My uncle and father both got their seaman’s cards before WW2. When the war started they both enlisted- but neither stayed in the Merchant Marine. They wanted to have the adventure of going to war. So they both ended up in the Army Air Corps, serving in Europe. I had 4 more uncles that served in the war also- they were part of a big Catholic family. One of my prized possessions is my dad’s union card from his time in the Merchant Marine. Thanks for sharing your life’s adventures with us. I traveled for many years working in construction, building power plants, mines and refineries as a boilermaker. I’ve told my kids I’ve worked from the Rio Grande to the North Slope and nearly every big industrial facility in between. Chemical plants, glass plants, pulp and steel mills, coal, copper, silver and gold mines, dams, and every type of power plant you can think of. Now I’m retired, living on a little farm in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and I enjoy learning about how other people earn a living. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Missile tracking ship hands down. After 45 years of going to sea on 10 different types of ships that is my choice. Joe I really enjoy your content. Stay safe out there.
Joe, I don't know if you hear this enough in the comments, but I am being 100% honest when i say this: your voice is so soothing you could do voiceovers for ads. Dial it in, focus on it, and you can make a living on voice acting alone. you made your money in the Merchant Marines, but you have a great voice presence. Cultivate that and you will be the influencer.
Joe, you’re such a great storyteller, it’s insane. Even a dense description becomes a strong and delightful narrative. Love you channel to the bone. Sail on mate !
Great vid. My old man was Merchant Marine for over 40 years and US Navy before that. He loved the life and was a MM poster boy for that Bogart type of hard drinking hard living hard loving guy...He had some AMAZING stories especially when he did not have to worry about cursing around kids (me!).Not my kinda lifestyle and he love it..
Hey Joe, I always wanted to work on a Great Lakes bulk carrier. I watched then all my life growing up around the Great Lakes and thought it would be my dream job. Now I'm old so I just watch them on U tube. I enjoy your channel. Boe
My Dad was on oil tankers for 25 years and he used to hate hauling asphalt and heated fuel because it would always melt his boots! Love your channel and brings back memories going onboard with my Dad helping him load his stuff on or off the ship!
I spent time on C-4 general cargo ships just as containers were being introduced. We carried everything! We went everywhere. The food was great. Most of the crew were ww 2 merchant marine survivors. One of the best experiences of my life. I love your videos. Thank you.
Well, I've sailed on all of these except the heavy lift ships--plus I've sailed on fishing boats, processors, tugs, and even tramped on roros--and by far the best ship to sail in my not so humble opinion is the box boat, container ship. Regular yes and short stays, but you can't beat the accommodations and usually plenty of OT..
What kind of ships pay the best out of all those you’ve been on? From the research Ive done I haven’t been able to find anything a better earning potential than tug boats, and every says cargo ship pay “depends on the contract”
@@patronofthearts23 it depends upon the contract that the union has made with that particular shipping company. Same as union tugs. All to say it’s difficult to impossible to compare ships and tugs. I have belonged to three different unions in my career and I’ve sailed both unlicensed and licensed. Obviously licensed positions will pay higher. Unlicensed the SUP pay is better than SIU- and Sailor’s rights are better protected. I don’t know what unlicensed tug pay is, so I can’t really compare. Tug pay is different in different locations too, so it’s impossible to compare. Sorry I can’t be more definitive for you.
Was a merchant mariner for 38 years. Favorite ships are the stick ships. Loading & unloading palletized cargo takes quite a while so you get plenty of port time. Also, these ships are not huge and so your chances of going to out of the way ports is much better. Worst ships are tankers,, poison chemicals.
100% agree. I was lucky enough to have sailed on a few old stick ships. My first ship was the Cleavland. It was buck wild. The last of the old characters were on the stick ships.
I have worked on Chemical tankers, Cement Carriers and Container/RoRo ships. The best fit for me has been the Container ship as I enjoy the steady schedule and daily routines. The 29 day hitch is better for me then the 45 days plus hitch I was doing on the Chemical tankers in the Canadian Arctic.
Good to hear from you again! I was in the US Navy for 17 years and was lucky enough to be stationed on both coasts, seeing ports around the world on an aircraft carrier and a guided missile cruiser (a lot of shore duty in between). It's great to see and hear from the merchant side of life on the high seas - thanks!
It's great seeing this from the other side of the berth. I work on a port in the UK loading and discharging chemicals. Met some great people and had some funny interactions.
Thanks for doing what you do on this channel. I’m retired, and while I would say I enjoyed my career, if I could turn back the clock, and if we had been able to have access to seeing the opportunities that are available (of course no internet or UA-cam in my youth) that most of us never were exposed to, I might have done something completely different. You are doing a service to the young people of this country by producing these videos. Thank you Joe
Thanks Joe! Fun to see your travels. I was a flight attendant for 20 years. My criteria for "ports" similar to yours. Liked the longer stays in Africa and Asia .
Joe!! Dude, my 8 year old son and I really love watching your videos. Thanks for taking the time to shoot, edit, and share them. Keep up the great work and stay safe, my brother 🤘🏼
Hello Joe. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. Your job is something I could never do. Lacking the ability to swim and having an unnatural fear of drowning and large bodies of water prevented me from joining the Navy. Don't worry, I still served, but in the Army. Your videos are absolutely fascinating to me and make the fears turn into genuine curiosity and even invoke dreams of traveling away from the land on a ship. Thank you for all that you do for all of us. Your efforts are never unnoticed, and never unappreciated. God bless you, sir.
Nice one Joe during my time at sea in the UK Merchant Marine 1970/85 my all time favourite ships were refrigerated cargo vessels we used to take general cargo out to places then load fruit or meat back to Europe.although sometimes we never went back to Europe just tramped around,the ships I was on all had derricks,so over hauling all the gear was fun good times back then plenty of port time
I'm not a seaman (a secret I suppose my screen name gives away) but I don't see a thing wrong with the Coolness Factor of ports being included in your Favorite Ship Rating. Cruise lines do it all the time and folks are paying THEM - in part - for the pleasure of spending at least several hours in interesting ports. I found your #1 choice personally amusing because there was once a time when I wanted to chuck it all, sell my belongings, and see the world by booking passage on tramp steamers. Not sure if that is even doable anymore in this post-COVID world... Great Video, Joe. Awesome storytelling; awesome videography, as always...thanks!
15:05 I immediately recognized the McMurdo Station pier, with the three dorms in the background! I wintered over there late 80s, then passed through MacTown to winter over at Pole in the 90s. I miss the ice (Antarctica) - you guys really get around!
Thanks for that Joe. always great to hear from you. I spent 36 years in the Canadian Navy on 7 different ships. The best one was a fleet tanker, when we did some very cool things. Awesome crew as well, a skilled captain too.
My brother was in the navy for 5 years then 35 years on a ocean going tug and barge. He was a chief engineer. I new threw him how life as a sailor was ,you bring back alot of memories for me , thanks joe! 17:11 ,7/22/24.
Nice to see some more regular content. Bon voyage for your next trip. If you ever work a car transporter into Avonmouth I'll happily meet you for a beer!
I just love your videos. I think it is great that you make videos and share your life and experiences at sea. I`m a norwegian master mariner and my son is an AB in the start of his career. Have a great day and take care!
Friends dad was a first mate on a great lakes bulker. It was a hard schedule to get use to at first but he ended up liking going to the same ports because you got to know people.
Love the video, Ships fascinate me so much, I’ve always wished I could tour a massive cargo ship. I don’t care much for Cruise ships, but the design of massive Cargo Ships are so intriguing. I’m really glad I found your channel
I was on the same cableship. DECISIVE. Met some good people, learned alot from well experienced deckies on there. Mr. Arcenio and Mr. Julian being two of them. And you're right about the cool places you get to go to.
Work at sea al my life been all over the place. But my favourite is coastal. Dry cargo vessels. Short voyages, small ports, mostly easy going in those small ports town closeby. Know some good pubs in most european ports haha. I am not much of a sailor, find the time at sea mostly boring, yes i can appreciate a nice quiet day at sea. As long as its no longer than 48 hours. Biggest attraction for me is the office is always in another place, another view, a new challenge, a different culture. Keeps your mind open for new things since the world is such a beutiful place Thanks for Vids you made enjoy them
Great video, thanks for sharing. I have to say I havent worked any of those ships. I work Deep sea tugboat and barge, anchor handling supply vessels. All the same company unlike your style of jumping around. The seamanship learned on where i work would far surpass yours but it isnt a competition. Also the sea conditions on a smaller vessel makes it hard to get sleep at times. But our crews are like family and all from the same areas for most part here in eastern Canada. Theres no better life that that of a seaman , its not for everyone. Ive seen grown men leave after their first trip, but if you have the stomach for it , its very rewarding work
Whenever Joe's videos come up his accent always brings me back home to Jersey. I grew up in Jersey but have lived in Alaska for over 30 years but Joe's accent always reminds me of where I grew up. Great Videos as well!
Joe your videos are fantastic. Please keep posting. I found you when you where on the great lakes been intriguing ever since. Keep up the great videos. 😊
Joe: Great series, truly facinating. My father-in-law was a merchant marine before his passing. I wish I'd talked to him more about his life on the sea.
Nice job on the video. You are apparently one of the rarer types of seamen out looking for new experiences and maybe a little adventure. Most of the seamen I worked with were simply supporting a family and making a living. Going to sea is a good profession for those with the right temperament. I’m a retired Skipper with nearly 50 years going to sea. Worked on a variety of ship types- Tankers, Bulk Carriers , Container Ships, Ro-Ro, Drill Ships and even a gig as Captain on a Training Ship. Enjoyed the work, the people and resolving the challenges that came along with the work. Sailed all over the world but rarely had time to spend ashore unless overseeing repairs in shipyards. Been out of the business for a few years now and still miss it.
Never been a merchant seaman, but traveled from Albany NY to Honduras and back to Red Hook on a banana boat. Even did the cooking for the crew one day in NY harbor. Been to NZ from Red Hook on a container thru the Canal with a stop in Tahiti. Brits on the banana boat and "real" sailors lots of women aboard during port calls for the sailors. Container ship was long sea days 21 total with only Norfolk, Savanah, Tahiti and Auckland for ports. Love your videos.
Love the channel! I wish you'd bring back jersey to your opening. My current and adopted city is new orleans but I always rep jersey as my home state. Keep up the great work, the videos hit the spot!
When I was young, I used to read books about crews that sailed the WWII C-1, C-2, and my favorite looking C-3, cargo ships. The Matson Lines of San Francisco and the Lykes Brothers Line out of Florida. The books were written by Howard Pease.
As a first-trip cadet in the British merchant navy (1970s) I was told by one of the older hands: your best ship will be your first ship, and your worst is always your last. He wasn't wrong. I shared your scoring criteria for ship types - Interesting routes, interesting cargoes, time in interesting ports. So classic old tween-decker general cargo ships (carrying anything from steel sheets, to fire engines to cameras, frozen lobsters and whisky, with 3 to 4 weeks on the Japan coast loading, similar at the other end) are top of my list. LPG tankers take the booby prize (nasty cargo, few ports, and those far from civilisation, long periods at anchor waiting for cargo to load). Thanks for your excellent series of films. Looking forward to hearing more about the heavy-lift ship!
Love your channel man. Found it by accident years ago and every once in a while I keep finding myself back here. Yesterday I applied for my TWIC and I am getting started on getting my MMC. I'm gonna pull the trigger and do a career switch.
Interesting list Joe - however, it changes with circumstances. As a married man, my number one was liner trade containerships. Europe to Australia/NZ - four months on, two off and as you said, a schedule so you can plan which was advantageous as a family. However schedules do move courtesy of the waterside workers unions in Aussie and Kiwi - I've spend weeks in Melbourne, Sydney and elsewhere on the NZ coast. Great for exploring but not getting home as planned can be disappointing.
Great video. I for the most part agree with your rankings. I disagree with #1. For me number 1 would be bulk. Specifically break bulk (old boom ships). They were forever in port and it was as you said always somewhere wild. You just never knew. Really talented guys on those old stick ships. They were almost all gone by the mid 90's. The Cleavland, Wilson, Advantage, Marylin, and Harriet were the only ones left I think. There were a bunch in the ready reserve fleet that you could make good money on when they do " Break outs". I was only ever on one heavy lift and it was terrifying at sea. Almost no freeboard and rolled beam to beam constantly in even flat conditions. Lots of great ports though but we were only there for a few days usually. Hellishly hard work. Those elephant feet were heavy. There wasn't a shackle we used that wasn't at least 50 pounds. I'd do 3rd place. I too worked on the passenger ships in Hawaii. Tied for 1st. ZERO money but lots of fun. Tankers suck. I hate running coastwise. The grey hulls (military) can be fun as well.
In the segment on Cable ships, you included a couple of clips that, if I'm not mistaken, were shot in Victoria, BC, at the Parliament building. I've been there a couple of times, and that waterfront promenade is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The marina basin has the Empress Hotel on one side, and the Parliament buildings on the other, with that huge lawn and park surrounding it. If you are just visiting for a day or two, Victoria is a wonderful place to do a walking tour. If you have enough shore leave time, take the bus up to Butchart Garden and walk around there for a day (June and July are when the flower gardens are at their peak). All of the islands in the San Juan and Gulf Islands that are at least a few square miles in area are developed, and the sea bed all over there is criss-crossed with power and communications cables to service the residents and businesses, so I can easily guess what you were doing in Victoria on a cable ship.
I was a British Merchant Sailor for 10 years from age 16. Love the vids brings back some great memories. Cheers. Favourite ship was a bulk carrier tramped all over the world for 13 months.
@@Steve-1963 opps sorry its my bad mate I spelled wrong. So i was asking do sailors from England have to pay income tax or its tax free if you sailing in international waters for certain periods of time in each contract (:
@@Steve-1963 thanks for the information. I have been sailing on container vessels for 8 years as an Indian citizen and we don’t have to pay tax in india if we sail more than or for 180 days straight. So my wife is from england so i was planing to move to uk therefore i just wanted to know about the tax system for uk sailors and I couldn’t really find anyone who could explain. But I appreciate your message .Thank you
Hi Joe..! I've been watching since your first video.. They are awesome..! The only ship I've been on was a ship that went across Lake Michigan.. But it's really hard to be out where you don't see land in any derection.. Keep up the good work.. and may God Bless..
hey joe, I got the easy answer, the one where you make the most money..tanker , container, bulk, or pre positioned,it's about what fills your pocket the fastest. class of 655 piney point lol enjoy the ride.. made the most sitting in the bay in diego garcia not even moving
Joe Thank you for sharing. I always wanted to be a merchant marine. you are helping me to see what my life would have been like if i choose that path. great story teller! enjoy! safe travels my brother
Hey Joe, im heading to piney point in a few weeks because of your vids thanks! 2 questions 1) If you are in port for 3 weeks are you still getting paid? 2) What does deck department do if it is storming out? day off no pay? or work but try not to slide into the ocean? THANKS AGAIN LOVE THE CHANNEL!!!!
You get paid the whole time. I have plenty of videos of me working in horrible weather on the deck. There's also no shortage of work that can be done inside as well.
Great video, but when it comes to the bulkers and food, every Great Lakes Freighter video I have watched (which is a lot) the meals looked as good as a 5-star restaurant. But being from Michigan I might be a little biased, lol.
Hi Joe, Thanks for your videos, very good job. I was on a product tanker back in the 90th. Joined the vessel in Singapore than Japan, Australia, passing Cape Horn, La Plata, Columbia, Panama Canal, Honululu, Peru In La Plata we spend three weeks - waiting for order, same as Honululu. After six month the company wanted to send me on vacation but I did not wanted to go. It was a great time, everything calm, no stress at all, time was not important. Ten years later I sailed on a RoRo Cargo Ferry between Germany and Finland. Three weeks on, three weeks off. Was totally different but I enyoyed it as well. In between Container vessels tading West Coast US, Australia and New Zealand
0:50 "If you're interested in working and living on US flagged cargo ships, then 'subscribe'." What if I'm not ever planning on working OR living on a US flagged cargo ship, but I just really enjoy watching your content?!? 😜
Worked as an uk able seaman for 9 years, and your list of good ships to work on is spot on . Never worked on a cable ship, but tramp bulk carriers the best. Ironically,headquarters Bergen Norway (jebson) .Visited plenty of towns in the fjords .keep up the ships vlogs, fantastic
I was in the British Merchant Navy when we had one back in the 70's, Must agree with your choices but most ships I was on were a lot more basic back then. But we had a lot longer in port,Container ship were a new thing back then so was never on one.My last before I left was a bunker,All over the world .Still miss the life now 😢
Love the Hunter Cox cameo! Solid list, still jealous I missed that heavy lift with you. I’d say for me another pro from the cable ship was the teamwork, always working together made the big crew a lot tighter.
Brilliant video!! So so interesting!! Many years ago I applied to go into the merchant navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary delivering stores and fuel to Royal Navy and other countries naval ships, even though I was initially successful with my application, I got turned down due to medical reasons. Hope all is well, take care of yourself
After I got out of the Navy, I went to Piney Point for basic training. The worst ship I was on was the first out of Piney Point. It was the Coastal Kansas. It was a very old fuel tank ship (I think it was built in the 1950s). The worst part was having to butterworth the tanks so it could change cargo (wheat for Bangladesh). We used no breathing apprentices and I remember almost passing out twice while down in the tanks scraping up rust. The best ship(s) I went on was the LNG ships transporting LNG from Indonesia to Japan. The money (overtime) was great and we even picked up a boatload of Vietnam refugees and took them to Japan. This was around the 1980’s.
GREAT CONTENT MY FRIEND !! this november im joining the maritime academy all inspired by you, ive been a manager in a company for 9 years But im dropping out everything behind and i feel WHY didnt i do it sooner. NEVER STOP PLEASE
If you don't mind me asking, are you being paid when you're in port but not working on the ship? Also how were the accommodations on the heavy lift ships?
After working on a tanker and spending as long as 30 days watching the sea go by I was looking for something less boring. I worked the next 30 years on a hopper dredge working the west coast ports. Nonstop piloting on the most dangerous bars on earth seem to cure the boredom.
I've only worked on Matson container ships, but everyone I talk to who has sailed on other ships (like Maersk or APL) tell me that Matson pays the best. Overall, the food is good. I've only had one ship where it was terrible. Yes, port stays are very short. My least favorite run is to China (via other ports). Nine time zone changes coming back to the West Coast from Shanghai really screws with your sleep. Going over is a little better, as the time zone changes are a little more spread out. I'm waiting for a job call now. I usually get called for the hollidays, as lots of crew want to be home with family at this time.
Great vid Joe, thanks very much for sharing your time and insight with us!! I'm happy to subscribe so I may live vicariously threw you, lol. I've dreamed of working on the water, so I greatly appreciate your thoughtful insight on what it's really like!! I wish you all the best and to stay safe out there!! 🤙😎
I'm a great lakes sailor. not only are the stays in port often short, but the transit at most is usually only three days. which is on top of the typical bulk cargo issues. however we always have fresh fruit and veggies, and I'm not sure how it was when you were on the sam laud, but on every boat i've been on, the stewards have been absolutely amazing!
What is the difference between "bulk" and "breakbulk" ? Summary: 1)Bulk cargo is products transported loose and stored directly into a transport vessel, without packaging. 2)Break bulk cargo is products in individual packaging, loaded and unloaded individually without using containers.
My uncle and father both got their seaman’s cards before WW2. When the war started they both enlisted- but neither stayed in the Merchant Marine. They wanted to have the adventure of going to war. So they both ended up in the Army Air Corps, serving in Europe. I had 4 more uncles that served in the war also- they were part of a big Catholic family. One of my prized possessions is my dad’s union card from his time in the Merchant Marine. Thanks for sharing your life’s adventures with us. I traveled for many years working in construction, building power plants, mines and refineries as a boilermaker. I’ve told my kids I’ve worked from the Rio Grande to the North Slope and nearly every big industrial facility in between. Chemical plants, glass plants, pulp and steel mills, coal, copper, silver and gold mines, dams, and every type of power plant you can think of. Now I’m retired, living on a little farm in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and I enjoy learning about how other people earn a living. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Hey man, thanks for sharing!
Wonderful life !
Thanks for sharing. A wonderful life ☝️😎👍. My best regards. fm Venezuela 🇻🇪🇻🇪🇻🇪
Missile tracking ship hands down. After 45 years of going to sea on 10 different types of ships that is my choice. Joe I really enjoy your content. Stay safe out there.
Did you wife like you working all over?
Joe, I don't know if you hear this enough in the comments, but I am being 100% honest when i say this: your voice is so soothing you could do voiceovers for ads. Dial it in, focus on it, and you can make a living on voice acting alone. you made your money in the Merchant Marines, but you have a great voice presence. Cultivate that and you will be the influencer.
Joe, you’re such a great storyteller, it’s insane. Even a dense description becomes a strong and delightful narrative. Love you channel to the bone. Sail on mate !
Great vid. My old man was Merchant Marine for over 40 years and US Navy before that.
He loved the life and was a MM poster boy for that Bogart type of hard drinking hard living hard loving guy...He had some AMAZING stories especially when he did not have to worry about cursing around kids (me!).Not my kinda lifestyle and he love it..
Some of us are sailors, and there are some that just work on ships!
@@bakerbill4274 Lots of sailors around here. Navy for me.
Referring to your father as your “…old man’” is hardly respectful.
@@heli-crewhgs5285Uh, pretty universally accepted colloquialism and a term of endearment for many. Lighten up.
Hey Joe,
I always wanted to work on a Great Lakes bulk carrier. I watched then all my life growing up around the Great Lakes and thought it would be my dream job. Now I'm old so I just watch them on U tube. I enjoy your channel. Boe
We’re so glad you’re back, Joe!
My Dad was on oil tankers for 25 years and he used to hate hauling asphalt and heated fuel because it would always melt his boots! Love your channel and brings back memories going onboard with my Dad helping him load his stuff on or off the ship!
I spent time on C-4 general cargo ships just as containers were being introduced. We carried everything! We went everywhere. The food was great. Most of the crew were ww 2 merchant marine survivors. One of the best experiences of my life. I love your videos. Thank you.
Well, I've sailed on all of these except the heavy lift ships--plus I've sailed on fishing boats, processors, tugs, and even tramped on roros--and by far the best ship to sail in my not so humble opinion is the box boat, container ship. Regular yes and short stays, but you can't beat the accommodations and usually plenty of OT..
What kind of ships pay the best out of all those you’ve been on?
From the research Ive done I haven’t been able to find anything a better earning potential than tug boats, and every says cargo ship pay “depends on the contract”
@@patronofthearts23 it depends upon the contract that the union has made with that particular shipping company. Same as union tugs. All to say it’s difficult to impossible to compare ships and tugs. I have belonged to three different unions in my career and I’ve sailed both unlicensed and licensed. Obviously licensed positions will pay higher. Unlicensed the SUP pay is better than SIU- and Sailor’s rights are better protected. I don’t know what unlicensed tug pay is, so I can’t really compare. Tug pay is different in different locations too, so it’s impossible to compare. Sorry I can’t be more definitive for you.
@@TheSalMaris I understand thanks for the feedback
Fantastic vlog.Retired eng ocean going salvage tugs world wide.😅
Was a merchant mariner for 38 years. Favorite ships are the stick ships. Loading & unloading palletized cargo takes quite a while so you get plenty of port time. Also, these ships are not huge and so your chances of going to out of the way ports is much better. Worst ships are tankers,, poison chemicals.
100% agree. I was lucky enough to have sailed on a few old stick ships. My first ship was the Cleavland. It was buck wild. The last of the old characters were on the stick ships.
What is a stick ship?
@@scandallpower A stick ship is a cargo ship with booms, they call the booms "Sticks."
@@anthonylafayette4385 thanks!
Yea i was on them in the late 70s I love the south America run had to retire due to injury in 2007
This is one of the best ships channel keep it up with the great work joe
Very true , Tim Telep had great content too but removed a couple of great videos and sadly isn't as active anymore .
I have worked on Chemical tankers, Cement Carriers and Container/RoRo ships. The best fit for me has been the Container ship as I enjoy the steady schedule and daily routines. The 29 day hitch is better for me then the 45 days plus hitch I was doing on the Chemical tankers in the Canadian Arctic.
Good to hear from you again! I was in the US Navy for 17 years and was lucky enough to be stationed on both coasts, seeing ports around the world on an aircraft carrier and a guided missile cruiser (a lot of shore duty in between). It's great to see and hear from the merchant side of life on the high seas - thanks!
Enjoyed this video. Was educational for someone like me who knows nothing about this industry but curious about it.
It's great seeing this from the other side of the berth. I work on a port in the UK loading and discharging chemicals. Met some great people and had some funny interactions.
Thanks for doing what you do on this channel. I’m retired, and while I would say I enjoyed my career, if I could turn back the clock, and if we had been able to have access to seeing the opportunities that are available (of course no internet or UA-cam in my youth) that most of us never were exposed to, I might have done something completely different. You are doing a service to the young people of this country by producing these videos. Thank you Joe
Thanks Joe! Fun to see your travels. I was a flight attendant for 20 years. My criteria for "ports" similar to yours. Liked the longer stays in Africa and Asia .
Joe!! Dude, my 8 year old son and I really love watching your videos. Thanks for taking the time to shoot, edit, and share them. Keep up the great work and stay safe, my brother 🤘🏼
Hello Joe. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you. Your job is something I could never do. Lacking the ability to swim and having an unnatural fear of drowning and large bodies of water prevented me from joining the Navy. Don't worry, I still served, but in the Army. Your videos are absolutely fascinating to me and make the fears turn into genuine curiosity and even invoke dreams of traveling away from the land on a ship. Thank you for all that you do for all of us. Your efforts are never unnoticed, and never unappreciated. God bless you, sir.
Nice one Joe during my time at sea in the UK Merchant Marine 1970/85 my all time favourite ships were refrigerated cargo vessels we used to take general cargo out to places then load fruit or meat back to Europe.although sometimes we never went back to Europe just tramped around,the ships I was on all had derricks,so over hauling all the gear was fun good times back then plenty of port time
Nice to see my home of Victoria, BC in there. I’d have happily given you a ride to Walmart!
I'm not a seaman (a secret I suppose my screen name gives away) but I don't see a thing wrong with the Coolness Factor of ports being included in your Favorite Ship Rating. Cruise lines do it all the time and folks are paying THEM - in part - for the pleasure of spending at least several hours in interesting ports. I found your #1 choice personally amusing because there was once a time when I wanted to chuck it all, sell my belongings, and see the world by booking passage on tramp steamers. Not sure if that is even doable anymore in this post-COVID world...
Great Video, Joe. Awesome storytelling; awesome videography, as always...thanks!
You have quite a gift for making these videos. Thank you - this is true entertainment!
My favorite ship was the USS NIMITZ lol 2 - 7 mth cruises ... Great vids keep it up
15:05 I immediately recognized the McMurdo Station pier, with the three dorms in the background! I wintered over there late 80s, then passed through MacTown to winter over at Pole in the 90s. I miss the ice (Antarctica) - you guys really get around!
McMurdo was a once in a lifetime experience for sure!
Thanks for that Joe. always great to hear from you. I spent 36 years in the Canadian Navy on 7 different ships. The best one was a fleet tanker, when we did some very cool things. Awesome crew as well, a skilled captain too.
My brother was in the navy for 5 years then 35 years on a ocean going tug and barge. He was a chief engineer. I new threw him how life as a sailor was ,you bring back alot of memories for me , thanks joe! 17:11 ,7/22/24.
I’m fairly new to the channel, but I love your videos. Is there a “What happens if you break a tooth, get sick, etc.” video?
Nice to see some more regular content. Bon voyage for your next trip. If you ever work a car transporter into Avonmouth I'll happily meet you for a beer!
Thank you so much Mark!
The two people I’ve met who had this career both loved it. They spoke about it every chance they had. They talked about it like they just got it.
I just love your videos. I think it is great that you make videos and share your life and experiences at sea. I`m a norwegian master mariner and my son is an AB in the start of his career. Have a great day and take care!
I learn so much from your vid's, I've alway's wondered how life is on those huge ships, thank you for shedding info to us landlubbers.
Glad you like them!
Thanks!
Thanks you!
Great content!
Thank you so much as always Uncertainzee!
Your content and production just get’s better and better.
Glad you're back, Joe. Calm seas and a prosperous voyage.
Hey Joe, I really enjoyed your insight and as someone who does not know much about this life found it very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Hey joe, I can remember you coming out of the academy and started your channel. Now you sound like popeye. Peace brother
Friends dad was a first mate on a great lakes bulker. It was a hard schedule to get use to at first but he ended up liking going to the same ports because you got to know people.
Love the video, Ships fascinate me so much, I’ve always wished I could tour a massive cargo ship. I don’t care much for Cruise ships, but the design of massive Cargo Ships are so intriguing. I’m really glad I found your channel
Appreciate your awesome vids Joe!
I was on the same cableship. DECISIVE. Met some good people, learned alot from well experienced deckies on there. Mr. Arcenio and Mr. Julian being two of them. And you're right about the cool places you get to go to.
Work at sea al my life been all over the place. But my favourite is coastal. Dry cargo vessels. Short voyages, small ports, mostly easy going in those small ports town closeby. Know some good pubs in most european ports haha. I am not much of a sailor, find the time at sea mostly boring, yes i can appreciate a nice quiet day at sea. As long as its no longer than 48 hours. Biggest attraction for me is the office is always in another place, another view, a new challenge, a different culture. Keeps your mind open for new things since the world is such a beutiful place Thanks for Vids you made enjoy them
Always enjoy your videos Joe.
Incredibly interesting and very well produced. The photography was very informative. As we said in the Navy: "Well done." ☮
I love your content! Keep doing what you do playboy and chase that money.
Thanks so much BryanWallace!
Great video, thanks for sharing. I have to say I havent worked any of those ships. I work Deep sea tugboat and barge, anchor handling supply vessels. All the same company unlike your style of jumping around. The seamanship learned on where i work would far surpass yours but it isnt a competition. Also the sea conditions on a smaller vessel makes it hard to get sleep at times. But our crews are like family and all from the same areas for most part here in eastern Canada. Theres no better life that that of a seaman , its not for everyone. Ive seen grown men leave after their first trip, but if you have the stomach for it , its very rewarding work
Very interesting, Joe! I learn so much from your channel. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks!
Thank you Sydallan!
Whenever Joe's videos come up his accent always brings me back home to Jersey. I grew up in Jersey but have lived in Alaska for over 30 years but Joe's accent always reminds me of where I grew up. Great Videos as well!
Joe your videos are fantastic. Please keep posting. I found you when you where on the great lakes been intriguing ever since. Keep up the great videos. 😊
Cool video. I guess you have a lot of choices of what ship to sign onto? You should do a video on that process.
Thanks as always Dean! There are usually quite a variety of ships/jobs available. I do plan on having a video about that process.
You’ve forgotten to had (-> add…) a « pro » for the tanker… The « Tanker Mustache ». I remember it to this day 😁
Good point! Joe even has a Tanker Stache T-shirt in his Merch Store! That HAS to be a 'Pro' 😆
Oh wow I did forget the Tanker Stache as a pro!
Joe: Great series, truly facinating. My father-in-law was a merchant marine before his passing. I wish I'd talked to him more about his life on the sea.
Nice job on the video. You are apparently one of the rarer types of seamen out looking for new experiences and maybe a little adventure. Most of the seamen I worked with were simply supporting a family and making a living. Going to sea is a good profession for those with the right temperament.
I’m a retired Skipper with nearly 50 years going to sea. Worked on a variety of ship types- Tankers, Bulk Carriers , Container Ships, Ro-Ro, Drill Ships and even a gig as Captain on a Training Ship. Enjoyed the work, the people and resolving the challenges that came along with the work. Sailed all over the world but rarely had time to spend ashore unless overseeing repairs in shipyards. Been out of the business for a few years now and still miss it.
Thanks
Thanks MrRich!
Never been a merchant seaman, but traveled from Albany NY to Honduras and back to Red Hook on a banana boat. Even did the cooking for the crew one day in NY harbor. Been to NZ from Red Hook on a container thru the Canal with a stop in Tahiti. Brits on the banana boat and "real" sailors lots of women aboard during port calls for the sailors. Container ship was long sea days 21 total with only Norfolk, Savanah, Tahiti and Auckland for ports. Love your videos.
Love the channel! I wish you'd bring back jersey to your opening. My current and adopted city is new orleans but I always rep jersey as my home state. Keep up the great work, the videos hit the spot!
When I was young, I used to read books about crews that sailed the WWII C-1, C-2, and my favorite looking C-3, cargo ships. The Matson Lines of San Francisco and the Lykes Brothers Line out of Florida. The books were written by Howard Pease.
At 8:50, that looks like Victoria, my hometown! How cool.
As a first-trip cadet in the British merchant navy (1970s) I was told by one of the older hands: your best ship will be your first ship, and your worst is always your last. He wasn't wrong. I shared your scoring criteria for ship types - Interesting routes, interesting cargoes, time in interesting ports. So classic old tween-decker general cargo ships (carrying anything from steel sheets, to fire engines to cameras, frozen lobsters and whisky, with 3 to 4 weeks on the Japan coast loading, similar at the other end) are top of my list. LPG tankers take the booby prize (nasty cargo, few ports, and those far from civilisation, long periods at anchor waiting for cargo to load). Thanks for your excellent series of films. Looking forward to hearing more about the heavy-lift ship!
Love your channel man. Found it by accident years ago and every once in a while I keep finding myself back here. Yesterday I applied for my TWIC and I am getting started on getting my MMC. I'm gonna pull the trigger and do a career switch.
Do it!!!
Interesting list Joe - however, it changes with circumstances. As a married man, my number one was liner trade containerships. Europe to Australia/NZ - four months on, two off and as you said, a schedule so you can plan which was advantageous as a family. However schedules do move courtesy of the waterside workers unions in Aussie and Kiwi - I've spend weeks in Melbourne, Sydney and elsewhere on the NZ coast. Great for exploring but not getting home as planned can be disappointing.
Nice one Joe, bloody awesome video. G'day from southern swells. Stay upright.
Always happy to see you’re still sailing and putting out HQ videos 👍😎🇨🇦
Great video. I for the most part agree with your rankings. I disagree with #1. For me number 1 would be bulk. Specifically break bulk (old boom ships). They were forever in port and it was as you said always somewhere wild. You just never knew. Really talented guys on those old stick ships. They were almost all gone by the mid 90's. The Cleavland, Wilson, Advantage, Marylin, and Harriet were the only ones left I think. There were a bunch in the ready reserve fleet that you could make good money on when they do " Break outs".
I was only ever on one heavy lift and it was terrifying at sea. Almost no freeboard and rolled beam to beam constantly in even flat conditions. Lots of great ports though but we were only there for a few days usually. Hellishly hard work. Those elephant feet were heavy. There wasn't a shackle we used that wasn't at least 50 pounds. I'd do 3rd place.
I too worked on the passenger ships in Hawaii. Tied for 1st. ZERO money but lots of fun.
Tankers suck. I hate running coastwise.
The grey hulls (military) can be fun as well.
Thanks for sharing these glimpses of your life at sea. And yes, your production values rae improvoing all the time. Thanks!
In the segment on Cable ships, you included a couple of clips that, if I'm not mistaken, were shot in Victoria, BC, at the Parliament building. I've been there a couple of times, and that waterfront promenade is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The marina basin has the Empress Hotel on one side, and the Parliament buildings on the other, with that huge lawn and park surrounding it. If you are just visiting for a day or two, Victoria is a wonderful place to do a walking tour. If you have enough shore leave time, take the bus up to Butchart Garden and walk around there for a day (June and July are when the flower gardens are at their peak). All of the islands in the San Juan and Gulf Islands that are at least a few square miles in area are developed, and the sea bed all over there is criss-crossed with power and communications cables to service the residents and businesses, so I can easily guess what you were doing in Victoria on a cable ship.
Yep those shots were from Victoria!
HA HA HA, I love the 'Tanker 'Stache' stuff in the store!😆
I was a British Merchant Sailor for 10 years from age 16. Love the vids brings back some great memories. Cheers. Favourite ship was a bulk carrier tramped all over the world for 13 months.
Do British sailors have to pay involved tax ? Can you please explain
@@marinernagra5110 no idea what that is mate.
@@Steve-1963 opps sorry its my bad mate I spelled wrong. So i was asking do sailors from England have to pay income tax or its tax free if you sailing in international waters for certain periods of time in each contract (:
I paid regular income tax no matter where I was.
@@Steve-1963 thanks for the information. I have been sailing on container vessels for 8 years as an Indian citizen and we don’t have to pay tax in india if we sail more than or for 180 days straight. So my wife is from england so i was planing to move to uk therefore i just wanted to know about the tax system for uk sailors and I couldn’t really find anyone who could explain. But I appreciate your message .Thank you
Hi Joe..!
I've been watching since your first video..
They are awesome..!
The only ship I've been on was a ship that went across Lake Michigan..
But it's really hard to be out where you don't see land in any derection..
Keep up the good work.. and may God Bless..
Really enjoyed the "voyage" GREAT job - well done TY
hey joe, I got the easy answer, the one where you make the most money..tanker , container, bulk, or pre positioned,it's about what fills your pocket the fastest. class of 655 piney point lol enjoy the ride.. made the most sitting in the bay in diego garcia not even moving
Joe Thank you for sharing. I always wanted to be a merchant marine. you are helping me to see what my life would have been like if i choose that path. great story teller! enjoy! safe travels my brother
Hey Joe, im heading to piney point in a few weeks because of your vids thanks! 2 questions
1) If you are in port for 3 weeks are you still getting paid?
2) What does deck department do if it is storming out? day off no pay? or work but try not to slide into the ocean?
THANKS AGAIN LOVE THE CHANNEL!!!!
You get paid the whole time. I have plenty of videos of me working in horrible weather on the deck. There's also no shortage of work that can be done inside as well.
Great content!!!!!!! I couldn't agree more, Heavy Lift is the way to go!!!!
Great video, but when it comes to the bulkers and food, every Great Lakes Freighter video I have watched (which is a lot) the meals looked as good as a 5-star restaurant. But being from Michigan I might be a little biased, lol.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your videos, very good job.
I was on a product tanker back in the 90th. Joined the vessel in Singapore than Japan, Australia, passing Cape Horn, La Plata, Columbia, Panama Canal, Honululu, Peru
In La Plata we spend three weeks - waiting for order, same as Honululu.
After six month the company wanted to send me on vacation but I did not wanted to go. It was a great time, everything calm, no stress at all, time was not important.
Ten years later I sailed on a RoRo Cargo Ferry between Germany and Finland. Three weeks on, three weeks off. Was totally different but I enyoyed it as well.
In between Container vessels tading West Coast US, Australia and New Zealand
That was very interesting--thanks for posting!!
0:50 "If you're interested in working and living on US flagged cargo ships, then 'subscribe'." What if I'm not ever planning on working OR living on a US flagged cargo ship, but I just really enjoy watching your content?!? 😜
Haha I'll give you a pass and you can subscribe!
Worked as an uk able seaman for 9 years, and your list of good ships to work on is spot on . Never worked on a cable ship, but tramp bulk carriers the best. Ironically,headquarters Bergen Norway (jebson) .Visited plenty of towns in the fjords .keep up the ships vlogs, fantastic
I was in the British Merchant Navy when we had one back in the 70's, Must agree with your choices but most ships I was on were a lot more basic back then.
But we had a lot longer in port,Container ship were a new thing back then so was never on one.My last before I left was a bunker,All over the world .Still miss the life now 😢
Thanks for explaining the different ships. I really liked the one that transports the sand.
Love the Hunter Cox cameo! Solid list, still jealous I missed that heavy lift with you. I’d say for me another pro from the cable ship was the teamwork, always working together made the big crew a lot tighter.
LOL. Yeah man the crews on cable are always sweet. Miss ya buddy
Brilliant video!! So so interesting!!
Many years ago I applied to go into the merchant navy, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary delivering stores and fuel to Royal Navy and other countries naval ships, even though I was initially successful with my application, I got turned down due to medical reasons.
Hope all is well, take care of yourself
Great idea to throw this video up Joe. Great work!
If you ever get any free time in Cleveland I can give you a bunch of ideas as to what to do.
Cleveland has a great art museum.
I spent a few days in Cleveland last summer when travelling in my RV had a great time.
@@JoeFranta If you ever come back through I'm a tour guide for a WW2 sub turned museum. I'll be glad to give you a tour.
After I got out of the Navy, I went to Piney Point for basic training. The worst ship I was on was the first out of Piney Point. It was the Coastal Kansas. It was a very old fuel tank ship (I think it was built in the 1950s). The worst part was having to butterworth the tanks so it could change cargo (wheat for Bangladesh). We used no breathing apprentices and I remember almost passing out twice while down in the tanks scraping up rust. The best ship(s) I went on was the LNG ships transporting LNG from Indonesia to Japan. The money (overtime) was great and we even picked up a boatload of Vietnam refugees and took them to Japan. This was around the 1980’s.
GREAT CONTENT MY FRIEND !! this november im joining the maritime academy all inspired by you, ive been a manager in a company for 9 years But im dropping out everything behind and i feel WHY didnt i do it sooner. NEVER STOP PLEASE
Good luck! It is a hard but rewarding career!
If you don't mind me asking, are you being paid when you're in port but not working on the ship? Also how were the accommodations on the heavy lift ships?
I work on tugs now. Joined one ship because of your videos. Going back to tugs haha.
Very very interesting topic. That lifestyle looks very rewarding. I often think of what it would have been like if I would have taken that path.
Thanks for taking us along Joe!
Good see the places you travel to.
After working on a tanker and spending as long as 30 days watching the sea go by I was looking for something less boring. I worked the next 30 years on a hopper dredge working the west coast ports. Nonstop piloting on the most dangerous bars on earth seem to cure the boredom.
I've only worked on Matson container ships, but everyone I talk to who has sailed on other ships (like Maersk or APL) tell me that Matson pays the best. Overall, the food is good. I've only had one ship where it was terrible. Yes, port stays are very short. My least favorite run is to China (via other ports). Nine time zone changes coming back to the West Coast from Shanghai really screws with your sleep. Going over is a little better, as the time zone changes are a little more spread out.
I'm waiting for a job call now. I usually get called for the hollidays, as lots of crew want to be home with family at this time.
Great vid Joe, thanks very much for sharing your time and insight with us!! I'm happy to subscribe so I may live vicariously threw you, lol. I've dreamed of working on the water, so I greatly appreciate your thoughtful insight on what it's really like!! I wish you all the best and to stay safe out there!! 🤙😎
I hope we get to see and hear more from the heavy lift ship! Sounds like very cool ops.
I'm a great lakes sailor. not only are the stays in port often short, but the transit at most is usually only three days. which is on top of the typical bulk cargo issues. however we always have fresh fruit and veggies, and I'm not sure how it was when you were on the sam laud, but on every boat i've been on, the stewards have been absolutely amazing!
Great video, Joe!! I never realized there was so many different kinds of freighters.
What is the difference between "bulk" and "breakbulk" ?
Summary:
1)Bulk cargo is products transported loose and stored directly into a transport vessel, without packaging.
2)Break bulk cargo is products in individual packaging, loaded and unloaded individually without using containers.