GunGuy]

NEVER even thought about navigating a constant 20 degree role for hours or days! I just found your channel and sub'd immediately. Really like your honesty and style without any of the "reality show" like drama. This looks like a great job for someone young and wants to see the World. Thanks for putting this all together!

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you're enjoying the content

[@Boddav]

Nothing better than a Happy Ship!

[@localcrew]

Another great video. The narration is excellent. The music is on point. Two thumbs up!👍👍

[@BilltheTulaneGuy]

THE Tanker stache. Nice editing. Sorta cool. Thanks Algorithm!

[@jobu88]

On the carrier the rolling motion was great for sleeping. Sometimes we'd get into a kind of corkscrew roll where the nose would go down, then roll to the left, then the nose would come up, and roll back to the right. It put you to sleep in no time.

[@munenex]

I would carry a hammock if allowed. It must be the best feeling

[@laughingram7287]

Hey Joe, I recently found your videos and they have brought back so many memories! I worked on Crowley tugs based out of Seattle to and around Alaska, Hawaii and up and down the West Coast from 1980 to ‘87. Then I worked on all kinds of ships from ‘87 to 2009 all around the world. I married my wife in 2015 and have been able to show her your videos and tell her this is exactly what it was like! You fighting the rough weather was a great example! It was cool initially and then it gets old real quick. The tugs were like a roller coaster- just hang on! The ships would roll and everything had time to slide. The SA would come by my office and pick everything back up. I had to tell him to just leave everything on the floor. I couldn’t make out what you said about the American sailor at the beginning. Love your images. Nice work. Keep it going. Ram Chief Engineer Retired AMO

[@JoeFranta]

I'm so glad you and your wife are enjoying the videos! I said American Sailors are the worlds best painters, LOL joking of course. Thanks again for tuning in and your kind words. Hope you're enjoying your retirement

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Dude, your videos are so great. Thank you!

[@terrydawkins9936]

In my younger days I dreamed of being a Merchant sailor…..but I joined the US Navy…..after watching these videos I’m known I made the right decision….had wonderful liberty in si many ports. Bravo Zulu to Merchant seamen…..it wasn’t fir me….Navy was where I belong

[@vaughnhill3437]

I just started watching your videos today. This is the second one. Its pretty cool to see life on a ship.like that in the type of perspective your doing it Gonna keep.watchung. great video set up. God bless and be safe

[@HiwasseeRiver]

Super neat - you can't beat the Alaska views.

[@edsmith6464]

You sir, are a storyteller. Nicely done. Subbed

[@jame2182]

You are so fun and funny. It's a pleasure to enjoy your existence and experience vicariously

[@jasonschuurman2616]

Thanks for sharing mate.😀

[@aaronwalsh5000]

Man chills with buddy singing bon Iver over working footage and nature shots bravo

[@nickm433]

I spent few years working for an inspection company in Washington and Oregon, I recognize those docks and did alot of work on those tankers. Wonder if we ever crossed paths. I definitely spent time on the endurance.

[@einahpetshumphrey1639]

Love the music on this one Joe!!! And all the staches ❤

[@Max-ye9xg]

Seem like a great group of guys really made the trip good

[@BruceHubbell]

REALLY COOL IDEA ... LETS GO !

[@martinstepetin1167]

Beautiful singing

[@mikejung3908]

Wow, what a life, Alaska I can only dream of Alaska, what a a lucky man you are, thank you for sharing these amazing storeys with people like me who will never see such beauty.👍👍👍

[@MikeE55]

Great videos, so well filmed. All the best from Wales, UK.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Great singing

[@lux_33333]

Amazing video, keep them coming. Greetings from Europe

[@jimjacobson8758]

Truly amazing videos! I grew up on portage lake near Lake Superior so I saw a lot of Lakers! There was a coal yard down the street where I grew up in the 50s, used to watch the self unload era work it, loved it! Now I live in St. Paul Mn so I have to go up to Duluth to see Lakers & salties. Nothing but river traffic here. Love your work, the Alaska footage was great, especially the northern lights! I was in Alaska one time on my way to Vietnam by air! Look forward to seeing more videos. Remember.. doesn’t matter how you get it done, as long as you’re having fun! Godspeed & be careful out there!

[@whereshunter6354]

Recently discovered this channel, saw your post..live in Calumet. Cool videos, I'm living vicariously through Joe!

[@breadlowry]

For about 5 yrs, I lived in the west side of Prince William Sound, opposite Valdez. Gorgeous wild country. Work at a salmon hatchery. Used to see cruise and freighters heading into Whittier. Amazing machines.

[@rightsideupvt]

Great song !

[@r.c.l2569]

Thanx for sharing, good stuff.

[@rodfast8196]

Excellent video. I always wondered what it's like on a ship.

[@cloroc]

Great video man. You've got a real talent. Thanks for bringing something great to KZbin.

[@kona6451]

Love your videos. It's fun seeing one close to my home of Bellingham WA. Wish I would have done adventures like this when I was your age.

[@kens.8834]

This video is a work of art !

[@billwilliams9527]

I like this video, gotta watch some more.

[@flemmingmadsen2101]

Tanker stache :O) Your videos brings back fond memories, from my days in the Danish mechant navy. Thank's for sherint them.

[@LittleNookBargainShop]

Love your journey’s! The images from Alaska are so amazing, I would love to go there someday. That sailor who is singing is great; to sing acappella is not easy. I’m enjoying your channel!

[@duanedragon2]

Love the 'stache! As i struggle though another day many times I have imagined living a life more exotic and yours ranks right up there. I will keep my 9-5 for because it is my life and it is my wife and I can see how yours is too. Liked and subscribed.

[@jamesbradshaw4675]

Amazing film very interesting

[@mikesassone716]

Great video brother. Fellow SIU member here. I’m currently the Chief Steward on The Waters. Stay safe out there.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

When I saw the snow and breaking ice, first thing I thought was - “well, at least he’s not pulling crab pots”. 😂 Binging on your vid’s now… great job… really enjoyed the vids of you going through SIU…they’d make great promotional vids. I have some friends whose kids are in SUNY Maritime.. little glimpse into what their life is like. Thanks.

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you're enjoying them! thanks

[@seandoherty7033]

Only just started watching your videos , great music great content and thought gone into it , I can relate to your videos , I'm from Liverpool a port city I've worked in the port but most of my working life has been offshore around the world on all types of vessels working the decks to being a crane op on drillships , construction ships to semi-subs . From the freezing waters off Greenland and the North sea to the long Atlantic swells off Brazil , the Med to South Asia to South east Asia South China sea and far east shipyards of South Korea , missed my kids birthdays missed weddings and funerals but it's been some journey , sometimes I think shall I jack it and then think what for land based boredom . Carry on mate it's a great life even though sometimes the stress can come with it , you meet the most interesting people as well as arsholes lol , had them mustache episodes as well

[@howieduwit2551]

An old fucking salt! I love it! My grandfather would have drank with you! 👊 He was a Smith.