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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@billsmotrilla6215]

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

[@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

[@Johnny_Shadow]

Same.

[@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!

[@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!

[@soggybottom3463]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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! 🤣

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@knifemaker2472]

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

[@JoeFranta]

glad you enjoyed them

[@jaimz33]

Heres a little tip from an old seadog regarding a rolling sea, take a hammock with you its like sleeping in a gimble and stays still while the ships rolling.

[@olyboy95]

Exactly what I was thinking. Our ancestors figured that out, was kinda surprised that it wasn't shown here. I'm starting a QMED program with a local academy, and a hammock is the first thing I'm packing.. wherever I get hired on

[@rompompomkladivo6623]

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

[@williamgoodrick4367]

Looks like a fantastic job for a young adult.

[@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 .

[@davidlesley1328]

Thanks!

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@t-yoonit]

The tanker stache closely resembles a firefighter stache for the exact same reasons. Gotta get that mask seal.

[@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.

[@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.😃

[@benjaminbrown45]

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

[@rockkitty100]

Great editing with the sock scene! LOL

[@deanlawson6880]

Wow. Great video! LOVE the northern lights at 12:00 !! I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights, I bet that was awesome!!

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@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

[@lmlmd2714]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@BTScriviner]

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

[@jameswardle7977]

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

[@rags417]

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

[@nohphd]

I live on the Columbia in SW Washington. I thought maybe this was the tanker Ohio which loads up with ethanol once every week or two and then does the West Coast delivery from Long Beach to Anacortes but I saw it was the American Endurance instead. Beautiful ship. At 8:26 you passed by Stella WA on the Columbia and I could see my house up on the hill. Fantastic video, keep up the excellent work!

[@JoeFranta]

Thats so cool. What a great place to live. Thanks for watching!

[@sonnyyang5167]

I’m resting through open heart surgery in the hospital now. Your videos have been great.

[@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! :)

[@Daniel58bjuyghbn37]

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

[@lux_33333]

Amazing video, keep them coming. Greetings from Europe

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

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

[@fideliselan]

The "Tanker Stache" bit, had me rolling...

[@LittleArtisticNook]

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!

[@skoodadoo]

Awesome, Joe! Great video man

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

You do have a knack for these. Voice,editing Etc. I just found you. I felt same way about trucks. God gave me every great job I applied for.retired now but miss it every day.

[@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.

[@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. 🤭

[@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.

[@cloroc]

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

[@tommytfaa]

I uses a hammock and it helps with the rolls

[@ChrisJupin]

I've loved watching all the videos, Joe. Could you do a video about the gear you use?

[@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.

[@aaronwalsh5000]

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

[@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!

[@GoranVinko]

Thoughtfully done . You've put a great deal of time editing this movie. Also, music, just haunting.

[@jame2182]

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

[@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.

[@carlbrooks68]

It is so kind of you to share the Videos and Events while on the ship. It is Just Beyond Words..

[@Hotblackdesiato4242]

Sal sent us here.....absolutely great content!! Already a loyal fan.

[@northernoutdoorsmandave9067]

Thanks for another great educational video. Happy sailing Joe.

[@Maik_Grnto]

We took one of the Columbia river pilots by helicopter as well, they had a helluva time trying to put the guy onto the deck of our research ship.

[@JoeFranta]

Oh man I could imagine, those guys are wild. Where did they end up putting him down?

[@Maik_Grnto]

@@JoeFranta they tried on our foredeck first, which was the most open spot on the boat, but aborted and ended up putting him down on the back deck which had way more stuff out there for him to hit but he made it down safely.

[@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!

[@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!

[@kevinbrooks1104]

Worked in the graveyard of the pacific, Columbia mouth and pacific ocean, on a tugboat .ahhh to be young again

[@marzymarrz5172]

I think Lewis and Clark made it to the Columbia River. Boy would they be amazed to see you all.

[@MikeE55]

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

[@smone5591]

Amazing idea Joe to catch the life of American flagged sailor. I did it for 30 years+ and bounced around ship to ship in the later years for the different runs and people. Although, tankers for me, were just for sea time and quick money . Unfortunately, I wish someone did some footage like you from the old days when sailing was fun!

[@paleolithband1806]

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

[@VEXG32]

I’ve always loved the ocean and being out on or near the water. Would love to find work on one of these ships.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always! Man the ship was like a corck. The ocean was flat! I can recomend Chief Makoi. He makes brilliant vlogs. So does JeffHK I hope you are well!

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks, Yeah I started watching jeffHK years ago, great videos

[@saltyoldseadog]

I once spent at a trip going back & to between the West Coast & Japan. We saw some great ports but the time at sea in between really was gruelling with the weather and constant motion. Pretty tiring stuff.

[@jaybuzz4ya]

I did offshore drilling in my younger days, this makes me wonder what would have happened if I transitioned to Merchant Shipping when I that dried up in the mid eighties.

[@JoeFranta]

Well hopefully it gave ya somewhat of an idea

[@onone9149]

When the ship rolls like that, a hammock sounds like a good idea

[@bobbyculpepper845]

Joe you bring back the time I sailed I did 10 years on the sea I no about the pitch

[@kevinhorton8509]

been there done that joe,right on the mark great clip i do miss the sea...too bloody old now

[@edsmith6464]

You sir, are a storyteller. Nicely done. Subbed

[@whathappenedtofreethinking6902]

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

[@cat6457]

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

[@zutzach]

I work on the escort tugs in prince William sound. Cool to see from the ships perspective. Great video!

[@JoeFranta]

Aw man thats awesome. Have you seen my Alaska video? Is that one of your tugs?

[@zutzach]

@@JoeFranta I did! It was sick. Yeah those are my tugs. I’m on the Bainbridge right now

[@JoeFranta]

@@zutzach Ha dude that's awesome. So cool you found the channel! thanks again for the kind words

[@smithy280663]

everything impresses me..........your job, your content and your choice of music!!!!!

[@slideryt]

And the 'Stash?

[@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.

[@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.

[@jacobdueholm9855]

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

[@pepere2205]

Best sleep I ever had -- on a bunch of pillows laid against the bulkhead with my bunk triced up about 45 degrees, ship rolling nicely, and the diesels droning in the background....

[@einahpetshumphrey1639]

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

[@rodfast8196]

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

[@georgiannacook8874]

Thank you for doing these videos. My experience is basically whale watching trips and once on a trip to orca Island on a Washington State ferry. That was awesome for us. As someone who worked in corporate America and was involved in logistics the nearest I got to ships and other modes of transportation was the journal of commerce. You have an interesting life and you make it interesting for all of us who are armchair sailors. Stay safe and keep on making these wonderful videos.

[@achum2sum]

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

[@gregmerritt4278]

Loving the videos joe. I looked up the ship you were on and it was built at the Philadelphia shipyard near my house.