WORKING IN ALASKA ON AN OIL TANKER | LIFE AT SEA

[@hugoknight1]

You are a gifted storyteller, Joe. Nobody sets the mood of the seas like you do.

[@JoeFranta]

thanks hugo. glad you enjoyed the content

[@deetempleton80]

Walking in a Winter Wonderland. You had me singing. But when you said it was F'''ing cold I didn't know that song..ha ha

[@robertlevasseur6843]

I have watched a few of your videos. The photography, editing and sound tracks are outstanding, but there are many KZbin videos with these qualities. What sets your work apart is the narration. You use concise and precise language, delivered with the right intonation. Joe, you are the Ernest Hemingway of KZbinrs. Remarkable work.

[@JoeFranta]

Wow, thank you so much. I'm so very glad you're enjoying the content. Thank you again for the kind words

[@chrisrudek2076]

👍agree

[@allelopath]

Hemingway? In that case, keep watch for a white whale.

[@gingerweiland7925]

Concise and precise language? Dropping F bombs? I think you need to look up what "trashy" means and change your verbage.

[@joeheid4757]

@@gingerweiland7925 Heads up everybody! Karen has entered the chat!!

[@Marcsadventure]

You're a cool guy Joe, I'm really enjoying watching your videos here in Ireland

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks, Marc! Hope all's well in Ireland

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

You are a awesome poet, Joe! Your videos are a pleasure to listen to and to watch. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@Adventuregirl96]

My husband tells me stories about going to the Antarctic on an icebreaker. Hard cold work followed by unique beauty that few people get to see or experience. I get the same feeling watching your video's. Oh, and he enjoys them too.

[@gusmoney7828]

For a guy who’s just a sailor. U sure are motivational. Words of wisdom.

[@jamesalfredstrong8106]

Yeh he motivates me too 😊 your a rare breed of sailor 🫡

[@justinaubin5174]

As someone that worked on a tug in Alaska for 3 years, having someone on your boat enjoying the views for the first time makes a trip so much better. It’s such a beautiful place that if you let it will turn you bitter.

[@sohammhatre]

I really am interested in ships but was never able to watch videos sailors would make about their day to day lives onboard until I came across your channel and there's something unique that I can't point out and also that it is so raw and peaceful to watch. Never change mate, keep going and this channel shall grow!

[@tomservo5347]

I've spent an entire afternoon binge watching your channel Joe. You really have an artistic touch and capture the romance of the sea that only a salty seadog once knew but can now share with us all.

[@waltwenzel9549]

Joe, I left the sea a while ago, but my best experiences on the sea was as a Coast Guardsman in Kodiak. This video elicits strong feelings/memories of those times and the ruggedness of Alaska. Thanks. Nice job.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Quite a difference from your crossing of the Suez Canal. Illustrates the diversity of the planet, which sailors experience in their work. The northern lights and mountain backdrop are awesome. Thanks for posting!

[@robappleby583]

I have to say, I've had a pretty interesting and even adventurous life compared to most of the people I know, but videos like yours show me how little I've actually seen of what life has to offer. I envy you your youth and your spirit. Thanks for the great videos.

[@BTScriviner]

I love being able to share your journeys. What a thrill to see the northern lights. Your narration is poetic at times. Great video. 👍

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hawkinsdale]

FUUUUUUCK that ending was just stunningly beautiful, with gentle philosophical insight and sweet music. Thanks!

[@samschacker3973]

Hey Joe, the end of this video was really special. The way you craft simple words to convey something so profound is inspiring.

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks Sam, I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@Randomdude-i8x]

Your work pulls me in - never thought that container ship life could be so romantic - you're right, you will have to look for the beauty! Thanks for that life lesson!

[@briangately8104]

Another good one Joe. You're getting poetic and excellent job with the video. Keep um coming!

[@johnsanborn1371]

Really impressed with your channel. 24 years over the road truck driver from southern Wisconsin

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks John, welcome brother

[@tylerknight5667]

the way you talk about these trips give me chills

[@tylerknight5667]

i honestly dont understand how you done have 500k subs

[@JoeFranta]

Aww man, thank you my dude!

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

BRILLIANT HUGE SNOWFLAKES! Only ever saw them like that once before, in NH in 1978. They’re not usually that big when it’s windy. Thank you for your channel.

[@lindawoody8501]

Outstanding episode. Alaska certainly is a gorgeous place. My hubby and I have been there four times on vacation cruises so the usual ports. Plenty of beautiful sights. Thanks for sharing the wonderful video adventure of your days in Alaska on an oil tanker in the winter.

[@isabelibarra415]

Omg it’s so beautiful thank you so much young man 👨🏻 i have a big fascination for comercial planes and ships . If only I wasn’t so old and knew how to work all this new technology.. I only know the basics 😅 I’d ask u a million and one questions.. thank you for taking me out of Texas with ur videos so beautiful to see what’s out there through someone’s else’s eyes you rock!

[@truth4696]

I’m surprised this channel hasn’t blown up! Great videos man!

[@bryannaumann4127]

Joe thank you for all your videos. You never know who is watching and might be inspired or touched somehow.

[@adimeter]

Your videos are so marvelous and informative that I can't get any sleep. So thank you and goodnight for a few minutes. But I'll be back to continue soon!

[@laughingram7287]

I used to sail into Nikiski on Crowley tugs with oil barges back in the eighties. I remember the fast flowing water, the extreme tide changes, pancake ice and Beluga whales. I made a couple trips into Valdez in the nineties on the SS Thompson Pass. It was beautiful. I made the phone call home on the dock (before cell phones) and then they told me about a previous visit by a bear! Love your videos and your story telling. Ram

[@kenlynch6332]

FANTASTIC VLOG iIntweresting & Informative with sdupurb filming & editing 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulbenum]

From 2010 to 2020 i worked on a Fishing boat in the most northern part of Norway. i can actualyl feel the snow and cold again by wathcing this video. takes me back, great video man

[@uncertainzee]

I love your adventures! Engaging story telling!

[@JoeFranta]

Wow! Thank you so much Uncertainzee!

[@mikejung3908]

As usual Joe a perfect video, loved watching you putting salt on the deck, you have a talent to see the good side of every situation, oh and that dance you do? Love it, rock on.

[@michellemcalpine4443]

Jo , thanks for this. I'm in Scotland, 1st January 2023, 2241. Go steady Jo... and a very happy new year 🎉 😊

[@gregallen7795]

Love the videos man, u are definitely doing what u are meant to do and I to enjoy watching

[@JoeFranta]

Thanks for watching Greg apricate it

[@troyrosenthal8766]

I love these videos. It's gotta be amazing seeing so much of the world, even if accompanied with hard labor. So many ppl only know their tiny corner of the world, watching these show just how much is out there. Keep em coming bud

[@johnkennedy619]

Thank you for your awesome videos Joe😊

[@bigdarshan]

amazing...you are happy and content and loving your life and job!

[@erikhornby8557]

I love Alaska! Valdez is one of my favorite places.

[@urcousinfromboston9052]

Another gr8 1!! Alaska is quite the place !! Northern lights r something else, got to see them in Maine in 04, unreal stuff!!

[@leeolawardlaw994]

Watching from New Zealand how awesome are you for sharing your journeys 🤗

[@thejewishredneckprepper4675]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing. Shalom my friend

[@bobuncle8704]

There’s just something unique about you’re videos. I enjoy them very much.

[@JoeFranta]

Aww man, thanks for the kind words. glad you enjoy them

[@StonersListen]

Great stuff. Tough job but the views and the whole experience makes it worth it. You have a natural talent for making these videos. Your voice and personality is as peaceful as the views you describe.

[@JoeFranta]

Thank you so much Todd,

[@user-ot8gf5ns8z]

This made my eyes well up. It's a beautiful world out there, everywhere

[@Jcozz]

Really , really nice, you tell a story so very well. Thank you!

[@nickw7619]

What makes it even better is knowing your also from NJ... makes finding the beauty in the small things that much easier. It's beautiful up there. Keep up the awesome work

[@JoeFranta]

thanks for the kind words Nick,

[@SaltyNolan]

As a green 3/m that just passed license, i've got to say i love your vids and respect the route you've taken to get here. Thank you for your videos and helping promote the industry. Cheers brother

[@mhamdone6163]

I work in an office and vicariously live through your videos. Hope to get to Alaska soon!

[@JoeFranta]

You should!

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Valdez is amazing in the summer. We stopped there when we visited Alaska. The drive in is amazing. Waterfalls everywhere.

[@ryanm4013]

You have an absolute gift in your storytelling! I would watching anything you put out.

[@JoeFranta]

Wow, thank you!

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Your videography and narration skills are insanely amazing!

[@howieduwit2551]

This video was inspiring! A working man's poetry combined with fitting music and spectacular videography! 👏👏👏 Bravo!

[@janjager2906]

Wow man, everything on this video was awesome. The landscape, the northern light, the docking in Nikitski. The most northern I ever went was half way up the Baltic Sea, but I remember, it was cold! I was a ships engineer and even in the engine room it became cold because of the massive ventilation going on to provide air to the engines. It was so good to shut down a big part of that ventilation when the main engine was not needed when mored. Very cool to see the steam lance to de-ice, we did not had such equipment. I guess you have a lot of steam capacity on a tanker to keep the cargo on temperature.

[@knobbiesshreaded3137]

Seward's Folly... Dress for success. I like summers in Alaska best. Never seen the Northern Lights, you are lucky.

[@ianbauer4703]

"Take it away, Brenda!" LOL

[@mozdickson]

Quality work Joe. Absolute quality. Thank you, and Happy New Year! from NZ.

[@sharibrodersen704]

Love your videos, looking forward to lots more!

[@jackboling1675]

Thanks for the videos very interesting👍

[@Bill_N_ATX]

“Anywhere can suck if you let it.” Amen.

[@laura-ann.0726]

I'll be on an Alaska cruise next May that has a port call in Valdez. It'll be my first time there, and now I have an idea of what it will look like. Great video, Joe, thanks.

[@TonyMarony73]

These are very good Joe. Cheers from Finland.

[@JoeFranta]

thanks for watching Tony!

[@gregmerritt4698]

Hey joe. I just love the videos you are doing. I can shut everything else out and listing yo your story telling of your life at sea. From a fellow New Jersey resident great job and be safe. I like to buy you a beer and pizza one day lol.

[@JoeFranta]

Cheers brother, thanks for the kind words. next time Im in NJ i'll hold you to that!

[@kevin-hb1ex]

Thanks joe. Inspired me to go to piney point. Now on the Alaskan Legend (actually seen in this video) having the time of my life. I love it

[@Bjornontour]

A big big up for this video all the way from Stockholm Sweden,Joe!

[@jimheckert5383]

Fantastic Joe. Thank you 🇺🇸

[@danielberry4765]

Your videos are so relaxing.

[@simonpender8331]

Very nice, thank you.

[@KGDenomme]

Just found your channel! Obsessed dude! Love the videos on the ship, off the ship, everything bro! Subscribed and cannot wait for the next one! Thanks for all the hard work that goes into the videos. Appreciate you, Joe!

[@bretyoung1869]

Very interesting 🤔 Thanks 👍🏽

[@andrewlangridge8619]

Another cracking video, been to those very places myself n the mid eighties on tankers and yep, those Northern lights. M8, you have the right attitude to this job!

[@marione108]

Really VERY NICE video Bravo !!!!

[@Magnusintro]

Excellent stuff Joe, I'm shore side in the oil terminals. Bugger operating in that temperature!

[@JoeFranta]

Yea, I can't imagine. accouple weeks was rough for me

[@JimmyBagOfDonuts]

Your vids have got the best soundtracks.

[@shaun53355]

Being an ex seafarer myself, I am enjoying and learning your videos . Good work Joe.

[@JoeFranta]

Right on

[@manfredolson6889]

Anywhere can suck, if you let it. Well said. SUP OS here. Loving your vids!!

[@Addmoreboost]

I spent my Cadet time aboard the Seabulk Artic running between those ports: Alyeska Terminal in Valdez, and Kenai Pipeline company in Nikiski. Felt like a trip down memory lane watching these videos. Although, I wasn’t lucky enough to catch the Norhern lights. Very cool video.

[@none3988]

Well done my friend I liked it a lot it's very interesting if I was a little younger I would probably follow right behind you!

[@michaelcrosby6071]

The dance moves are great 😊

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

My grandfather made that run several times in the late 70s just after the pipeline went in before he retired. He said it was the most beautiful country he'd ever seen but was also the coldest he'd ever been.

[@brakel8r]

thanks bro...that end was just what i needed Peace and God bless

[@Atlas2040]

You are part of what has inspired me to go this route as a career.

[@JoeFranta]

aww man thats awesome Aaron, best job in the world...

[@TheSocalHandyman]

Valdez is beautiful!!

[@JoeFranta]

breath taking man

[@joekjoe1]

I agree with last guy and I also think your videos are amazing, but for people that are watching that want to get into the industry…. It would be nice to have more details. Like how many hours do you work a day? How much down time do you have? How many meals and snacks do you get? Can you work out on every ship you work on? What do you do with free time? What is there to do on ship when you have free time? Stuff like that. Much appreciated. Keep up the great videos. Joe ( Lakeland Florida )

[@JoeFranta]

thanks for watching and the kind words, glad you're enjoying the content. Check out my Day in a Life video

[@chrisstockman904]

You're a great story teller Joe, well done.

[@will5286]

Hey, Just came across your vids-I like that you are becoming more insightful/philosophical about your adventures. The more that you can say about your various environments, and experiences the more watchers will be interested IMHO. I used to run tugs on the east coast-lots of similarities with your gigs. I was able to miss the extended joys of Piney Point -but I really recommend that path for young folks without much to build on yet--SIU is much better now, I hear. Work on tugs and ships seems pretty similar, though you guys definitely have alot more slack time-and better pay/conditions to start with than I did (early 90s). But i build solid ship handling skills early on-as they became able to trust me-even before I made AB. I would recommend someone to consider go the OS, AB path on tugs for several years, then maybe work up to coastal/offshore ships once you have all your tickets and a bunch of pilotage. Most tug companies do equal time on and off ship-mine was three weeks cycle-so 180 days sea time per year unless you pursue more. We did 12 hour days- 6 on/6 off-Captains watch 6-12 with an AB, OS and Engineer, Mate watch 12-6 with OS, asst engineer and AB on call. Good memories Fair Winds.

[@kevinwpatterson]

As usual. Great video and narration.

[@HiwasseeRiver]

I lived north of Valdez for 5 years. It was a big treat to go there because they had a nice grocery store. I hope you get to see the northern lights again - it's super cool when they are so intense that you can hear them.

[@iamlkk9932]

I have been working in Alaska on tanker ship last year at Kotzebue sound, Nunivak island and togiak bay.

[@jonp8336]

Cool Video!

[@christopherleelewis21]

My new favorite channel.

[@zareeftashfique8168]

Fantastic video

[@robmez]

Very enjoyable and well put together

[@TheJuggernaught5000]

You done did it again!!!

[@4.9copblank49]

Really great video!

[@monsieurgidge8028]

i lived in Kenai for 12 yrs. And worked turnarounds at that plant every summer . Unacal . winter , worked in cook inlet on the production rigs. i worked for a construction company in Nikiski called Quick Construction.

[@bubblehead78]

I really like your videos. This one was great!

[@delphilungwyn5308]

Never thought I would miss Valdez...but I do.⚓

[@JoeFranta]

so pretty

[@jaybrown5661]

Awesome

[@evelinepessers9463]

Thank you so much for sharing 🌻

[@christopherfisher7805]

Dear Joe, you can keep my share of " Romantic winter wonderland". I'll settle for sun kissed, balmy , tropical evenings under my awning, whilst I wear my gym shorts. Grumpy grandad Chris - Over!!!

[@mcqueenjoe]

Average snow in Valdez Alaska? 305 inches. They shovel it UP and off their roofs

[@JoeFranta]

freaking crazy....

[@labauni3768]

i've really enjoy ur video, hope i work also on tanker around there !!! see you onboard sir.