Your documentary inspired me to go back to school and study to fulfill my dream of joining the merchant navy academy in my country as a mechanic. After two years of studying and one failed attempt, I got accepted, just two days ago. Thank you!
Yea nobody complained about him not say having a safety line on or he might ,just might be a closet racist. Give it time. U tube or some stinking politicians will find away to make it like 50 g a year for licensing fees for the worker. Then they will give the job to who they think should have the jobs. Sorry to be so negative but the wacky shit going on in this rules upon rules country these days just drives me to say and think like I do. Very good video though. Seems to be a great experience.
I’m 77 now and you brought back pleasant memories from the early 1960s. Although the technology to record media was not like it is today, I could kick myself for not not investing in better equipment to record the three years I spent, doing in the engine room, of a British cargo ship, what you did on deck. By the way, your short film is first rate. Jim Bean.
genuinely surprised that this was the only video this guy has put out; between that artwork he showed off, and the masterful way he put together this doc, he definitely seems like a creator type. hope he's doing well
Thanks Justin, I am doing well, and working on a new film project. This one really took it out of me, and I've focused on my painting for the most part since completing it in 2012. I'm stoked its still resonating with people.
this means it's the right way round. art, or indeed any product of creativity, happens when you have something to say, rather than thinking of what to say in some manner of choice (as modern pop music works, for example).
My brother did this, at age 18, at the bottom, as a cook, and finishing at age 50 as the Chief Engineer on a US boat. Now retired he has stories to tell. Tell them brother.
Did 6 years in Navy and I still miss the sea. Once my kids old enough I plan to try to get back to a sea going career or at least move onto a sailboat. Nothing like seeing the stars in the middle of the ocean with nothing around you.
Easy career to get into, and huge void at the moment from retiring baby boomers. Ive been going to sea since I was 18 and love it. I with 90 days in 90 off with full benefits. And collect unemployment while I'm off.
I am a 20 year Navy Sailor and you made me miss the lifestyle. There is sanity in the everyday routine, and that peacefulness is hard to find these days. Awesome video thanks.
First, I sincerely *Thank You* for your service, Scott! Twenty years.. I'm sure that is plenty of time to lose yer land legs and know a bit on the subject. Secondly, I will present an insincere philosophical thought challenge: The automation of cargo offloading processes has greatly lowered expenses and increased efficiency. Has it also helped to lower infection rates of common STD's? ;>
Every single word of this documentary is exactly what I experienced my first time at sea for a prolonged period. And hearing this is helping me realize that the reason I've been unhappy is because I love being out on the water and that life is exactly what I want (for now). I'll never forget being on the mids and seeing aurora borealis underneath the arctic night sky :)
The fastest way to get a job as an OS is to apply to the Piney Point maritime school in Maryland. Its free to go to, you live on campus, and food is provided as well as uniforms.Even if you don't keep it as a career, its an adventure of a lifetime.
Come back to this video every now and again, it truly is wonderful. The pacing is just perfect, allows us to fill in the pauses. Thanks so much for sharing this story with us!
Great work Martin. I sailed Engin Dept. for nearly 40 years Deep Sea - Up the hawser from Wiper to Original 2nd Engineer. Started in N.Y C. in Sept. 1963 and retired Feb. 2003. Sailed on Break Bulk C-4's, Mission Tankers, Passenger Ships and even on the Hospital Ship S.S. Hope. You have done a remarkable job. Congratulations, Your original artwork is first prize. And you have captured the true feeling of camaraderie and the essence of life aboard ship. Well Done.! and many thanks from an old seafarer.
I once dreamed of becoming a seaman as a kid but I changed my mind when I learned the down side of the profession. My uncle in the Philippines was an officer on Greek and US lines from late 60's and quit as a chief mate in 1990 in his early 40's. He quit as a rich man by Philippine standard and started small businesses. At first I only heard the good side of his stories, good pay, being able to dock on ports for weeks or a month at that time before there was loading/unloading technology and he had pictures of very beautiful places. It was only in 1986 that I first heard about the negatives, from being robbed in Brazil, collision that had them stranded in a foreign shore, close calls on hurricanes and the undisclosed secret pain in his family. It was triggered when their toddler told a relative that he saw her mommy naked in the bedroom with their household assistant boy. That seems to be a funny mindless story but it leads to rumors of affairs which at that time is taboo for a married woman in the Philippines. From then my uncle gradually changed his delightful attitude and he seems unhappy and eventually quit in 1990. About 4 years later I had the guts to ask him on the full story. Back then when a seaman leaves his family there was no internet and long distance phone are unavailable and the only connection between a seaman and his wife is through mail that mostly are rerouted through the staffing agencies and don't get delivered for months. The disconnect and the loneliness were unbearable. So he actually had secret arrangement with his wife that both of them can have secret lovers while he is out to sea for a year and sometimes renewing a contract for a total of 2 years. He had been into brothels while his wife was having secret affairs of her own and they both accepted that deal and not talking about it. Their only concern is being known and it would be equivalent to losing all dignity. His wife actually had affairs with 3 boys at different times and all of them working as house hold servant.
Wow, man... 50 years in the industry... If that was aviation, and if you were a mechanic, you would get your Charles Taylor award. Named after the man who helped repair the Wright Flier.
This video felt like reading a novel. I really appreciate it. I felt glad to know this exists, Something in this video made me feel like I found someone who is precious and his thoughts reflective.
hey martin this was really beautiful. there genuinely so much good stuff going on here, but i did just want to flag in particular how much i appreciate the unhurried pace of your video, which is bracelingly refreshing on this platform.
Wow, excellent documentation. What is shown in this video is similar to what I experienced on U.S. Navy ships (15 year engineering). Based on the utube videos I seen three differences I see between the US Navy and the U.S. Merchant Marines is (1) the U.S. Navy has a promotion scale, (2) the Merchant Marines has a union, (3) pay: the Navy is more of a "salary" worker, the Merchant Marines are more of an "hourly" worker. Again, thank you for putting this documentation together. Its a fine piece of work. I really appreciate it!
Wow this is pretty fucking incredible! Very real but very deep and moving. For the longest time I haven't come across a UA-cam video that arrested my attention and captivated me so strongly that I just watched the whole thing in one sitting. Especially something that was 20+ minutes long. So well made, so minimalistic but rich. And mannnn you are an incredible painter too. Wow!!! Sir, you have a future in documentary film making. But you already know that, right?
I was thinking the same thing, your film is arranged just as good as anything I have watched.And that includes the B.B.C.,wildlife documentary.ect.Go follow that line of work, as you are talented in this field.Well done.Was wanting to see more.💪✌👏👏.
You did a great job on this video. I don't think that I've watched any other video produced by an individual that was as interesting and thoughtfully created. You took an average job in an unusual circumstance and made it contemplative and interesting. Your narration was also very well done. At times you sounded a bit like Matthew Modine just talking talking to a friend, introspectively over drinks. Seems like your artistic and laid back personality in contrast to the life of the Merchant Marine really complements one another. Well Done and Thank You! I certainly hope to see more from you!
Rocket Humper Sorry to hear that you’re too stupid to understand the basic nature of water. Good luck with realizing that the sea is level and ships don’t sail upside down in Australia.
Exceptional rendition that brought back fond memories to me as a former seagoing marine engineer, mostly on large general cargo ships trading all parts of the world. In those years we use to regularly spend 3 to 5 days in port, depending on the type of cargo to be loaded or off loaded, and whether shore-side cranes or ship's own gear were used. Martin's articulation is very clear and soothing on the ear whilst he also manages to authentically capture the essence of what life at sea is all about. Thank you so much for sharing.
@9:55 In the US Navy when we passed through Suez canal in aircraft carrier, the local army would be along the banks with RPG armed personnel, jeeps and the occasional tank.
This is probably my favorite video on youtube. I can't believe it's been 8 years. I've always dreamed of working on cargo ships. Even though Im afraid of the ocean and don't know how to swim, I find peace in it. I love cargo ship documentaries and I always come back to this at least every 6 month. Thank you for making this video.
30 years ago when I was in the US Navy I recall talking with a merchant marine that just pulled into port in Oakland, CA and he was trying to talk me into joining the merchant marine. I never did and I sometimes think about that conversation with that nameless merchant marine that I never saw again. This lifestyle seems very similar to Navy life.
Thanks so much for the trip down memory lane, having come ashore many years ago. @14:00 On my very first ship I had a chief engineer tell me, “the only thing that ship and life have in common is they both contain the letter “I”.
One of the nicest videos I've seen in ages. It brings back memories of my years at sea as a hull tech (plumbing, welding, carpentry) on a US navy oiler. Oh...the vast Pacific. Some days as smooth as a mirror, followed by the horrors of a typhoons.
Mr. Machado - Thank you for creating your very professional documentary about life in the Merchant Marine. My Dad was in the Merchant Marine in WWII and then was a foreman in the Operating Engineers stateside for many years when I was growing up. He often talked about his life aboard ships which was sometimes very dangerous and difficult, but he had good times too. I love your artwork at the end at the video and think you should be showing your work in galleries and perhaps marketing your prints to sailors. I think your work would be a big hit in the nautical community especially with your background story. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
I was twenty years and a month in the USN, carrier aviation. You miss the good times when it's over - and some of them are hard to explain... I like how tactfully you put it that"most of the guys spent their pay in bars and 'brothels'..." I myself quickly learned to put half of my paycheck away before we pulled into port, like a visitor to Las Vegas who intends to have bus fare when they leave ;)
I'm a retired Marine and my son is in the Air Force and my son in law is in the Navy (he's been in 20 months already a MR2 on the Ike!!). I told them the same thing. It is easy to drink away all that pay you save because there isn't anything to spend money on. Luckily my daughter is real bright with money and the SiL has her just give him an "allowance". He's getting ready to head out on his first Med. Isn' it crazy how fast 20 years go by? My dad is a retired USCG BMC, father in law retired Navy AT1 and mother law retired as a SK1, both brother laws were Navy as well, one did 20 and retired HTSC and the other only did 4 years. When we all get together we have over 100 years of service and although the Guard and the Corps isn't the Navy we all speak the same lingo, traditions ( there's 3 nasty pollywogs in room of shellbacks, a bluenose shellback and a goldenshellback) are appreciated etc. I hope both boys do 20 and I keep telling them to appreciate it because they'll blink and it will be over. It goes by so fast, it seems like yesterday when I was a Lance Corporal riding a Zodiak off the coast of Somalia. I would do it all over again without hesitation. Thank you for your service. I appreciate all the sacrifices you and your family took for America. Have a great day!
@@densealloy hahaha! I was thinking of joining the navy too! How does it feel to have one of your boys be an airmen when you were a devil dog for so long, hell, i wonder how you feel about the other one being a sailor! Please take your time to answer sir !
There's a certain feeling I get watching this video.. I want to say nostalgia, although I've never actually been at sea. I'm starting my first year at the Naval Academy this month. I can't wait to get out there. Thank you for making this.
I see you have only made the one video, I do hope you will consider making more in the future Martin. I really enjoyed this insight to your world. Hello to you from the UK. Norm.
1963 was the year I decided that the sea was for me. Young and fancy free, I signed up with Blue Star Line on their refrigerated cargo ships, sailing out of UK ports. They took me to most places I wanted to see in the relatively short time I was with them. It seemed easy to get a shipping company to employ you in those days. If you had work experience in heavy engineering they would take you on as a Junior Engineer. We spent days and sometimes weeks ashore in places like New Zealand, Australia, SouthAfrica, USA, Canada and South America. There were a few incidents at sea I recall, the main one being one Christmas Day in the Pacific, 800 miles from Panama, when a young deck hand threw himself overboard. It was 8.00pm and dark so they lowered a boat and went looking for him. It was fortunate that the Pacific lived up to its name that day and they found him clinging to a lifebuoy where he was rescued and lived to sail another day. So now all I have are memories and a few nondescript photos. It was worth it though.
@@bungeegum9 It was Christmas Day, he probably felt depressed and alone being stuck on a merchant ship when he could have been with family. Happens in the Navy a lot, I'm sure its just the same maritime.
@@driverthree3454 Its difficult to find a job at sea in the UK as like the US we disposed of our merchant fleet to rely on European products, the worst move made by an island nation on this earth.
@@AwesomeDude272 I'm an ex-bosun and able seaman, I hold efficient deck hand certificates and lifeboat certificate which has been replaced by a 'sea survival' cert, you would probably find it difficult to get a job at sea without these two certs, you can train and get these at nautical college, however having no sea experience you still would lack basic knowledge to keep you safe on board, these jobs aren't a 'cruise' and you need to be wary of dangers and there are many.
I'm retired now but when I was in the British Merchant Navy you signed on a ship on '2 year Articles', meaning the company could keep you on the ship for up to 2 years. In practice it was generally 6 to 10 months so not too bad. Served most of my time on tankers (Esso) but also bulk carriers, refrigerated cargo and a couple of years on scheduled liner services. Served around 25 years at sea (1969/1994) and then a period as a Marine Inspector, briefly went back back to sea for a couple of years (1999/2000).
at the end, the way you described your entrance back home.....the feeling of finally being home is the same for every traveler....the odor, the view, the colors, the landscape....all mixed with tears in your eyes, shouting at you "welcome back home".
Good film, brought back memories of when i was a sailor, sailing all over the orient , down to australua, up to the sea of okosh, first on us naval ships and then on a usns merchant oiler which i really enjoyed, i was on that ship for 1.5 yrs , we sailed out of subic and mainly stayed in the persian gulf assisting usn ships, this would be around 1979-81 timeframe. Ive been on the beach ever since but i will never forget my time at sea..
OMG this is such a wonderful documentary… Enjoyed every moment of it… The guy is so professional and has got such a lovely soothing voice… Thanks for sharing
beside for what i'm usually watching, this is the type of content that makes me appreciate youtube even more. i only wish youtube would promote more content like this in the recomandation and trending or in other ways
My father in law is a former merchant marine. He's 63 and retiring this December from being an able body seaman on the Helix Q oil rig. He's been a sailor since he was 18. He tells us how he's been able to travel the world throughout his lifetime. He says he loves it but also stated that it's also a huge sacrifice when he started his family. Great video. I'll show this to my father in law.
This reminds me of all the stories my dad told us growing up. He travelled the world with the "Lady " boats , such as the "Lady Rodney", Lady Nelson" and a bunch more, can't remember them all. He was in the "Merchant Navy" Canadian during the 2nd world war. He was an ABS also. He was a bit of a young bad ass and some of his stories were pretty wild and crazy and a bit racy at times. His eyes sparkled when he told us of his tales and usually had a big grin on his face when he had an audience to tell the yarns to. I'm sure we have more sisters and brothers around the world with the same DNA. Don't scorn the old man because that's exactly how he came to this world, and I'm dam happy he did or my 4 sisters and I wouldn't be here if his mom and that guy didn't, well you know. We all get here somehow and most times my mom was happy he was here too from what ever means. I learned a lot of geography from the old man and he always stated which place had the best rum. Too bad I get sea sick or I might have followed in his foot steps, but I'm sure that's why I'm a land Gypsy, because of Dad. Thanks so much Martin!
Sounds like you're describing the old swabby that I called pop. All sorts of interesting tales of his days in the navy. He'd get the same glint in his eye that you speak of. The lord called that old sailor home on Sept 23rd. Cheers to two old salts! I love you old beauty!
My dad was in the British Merchant Navy during WW2. The Japanese nearly got him, but they survived and spend a year in India while the ship was repaired. The wait probably saved his life. The other story I most remember is him having a fun swim in an African river only to notice the crocodiles on the banks AFTER he got out...I guess they had already eaten that day.
Wow, this was nostalgia overload! A great short movie that took me back to my youth. At 17, in 1962, I signed on as a navigating officer apprentice in the British merchant navy, back in the days when the Brits had one! I did 4 years on the NZ/Oz run, with runs to East Us and Can ports, from the UK. Then 2 years on the Far East runs to China, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore etc as a junior officer. Then 4 more with Canadian Pacific as a 2nd Mate worldwide on cargo ships, freighters and passenger liners. In 1972 ‘ containerization’ had arrived, meaning very short port time, so little time to explore, meet locals etc. Apart from that it was time to take my Masters Ticket .....it was a crossroads in my life, so I ‘swallowed the anchor’ and went ashore. Do I regret leaving? No, it was the right decision at the time, and I had recently married a ships nurse on the Empress of Canada. Do I look back on those years? Yes, daily as they were the most influential in my life. We tried to settle down in the UK, but in the early seventies it seemed that everyone was on strike, so we emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, the best decision I ever made! I’m now 75, and live in Victoria BC, and look at every ship that passes through the Juan de Fuca Straits......with sad, but realistic nostalgia!
This was very interesting. My Father was in the Merchant Marines during the beginning of WW 2. He then became a Captain in the Navy. I liked your artwork.
This video was done with precision and it was well edited, I sure hope you get a chance to make a few more, I love the way it was narrated, good job sir.
Vevry nice video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can relate to the experience somewhat as well, being a Navy veteran, and making two 6 month cruises to the Mediterranean.
To get on, apply to Military Sealift Command (MSC) or Seafarers International Union, SIU. I preferred break bulk freighters, that take a long time to load or unload, giving me max hours ashore in foreign countries. Tankers seldom have shore time, and container ships unload quickly. But to start, take any ship that you can get. Another start is to get a job in oil field boats or tugs, mostly non-union. Find the companies and apply directly. Forget cruise ships, they are almost all foreign crewed. As an overall rule, never talk about your past, for the first month, and it is a rule not to comment on how a shipmate does anything. Leave any racism or prejudice behind on land. All men who work equally hard are considered equal, and NEVER argue with the cook. LOL
i have been wanting to do this for a long time, i am 28 with absolutely no boat/ship experience. is it still possible to get a job doing anything on cross sea ships? (sorry if i am asking the wrong person you seem like a knowledgeable person in thees matters lol)
@@BORDEMentertainment2 look into the Unlicensed Apprentice program thru the SIU that is what I did and they set you up real nice with everything you need
I'm a third year marine engineering. At the moment, I really have it tough. My motivations are low, but thanks to this it has been renewed. I been reminded of the reason why I took this course. Thank you.
Hell yea.. I'm a former U.S. Marine working in the shipyards down here in San Diego and its always been a dream of mine to sail the world (grandfather spent 20 years in the Navy and told me a whole lotta stories), so I applied with the Military Sealift Command back in December and I'm now *this* close to being hired on and heading to Norfolk for "NEO." Anyway, great video; I enjoyed hearing your perspective and honesty about what this career entails.. I'm stoked as all hell, and, if we ever cross paths out there, beers are on me. Take care.. Peace.
+Friendly Person Marine Corps pride and ethos, my friend.. I knew if I were ever to join the military, I wanted to be a Marine. And let me make one thing crystal: I'm not knocking anyone in any other branch of service; I have family spanning from the Navy, to the Army, to the Air Force, back to the Corps (my younger cousin; 0317; very proud of him).. Truth be told, we're all greasy, over-worked cogs (sometimes under-paid, unless you're an officer or higher-ranking SNCO) in one giant wheel, making shit happen.. We all have a part to play when it comes down to it (and damn, let's not forget about every soul out there serving in the Military Sealift Command as well).. However.. I digress. You asked why I didn't just join the Navy.. Well I probably could've, but I feel like the Corps was just a better suit for me. Marines are just a different breed. We are the red-headed-bastard-stepchildren of the military.. A majority of us are prior fuck-ups (USMC = "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children," as we so often get called), and we get cut orders, get the outdated hand-me-down CIF gear, and grab our M16's (finally transitioning to M4 Carbines now, but it doesn't fuckin matter) from the nearest armory.. And we're good to go.. Any time.. any hour.. any day. That's the beauty of it. "Always ready." That's just a few of our mottos. And we _never_ leave a Marine behind, no matter what.. "Death before dishonor." It's a code we live by.. I would rather die fireman-carrying my fellow Marine off the "X" than to let him lay there and die alone.. And I know he would do the same for me. It's a brotherhood. It's a family. Truly.. _That's_ why I joined the Marines Corps, and not any other branch of service.
+Friendly Person Ah.. "MA.." "Master-at-Arms.." I had to Google it because I'm not all that familiar with the "rates" in the Navy (which, evidentally, is just the same shit we call an "MOS [Military Occupational Specialty]" in the Corps); however, I do remember passing by spaces every day aboard the USS Freedom and USS America that had a decked-out placard painted "Master-at-Arms," and I never knew wtf that quite meant.. I always figured it was either the (Navy's) top Marksman/Rifleman/Gunner aboard the ship, or some type of moto Drill expert, or something to do with either the Armory or the Brig (or, in this case, I'm assuming you were the equivalent of an MP or PMO aboard a Naval ship).. So, my question to you is: "Did you not get any type of merit for sea service during your time spent in the Navy as an MA..?" Because, just from what I understand talking to yall Squids, yall spend most of your enlistment out at sea, with a chance to get shore duty after a certain amount of time, and then that's that.. I'm rambling here, but my point is that, if you've had enough time out at sea (I believe six months is the minimum) then you would be a shoo-in to be an AB (Able-bodied Seaman), as opposed to a lower-ranking OS (Ordinary Seaman), if you were trying to join MSC.. Myself, for example, deployed to Iraq; however, I was never on a WESTPAC on one of yall's ships (we FLEW to Kuwait then convoyed into Iraq via 7-tons, humvees, and MRAPs) and so I have no sea service in my training jacket which is why I would have to start at the bottom of the totem poll as an OS instead of an AB (which is fine; I'll get there), but if you already have some time out at sea under your belt (and it should show it on your DD-214) then you'll already be ahead of the game if you choose to join MSC.. But as far as the whole army amphibious water unit thing goes, I'm sorry, but that's just not my department, so I can't help ya there. Good luck to ya though, Squid.
+Friendly Person Ah.. "MA.." "Master-at-Arms.." I had to Google it because I'm not all that familiar with the "rates" in the Navy (which, evidentally, is just the same shit we call an "MOS [Military Occupational Specialty]" in the Corps); however, I do remember passing by spaces every day aboard the USS Freedom and USS America that had a decked-out placard painted "Master-at-Arms," and I never knew wtf that quite meant.. I always figured it was either the (Navy's) top Marksman/Rifleman/Gunner aboard the ship, or some type of moto Drill expert, or something to do with either the Armory or the Brig (or, in this case, I'm assuming you were the equivalent of an MP or PMO aboard a Naval ship).. So, my question to you is: "Did you not get any type of merit for sea service during your time spent in the Navy as an MA..?" Because, just from what I understand talking to yall Squids, yall spend most of your enlistment out at sea, with a chance to get shore duty after a certain amount of time, and then that's that.. I'm rambling here, but my point is that, if you've had enough time out at sea (I believe six months is the minimum) then you would be a shoo-in to be an AB (Able-bodied Seaman), as opposed to a lower-ranking OS (Ordinary Seaman), if you were trying to join MSC.. Myself, for example, deployed to Iraq; however, I was never on a WESTPAC on one of yall's ships (we FLEW to Kuwait then convoyed into Iraq via 7-tons, humvees, and MRAPs) and so I have no sea service in my training jacket which is why I would have to start at the bottom of the totem poll as an OS instead of an AB (which is fine; I'll get there), but if you already have some time out at sea under your belt (and it should show it on your DD-214) then you'll already be ahead of the game if you choose to join MSC.. But as far as the whole army amphibious water unit thing goes, I'm sorry, but that's just not my department, so I can't help ya there. Good luck to ya though, Squid.
This is the great thing about UA-cam. You can just happen across some of the most interesting things! Great job man!!! I REALLY enjoyed this. I just wish YT instills a better randomizer! I'm tired of my feed being all the same ish right after I watch like 2 corresponding vids! Gimme some more new & interesting stuff like this from time to time!!!
Great documentary. You did an awesome job of us following what you did. Your artwork is really amazing and you should have a gallery opening of all your artwork so that everyone seeing your artwork can follow your journey as we did in this documentary. Again great job :)
@@Will-ce7tv month 3 out of 5 was the hardest for me, after that you feel like you're almost heading home. last 2 months where the best in my experience. Hang on bro
@@augmentedcamel Thanks mate, month 3 was the hardest because I new I still had 2 months to go. I now have 33 days to go. I'm excited and fatigued at the same time.
Great video ! Your story reminded me of my friend Barnacle Bill Scott vvho vvas allvvays out @ sea til he passed a fevv yrs ago. Your paintings are beautifull & TY for shring your story
Superb Film Martin ! You have a beautiful voice and your narrative was splendid. It was so calm and immersive that I didnt take my eyes off the video. Please be safe.
Andrew Howard It depends on several things: nationality, ranks, and types of ships. I could say that the money earned would be good, but it won’t come easy. As everything has a price, you will be far away from home, you would have less access to the Internet, and you could also encounter lack of sleep.
Yes.....never i felt so captivating on a 20 min video....i watched it whole in a sitting. As soon as the vid finished and i checked if he has posted any other video. Sadly no
Explanatory without seeming forced or rushed. Warm without being sentimental. Personal yet objective. Very nice, well-shot, interesting video. Thank you!
Your video was amazing and inspirational. I'm getting my merchant marine credential and joining the military sealift command pretty soon. Can't wait for all the travel and adventure.
Calming voice, adequate pauses between narrations, no annoying music. This was well done!
This is how documentaries should be. Michael Bay ruined film.
Completely agree. I wish more documentaries like this existed.
The "no annoying music" is particularly appreciated!
@@UCLAfilm01 agreed
Also no motivational or coaching bullshit. Awesome youtubing!
Your documentary inspired me to go back to school and study to fulfill my dream of joining the merchant navy academy in my country as a mechanic. After two years of studying and one failed attempt, I got accepted, just two days ago. Thank you!
Congratulations!
good job man.
what is the pay like?
@@joeblow1942 over 400k a year
@@MrKerr808 Wow, that's good money! Do they pay for everything while you're at sea?
This is what UA-cam should be about.... Thanks to whoever made this.
Yea nobody complained about him not say having a safety line on or he might ,just might be a closet racist. Give it time. U tube or some stinking politicians will find away to make it like 50 g a year for licensing fees for the worker. Then they will give the job to who they think should have the jobs. Sorry to be so negative but the wacky shit going on in this rules upon rules country these days just drives me to say and think like I do. Very good video though. Seems to be a great experience.
@@johnsellers2999 ua-cam.com/video/j7g-uc8qOlk/v-deo.html
@John ua-cam.com/video/j7g-uc8qOlk/v-deo.html
I’m 77 now and you brought back pleasant memories from the early 1960s. Although the technology to record media
was not like it is today, I could kick myself for not not investing in better equipment to record the three years I spent, doing in the engine room, of a British cargo ship, what you did on deck.
By the way, your short film is first rate. Jim Bean.
please make a video about it, I'm sure people would love to know about your experiences. I know I would.
James Bean if you ever decide to make a video on it let me know i would love to help in post production
I would also love to hear some of your experiences in the engine room, I myself soon will work in engine rooms.
I love that your name is Jim Bean. Awesome!
Jim, I pray your still alive and kicking.
genuinely surprised that this was the only video this guy has put out; between that artwork he showed off, and the masterful way he put together this doc, he definitely seems like a creator type. hope he's doing well
From his website, it looks as if hes moved on to become a more serious artist.
Thanks Justin, I am doing well, and working on a new film project. This one really took it out of me, and I've focused on my painting for the most part since completing it in 2012. I'm stoked its still resonating with people.
@@martinmachado9079 Great video i really enjoyed it
@@martinmachado9079 That painting in the video was awesome.
this means it's the right way round. art, or indeed any product of creativity, happens when you have something to say, rather than thinking of what to say in some manner of choice (as modern pop music works, for example).
So this is the life my friend went after in High School, quite the long haul commitment.
Wherever you are Cat man, I hope you're happy.
Ryan Dunham thanks man
@@zeroz88 is it really you
@@h3lms This would be incredible if it was!
Derp Derp lol
@Derp Derp do not listen to this guy, i am the real Cat man's cousin, and i know where Cat man is
This guy needs to go into documentary film making. This is brilliant - such talent and potential here.
This is what my dad did during WWII and was called into active duty where he had two ships blown out from under him.Thank you for your service, Dad!
Well done. You narrated it as if we were there with you, very informative.
Exactly.
Exactly my thoughts. Great work.
Very well done! I look forward to your next one.
nailed it
This guy is the new Morgan Freeman.
My brother did this, at age 18, at the bottom, as a cook, and finishing at age 50 as the Chief Engineer on a US boat. Now retired he has stories to tell. Tell them brother.
Interesting change from a cook to an engineer
Videos like this are my favorite thing to watch on youtube.
Not doing it for fame, or Instagram.
Just taking us along for their journey. Well done.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! What a wonderful experience!
this seems like one of those jobs where, when youre there you can't wait to get home.......but when your home you can't wait to get back to sea!
Did 6 years in Navy and I still miss the sea. Once my kids old enough I plan to try to get back to a sea going career or at least move onto a sailboat. Nothing like seeing the stars in the middle of the ocean with nothing around you.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
@@Boris_Chang you obviously have never seen may neighbors grass. LOL
@@Dan-ger82 that last line. wow. I like that too.
Easy career to get into, and huge void at the moment from retiring baby boomers. Ive been going to sea since I was 18 and love it. I with 90 days in 90 off with full benefits. And collect unemployment while I'm off.
do u ever go to watch a video that sounds interesting, but when you click it you see you have already liked it
Then you go to the comments about to type something and realise you said the very same thing 4 years ago. Yes, it's happened to me.
Common weed side effect
Yeah and I fucking hate it. so annoying especially because it clears likes after you like 5k videos 5001 you lose from your like history
@Dylan sky vodka
All the time lol
I am a 20 year Navy Sailor and you made me miss the lifestyle. There is sanity in the everyday routine, and that peacefulness is hard to find these days. Awesome video thanks.
First, I sincerely *Thank You* for your service, Scott! Twenty years.. I'm sure that is plenty of time to lose yer land legs and know a bit on the subject. Secondly, I will present an insincere philosophical thought challenge:
The automation of cargo offloading processes has greatly lowered expenses and increased efficiency. Has it also helped to lower infection rates of common STD's? ;>
Every single word of this documentary is exactly what I experienced my first time at sea for a prolonged period. And hearing this is helping me realize that the reason I've been unhappy is because I love being out on the water and that life is exactly what I want (for now). I'll never forget being on the mids and seeing aurora borealis underneath the arctic night sky :)
The feeling never goes away...
The fastest way to get a job as an OS is to apply to the Piney Point maritime school in Maryland. Its free to go to, you live on campus, and food is provided as well as uniforms.Even if you don't keep it as a career, its an adventure of a lifetime.
Absolutely amazing video Martin. Best of luck on all that you do in the future.
what the fuck are you doing here? There is no stickers for you to throw out.
@@Grizzbit I am everywhere
@@Podcastage Jesus Christ, is Bandrew Bourne
This was one of the finest productions that I have seen on here.
One word: Fantastic. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video. You epitomize what it's like to be a kind and observant human being.
Come back to this video every now and again, it truly is wonderful. The pacing is just perfect, allows us to fill in the pauses. Thanks so much for sharing this story with us!
You sounded like you were reading from a book, this was an incredible experience! Thank you so much, Martin
Great work Martin. I sailed Engin Dept. for nearly 40 years Deep Sea - Up the hawser from Wiper to Original 2nd Engineer. Started in N.Y C. in Sept. 1963 and retired Feb. 2003. Sailed on Break Bulk C-4's, Mission Tankers, Passenger Ships and even on the Hospital Ship S.S. Hope. You have done a remarkable job. Congratulations, Your original artwork is first prize. And you have captured the true feeling of camaraderie and the essence of life aboard ship. Well Done.! and many thanks from an old seafarer.
1963 /2013 been there & done it from boy to Capt. Well done Martin on a great video.
Means ur old AF
@TROLL ACCOUNT ABILITY WHY ARE WE YELLING? IS IT BILLY MAYS DAY ALREADY?
Night vision is invaluable out there.
I once dreamed of becoming a seaman as a kid but I changed my mind when I learned the down side of the profession. My uncle in the Philippines was an officer on Greek and US lines from late 60's and quit as a chief mate in 1990 in his early 40's. He quit as a rich man by Philippine standard and started small businesses. At first I only heard the good side of his stories, good pay, being able to dock on ports for weeks or a month at that time before there was loading/unloading technology and he had pictures of very beautiful places. It was only in 1986 that I first heard about the negatives, from being robbed in Brazil, collision that had them stranded in a foreign shore, close calls on hurricanes and the undisclosed secret pain in his family. It was triggered when their toddler told a relative that he saw her mommy naked in the bedroom with their household assistant boy. That seems to be a funny mindless story but it leads to rumors of affairs which at that time is taboo for a married woman in the Philippines. From then my uncle gradually changed his delightful attitude and he seems unhappy and eventually quit in 1990. About 4 years later I had the guts to ask him on the full story. Back then when a seaman leaves his family there was no internet and long distance phone are unavailable and the only connection between a seaman and his wife is through mail that mostly are rerouted through the staffing agencies and don't get delivered for months. The disconnect and the loneliness were unbearable. So he actually had secret arrangement with his wife that both of them can have secret lovers while he is out to sea for a year and sometimes renewing a contract for a total of 2 years. He had been into brothels while his wife was having secret affairs of her own and they both accepted that deal and not talking about it. Their only concern is being known and it would be equivalent to losing all dignity. His wife actually had affairs with 3 boys at different times and all of them working as house hold servant.
Wow, man...
50 years in the industry...
If that was aviation, and if you were a mechanic, you would get your Charles Taylor award.
Named after the man who helped repair the Wright Flier.
What a nice, unpretentious but soulful video! loved every minute of it. You'e a great storyteller Martin. Well done
The Merchant Marine got a free recruitment video. You can't buy this type of publicity!
Lord knows it needs all the publicity it can if it is to last.
This video felt like reading a novel. I really appreciate it. I felt glad to know this exists, Something in this video made me feel like I found someone who is precious and his thoughts reflective.
Algorithm... We meet again.
It was worth the watch, though.
This is random for me too, but i loved it!
I too loved it 😍😍 so well narrated
Joakim Kanon Saaaaaame here.
Ditto. But was really interesting. Thankful this person made this.
hey martin this was really beautiful. there genuinely so much good stuff going on here, but i did just want to flag in particular how much i appreciate the unhurried pace of your video, which is bracelingly refreshing on this platform.
Great storyteller... Thank you so much for this amazing adventure. It felt like actually going on the voyage. Thank you so much
Wow, excellent documentation. What is shown in this video is similar to what I experienced on U.S. Navy ships (15 year engineering). Based on the utube videos I seen three differences I see between the US Navy and the U.S. Merchant Marines is (1) the U.S. Navy has a promotion scale, (2) the Merchant Marines has a union, (3) pay: the Navy is more of a "salary" worker, the Merchant Marines are more of an "hourly" worker.
Again, thank you for putting this documentation together. Its a fine piece of work. I really appreciate it!
Wow this is pretty fucking incredible! Very real but very deep and moving. For the longest time I haven't come across a UA-cam video that arrested my attention and captivated me so strongly that I just watched the whole thing in one sitting. Especially something that was 20+ minutes long. So well made, so minimalistic but rich. And mannnn you are an incredible painter too. Wow!!! Sir, you have a future in documentary film making. But you already know that, right?
Minds Eye Well spoken.
I was thinking the same thing, your film is arranged just as good as anything I have watched.And that includes the B.B.C.,wildlife documentary.ect.Go follow that line of work, as you are talented in this field.Well done.Was wanting to see more.💪✌👏👏.
Great video, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
LANGUAGE!!
Thank you for restoring my faith in UTUBE. Most stuff on here is crap.This is not.
a true gem!
Fox McCloud. UTUBE=youtube
Jeff Smith LMAO idiot you just don'tknow what to look for. Don't blame other uploaders if you can't use spell check or simple Google searches.
large red why are you so fucking mad you are why the internet is cancer
Jeff Smithi
Jeff Smith hi
You did a great job on this video. I don't think that I've watched any other video produced by an individual that was as interesting and thoughtfully created. You took an average job in an unusual circumstance and made it contemplative and interesting. Your narration was also very well done. At times you sounded a bit like Matthew Modine just talking talking to a friend, introspectively over drinks. Seems like your artistic and laid back personality in contrast to the life of the Merchant Marine really complements one another. Well Done and Thank You!
I certainly hope to see more from you!
Thanks Jack, I've never had the Modine comment, but he's pretty cool, so I'll take it! Glad you enjoyed the video
@@martinmachado9079 At night did you see any ufos ?
Martin Machado Great video. You should use some of your time to look into the Flat Earth. Water being level and all.
@@op-pv2nn r/NobodyAsked
seriously, we're not about to have a discussion on how stupid you are on a really nice video about being a sailor.
Rocket Humper Sorry to hear that you’re too stupid to understand the basic nature of water. Good luck with realizing that the sea is level and ships don’t sail upside down in Australia.
Exceptional rendition that brought back fond memories to me as a former seagoing marine engineer, mostly on large general cargo ships trading all parts of the world. In those years we use to regularly spend 3 to 5 days in port, depending on the type of cargo to be loaded or off loaded, and whether shore-side cranes or ship's own gear were used. Martin's articulation is very clear and soothing on the ear whilst he also manages to authentically capture the essence of what life at sea is all about. Thank you so much for sharing.
That’s the life. Your narration made me feel the journey. It’s like I was there. Amazing story. Thank you for creating this.
@9:55 In the US Navy when we passed through Suez canal in aircraft carrier, the local army would be along the banks with RPG armed personnel, jeeps and the occasional tank.
Ebolaface why is that?
Ebolaface belay what I asked. I was thinking of the Panama Canal when you said Suez. My fault
Because of Israel bra
@@jackalejandrojacobs2535 no, because of a potential terrorist attack...
@@dhherionterrorist attack from USA braaaa
This is without a doubt one of the best videos on UA-cam. And those shots of the Golden Gate Bridge are so dreamy, utterly sublime!
This is probably my favorite video on youtube. I can't believe it's been 8 years. I've always dreamed of working on cargo ships. Even though Im afraid of the ocean and don't know how to swim, I find peace in it. I love cargo ship documentaries and I always come back to this at least every 6 month. Thank you for making this video.
30 years ago when I was in the US Navy I recall talking with a merchant marine that just pulled into port in Oakland, CA and he was trying to talk me into joining the merchant marine. I never did and I sometimes think about that conversation with that nameless merchant marine that I never saw again. This lifestyle seems very similar to Navy life.
It is a very rare that a youtube video just absorbs me during watching. This was like a real movie. Thank you!
I couldn't stop watching once I started. Kind of reminds of doing a military deployment. Glad you documented this!
Thanks so much for the trip down memory lane, having come ashore many years ago.
@14:00 On my very first ship I had a chief engineer tell me, “the only thing that ship and life have in common is they both contain the letter “I”.
One of the nicest videos I've seen in ages. It brings back memories of my years at sea as a hull tech (plumbing, welding, carpentry) on a US navy oiler. Oh...the vast Pacific. Some days as smooth as a mirror, followed by the horrors of a typhoons.
Which oiler? I was on the USS Hassayampa 1966 &67
So happy this popped up in my feed. I always wanted to visit one of the these ships, your narrative documentry is the next best thing 👍
Mr. Machado - Thank you for creating your very professional documentary about life in the Merchant Marine. My Dad was in the Merchant Marine in WWII and then was a foreman in the Operating Engineers stateside for many years when I was growing up. He often talked about his life aboard ships which was sometimes very dangerous and difficult, but he had good times too. I love your artwork at the end at the video and think you should be showing your work in galleries and perhaps marketing your prints to sailors. I think your work would be a big hit in the nautical community especially with your background story. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
I was twenty years and a month in the USN, carrier aviation. You miss the good times when it's over - and some of them are hard to explain...
I like how tactfully you put it that"most of the guys spent their pay in bars and 'brothels'..." I myself quickly learned to put half of my paycheck away before we pulled into port, like a visitor to Las Vegas who intends to have bus fare when they leave ;)
Did you read any books instead of going out on liberty?
I'm a retired Marine and my son is in the Air Force and my son in law is in the Navy (he's been in 20 months already a MR2 on the Ike!!). I told them the same thing. It is easy to drink away all that pay you save because there isn't anything to spend money on. Luckily my daughter is real bright with money and the SiL has her just give him an "allowance". He's getting ready to head out on his first Med.
Isn' it crazy how fast 20 years go by?
My dad is a retired USCG BMC, father in law retired Navy AT1 and mother law retired as a SK1, both brother laws were Navy as well, one did 20 and retired HTSC and the other only did 4 years. When we all get together we have over 100 years of service and although the Guard and the Corps isn't the Navy we all speak the same lingo, traditions ( there's 3 nasty pollywogs in room of shellbacks, a bluenose shellback and a goldenshellback) are appreciated etc. I hope both boys do 20 and I keep telling them to appreciate it because they'll blink and it will be over. It goes by so fast, it seems like yesterday when I was a Lance Corporal riding a Zodiak off the coast of Somalia. I would do it all over again without hesitation.
Thank you for your service. I appreciate all the sacrifices you and your family took for America. Have a great day!
@@densealloy hahaha! I was thinking of joining the navy too! How does it feel to have one of your boys be an airmen when you were a devil dog for so long, hell, i wonder how you feel about the other one being a sailor!
Please take your time to answer sir !
There's a certain feeling I get watching this video.. I want to say nostalgia, although I've never actually been at sea. I'm starting my first year at the Naval Academy this month. I can't wait to get out there. Thank you for making this.
I see you have only made the one video, I do hope you will consider making more in the future Martin. I really enjoyed this insight to your world. Hello to you from the UK. Norm.
1963 was the year I decided that the sea was for me. Young and fancy free, I signed up with Blue Star Line on their refrigerated cargo ships, sailing out of UK ports. They took me to most places I wanted to see in the relatively short time I was with them. It seemed easy to get a shipping company to employ you in those days. If you had work experience in heavy engineering they would take you on as a Junior Engineer.
We spent days and sometimes weeks ashore in places like New Zealand, Australia, SouthAfrica, USA, Canada and South America.
There were a few incidents at sea I recall, the main one being one Christmas Day in the Pacific, 800 miles from Panama, when a young deck hand threw himself overboard. It was 8.00pm and dark so they lowered a boat and went looking for him. It was fortunate that the Pacific lived up to its name that day and they found him clinging to a lifebuoy where he was rescued and lived to sail another day.
So now all I have are memories and a few nondescript photos. It was worth it though.
Why did he throw himself off?
@@bungeegum9 It was Christmas Day, he probably felt depressed and alone being stuck on a merchant ship when he could have been with family. Happens in the Navy a lot, I'm sure its just the same maritime.
Been going to sea 41 years well done 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Is it difficult to get into in the UK?
@@driverthree3454 Its difficult to find a job at sea in the UK as like the US we disposed of our merchant fleet to rely on European products, the worst move made by an island nation on this earth.
@@fornicateu2 It's easier to get a shipping job in Europe? Do you need any particular skills?
@@AwesomeDude272 I'm an ex-bosun and able seaman, I hold efficient deck hand certificates and lifeboat certificate which has been replaced by a 'sea survival' cert, you would probably find it difficult to get a job at sea without these two certs, you can train and get these at nautical college, however having no sea experience you still would lack basic knowledge to keep you safe on board, these jobs aren't a 'cruise' and you need to be wary of dangers and there are many.
better you than me.
Love this video because of his extended monologs and overall style. Reminds me of the 90s when you could watch a documentary and just learn something.
I'm retired now but when I was in the British Merchant Navy you signed on a ship on '2 year Articles', meaning the company could keep you on the ship for up to 2 years. In practice it was generally 6 to 10 months so not too bad. Served most of my time on tankers (Esso) but also bulk carriers, refrigerated cargo and a couple of years on scheduled liner services. Served around 25 years at sea (1969/1994) and then a period as a Marine Inspector, briefly went back back to sea for a couple of years (1999/2000).
How much did it pay and what retirement benefits did you get after changing shipping companies so many times?
at the end, the way you described your entrance back home.....the feeling of finally being home is the same for every traveler....the odor, the view, the colors, the landscape....all mixed with tears in your eyes, shouting at you "welcome back home".
Excellent piece. Great narration and combination of film and stills. Fastest 22 minutes in recent memory.
Good film, brought back memories of when i was a sailor, sailing all over the orient , down to australua, up to the sea of okosh, first on us naval ships and then on a usns merchant oiler which i really enjoyed, i was on that ship for 1.5 yrs , we sailed out of subic and mainly stayed in the persian gulf assisting usn ships, this would be around 1979-81 timeframe.
Ive been on the beach ever since but i will never forget my time at sea..
OMG this is such a wonderful documentary… Enjoyed every moment of it… The guy is so professional and has got such a lovely soothing voice… Thanks for sharing
Martin, your documentary was absolutely fabulous and your art work is outstanding. Bravo. And all the very best to you.
beside for what i'm usually watching, this is the type of content that makes me appreciate youtube even more. i only wish youtube would promote more content like this in the recomandation and trending or in other ways
the lack of sound is really peaceful. I guess its really overkilled audio due to wind and your choice to not use music is perfect!
I worked on merchant ships for 15 years so this doc. brings back good memories. Thank you.
To this day, this is one of the most inspiring and best UA-cam videos I have ever watched, and it came from a tiny one-man channel.
What a beautiful film! Well done man! I love your paintings too. Fantastic contrast and full of life!
Outstanding work Martin! I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary and you have great talent as an artist. Kudos and thank you!
I really enjoyed that! Thank you for the effort. Amazing thing to share with your kids when your older.
I really loved this! It felt so natural and somehow calming. I almost want to quit my job and go work on a ship.
dont you dare stop flipping burgers at taco bell kid... You are there for a damn reason
Thank you Martin! I used to live in Cape Canaveral and often wondered what it was like to be a sailor when I saw the ships come and go into the port.
My father in law is a former merchant marine. He's 63 and retiring this December from being an able body seaman on the Helix Q oil rig. He's been a sailor since he was 18. He tells us how he's been able to travel the world throughout his lifetime. He says he loves it but also stated that it's also a huge sacrifice when he started his family. Great video. I'll show this to my father in law.
A really, really good short ... great paintings too! I thoroughly enjoyed this video.
3:31 Being able to slide down a main sail by stabbing a dagger through it and riding down will never be outdated and is always still valid
It's only outdated when the sails are gone
they should hire former Navy seals for security in pirate waters
@@commiesnzombies Or marines, that's literally what the marines were originally meant to do.
@@NautilusSSN571
In the British Navy, at least, the marines were primarily there to protect the officers from the crew :-0
HEY YOU GUUUYS!
Well done Martin, an honest and interesting personal documentary of your experience.
A first for the chaotic ad ridden UA-cam!
You dont have a right to things for free. If you just turn on cable (A paid service) you will see 5x the ads than any yt video has.
This reminds me of all the stories my dad told us growing up. He travelled the world with the "Lady " boats , such as the "Lady Rodney", Lady Nelson" and a bunch more, can't remember them all. He was in the "Merchant Navy" Canadian during the 2nd world war. He was an ABS also. He was a bit of a young bad ass and some of his stories were pretty wild and crazy and a bit racy at times. His eyes sparkled when he told us of his tales and usually had a big grin on his face when he had an audience to tell the yarns to. I'm sure we have more sisters and brothers around the world with the same DNA. Don't scorn the old man because that's exactly how he came to this world, and I'm dam happy he did or my 4 sisters and I wouldn't be here if his mom and that guy didn't, well you know. We all get here somehow and most times my mom was happy he was here too from what ever means. I learned a lot of geography from the old man and he always stated which place had the best rum. Too bad I get sea sick or I might have followed in his foot steps, but I'm sure that's why I'm a land Gypsy, because of Dad. Thanks so much Martin!
Sounds like you're describing the old swabby that I called pop. All sorts of interesting tales of his days in the navy. He'd get the same glint in his eye that you speak of. The lord called that old sailor home on Sept 23rd. Cheers to two old salts! I love you old beauty!
My dad was in the British Merchant Navy during WW2. The Japanese nearly got him, but they survived and spend a year in India while the ship was repaired. The wait probably saved his life. The other story I most remember is him having a fun swim in an African river only to notice the crocodiles on the banks AFTER he got out...I guess they had already eaten that day.
@@aclark903 Was he a Canadian sailing with the British Merchant Navy?
@@rogerrolfe8114 No, #Mancunian.
Thanks, that was a very interesting film. And great artwork too.
The paintings in the credits...glad that he found the time.
Wow, this was nostalgia overload! A great short movie that took me back to my youth. At 17, in 1962, I signed on as a navigating officer apprentice in the British merchant navy, back in the days when the Brits had one! I did 4 years on the NZ/Oz run, with runs to East Us and Can ports, from the UK. Then 2 years on the Far East runs to China, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore etc as a junior officer. Then 4 more with Canadian Pacific as a 2nd Mate worldwide on cargo ships, freighters and passenger liners. In 1972 ‘ containerization’ had arrived, meaning very short port time, so little time to explore, meet locals etc. Apart from that it was time to take my Masters Ticket .....it was a crossroads in my life, so I ‘swallowed the anchor’ and went ashore. Do I regret leaving? No, it was the right decision at the time, and I had recently married a ships nurse on the Empress of Canada. Do I look back on those years? Yes, daily as they were the most influential in my life. We tried to settle down in the UK, but in the early seventies it seemed that everyone was on strike, so we emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, the best decision I ever made! I’m now 75, and live in Victoria BC, and look at every ship that passes through the Juan de Fuca Straits......with sad, but realistic nostalgia!
Beautiful ,David
Lovely story and you picked a great spot to settle.
This is a masterpiece.
This was very interesting. My Father was in the Merchant Marines during the beginning of WW 2. He then became a Captain in the Navy. I liked your artwork.
This video was done with precision and it was well edited, I sure hope you get a chance to make a few more, I love the way it was narrated, good job sir.
Vevry nice video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can relate to the experience somewhat as well, being a Navy veteran, and making two 6 month cruises to the Mediterranean.
To get on, apply to Military Sealift Command (MSC) or Seafarers International Union, SIU. I preferred break bulk freighters, that take a long time to load or unload, giving me max hours ashore in foreign countries. Tankers seldom have shore time, and container ships unload quickly. But to start, take any ship that you can get. Another start is to get a job in oil field boats or tugs, mostly non-union. Find the companies and apply directly. Forget cruise ships, they are almost all foreign crewed.
As an overall rule, never talk about your past, for the first month, and it is a rule not to comment on how a shipmate does anything. Leave any racism or prejudice behind on land. All men who work equally hard are considered equal, and NEVER argue with the cook. LOL
i have been wanting to do this for a long time, i am 28 with absolutely no boat/ship experience. is it still possible to get a job doing anything on cross sea ships? (sorry if i am asking the wrong person you seem like a knowledgeable person in thees matters lol)
Good rules for ANY new job 👏🏻👏🏻
@@BORDEMentertainment2 look into the Unlicensed Apprentice program thru the SIU that is what I did and they set you up real nice with everything you need
@@Da_Sailor thank you. Very much
You need experience for this type of work.Cheers
This was absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your story.
VERY well done, and a perfect watch as I begin my day with tea and toast.
A very calming experience.
I'm a third year marine engineering. At the moment, I really have it tough. My motivations are low, but thanks to this it has been renewed. I been reminded of the reason why I took this course. Thank you.
Where r u taking your course at?
Hell yea.. I'm a former U.S. Marine working in the shipyards down here in San Diego and its always been a dream of mine to sail the world (grandfather spent 20 years in the Navy and told me a whole lotta stories), so I applied with the Military Sealift Command back in December and I'm now *this* close to being hired on and heading to Norfolk for "NEO." Anyway, great video; I enjoyed hearing your perspective and honesty about what this career entails.. I'm stoked as all hell, and, if we ever cross paths out there, beers are on me. Take care.. Peace.
+Friendly Person Marine Corps pride and ethos, my friend.. I knew if I were ever to join the military, I wanted to be a Marine. And let me make one thing crystal: I'm not knocking anyone in any other branch of service; I have family spanning from the Navy, to the Army, to the Air Force, back to the Corps (my younger cousin; 0317; very proud of him).. Truth be told, we're all greasy, over-worked cogs (sometimes under-paid, unless you're an officer or higher-ranking SNCO) in one giant wheel, making shit happen.. We all have a part to play when it comes down to it (and damn, let's not forget about every soul out there serving in the Military Sealift Command as well).. However.. I digress. You asked why I didn't just join the Navy.. Well I probably could've, but I feel like the Corps was just a better suit for me. Marines are just a different breed. We are the red-headed-bastard-stepchildren of the military.. A majority of us are prior fuck-ups (USMC = "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children," as we so often get called), and we get cut orders, get the outdated hand-me-down CIF gear, and grab our M16's (finally transitioning to M4 Carbines now, but it doesn't fuckin matter) from the nearest armory.. And we're good to go.. Any time.. any hour.. any day. That's the beauty of it. "Always ready." That's just a few of our mottos. And we _never_ leave a Marine behind, no matter what.. "Death before dishonor." It's a code we live by.. I would rather die fireman-carrying my fellow Marine off the "X" than to let him lay there and die alone.. And I know he would do the same for me. It's a brotherhood. It's a family. Truly.. _That's_ why I joined the Marines Corps, and not any other branch of service.
+Friendly Person Ah.. "MA.." "Master-at-Arms.." I had to Google it because I'm not all that familiar with the "rates" in the Navy (which, evidentally, is just the same shit we call an "MOS [Military Occupational Specialty]" in the Corps); however, I do remember passing by spaces every day aboard the USS Freedom and USS America that had a decked-out placard painted "Master-at-Arms," and I never knew wtf that quite meant.. I always figured it was either the (Navy's) top Marksman/Rifleman/Gunner aboard the ship, or some type of moto Drill expert, or something to do with either the Armory or the Brig (or, in this case, I'm assuming you were the equivalent of an MP or PMO aboard a Naval ship).. So, my question to you is: "Did you not get any type of merit for sea service during your time spent in the Navy as an MA..?" Because, just from what I understand talking to yall Squids, yall spend most of your enlistment out at sea, with a chance to get shore duty after a certain amount of time, and then that's that.. I'm rambling here, but my point is that, if you've had enough time out at sea (I believe six months is the minimum) then you would be a shoo-in to be an AB (Able-bodied Seaman), as opposed to a lower-ranking OS (Ordinary Seaman), if you were trying to join MSC.. Myself, for example, deployed to Iraq; however, I was never on a WESTPAC on one of yall's ships (we FLEW to Kuwait then convoyed into Iraq via 7-tons, humvees, and MRAPs) and so I have no sea service in my training jacket which is why I would have to start at the bottom of the totem poll as an OS instead of an AB (which is fine; I'll get there), but if you already have some time out at sea under your belt (and it should show it on your DD-214) then you'll already be ahead of the game if you choose to join MSC.. But as far as the whole army amphibious water unit thing goes, I'm sorry, but that's just not my department, so I can't help ya there. Good luck to ya though, Squid.
+Friendly Person Ah.. "MA.." "Master-at-Arms.." I had to Google it because I'm not all that familiar with the "rates" in the Navy (which, evidentally, is just the same shit we call an "MOS [Military Occupational Specialty]" in the Corps); however, I do remember passing by spaces every day aboard the USS Freedom and USS America that had a decked-out placard painted "Master-at-Arms," and I never knew wtf that quite meant.. I always figured it was either the (Navy's) top Marksman/Rifleman/Gunner aboard the ship, or some type of moto Drill expert, or something to do with either the Armory or the Brig (or, in this case, I'm assuming you were the equivalent of an MP or PMO aboard a Naval ship).. So, my question to you is: "Did you not get any type of merit for sea service during your time spent in the Navy as an MA..?" Because, just from what I understand talking to yall Squids, yall spend most of your enlistment out at sea, with a chance to get shore duty after a certain amount of time, and then that's that.. I'm rambling here, but my point is that, if you've had enough time out at sea (I believe six months is the minimum) then you would be a shoo-in to be an AB (Able-bodied Seaman), as opposed to a lower-ranking OS (Ordinary Seaman), if you were trying to join MSC.. Myself, for example, deployed to Iraq; however, I was never on a WESTPAC on one of yall's ships (we FLEW to Kuwait then convoyed into Iraq via 7-tons, humvees, and MRAPs) and so I have no sea service in my training jacket which is why I would have to start at the bottom of the totem poll as an OS instead of an AB (which is fine; I'll get there), but if you already have some time out at sea under your belt (and it should show it on your DD-214) then you'll already be ahead of the game if you choose to join MSC.. But as far as the whole army amphibious water unit thing goes, I'm sorry, but that's just not my department, so I can't help ya there. Good luck to ya though, Squid.
Jon Fellow Veteran thank you for your Service Marine .
Jon Webster You're still young go for it
Wow, I loved your documentary. It's made me want to become a sailor. Thanks
This is the great thing about UA-cam. You can just happen across some of the most interesting things! Great job man!!! I REALLY enjoyed this. I just wish YT instills a better randomizer! I'm tired of my feed being all the same ish right after I watch like 2 corresponding vids! Gimme some more new & interesting stuff like this from time to time!!!
Great documentary. You did an awesome job of us following what you did. Your artwork is really amazing and you should have a gallery opening of all your artwork so that everyone seeing your artwork can follow your journey as we did in this documentary. Again great job :)
I've done 5 months, and you describe it very well!. I'm having a nostalgic feeling. thanks for this!
Very well done. I did 6 years at sea in the Navy and 26 in the Merchant Marine. Wouldn't go back but wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
I'm 3 months into a 5 month stint, feeling ready to go home right about now.
@@Will-ce7tv month 3 out of 5 was the hardest for me, after that you feel like you're almost heading home. last 2 months where the best in my experience. Hang on bro
@@augmentedcamel Thanks mate, month 3 was the hardest because I new I still had 2 months to go. I now have 33 days to go. I'm excited and fatigued at the same time.
@@Will-ce7tv Do you mind me asking what kind of pay I could expect being a US citizen, entry level job like wiper or OS
Great video ! Your story reminded me of my friend Barnacle Bill Scott vvho vvas allvvays out @ sea til he passed a fevv yrs ago. Your paintings are beautifull & TY for shring your story
Love the narration, pacing and videography.
Superb Film Martin ! You have a beautiful voice and your narrative was splendid. It was so calm and immersive that I didnt take my eyes off the video. Please be safe.
"Coffee and cigarettes got me through it". That's pretty much what's going on my tombstone.
stop smoking
@@montiro8999 LOL
@@montiro8999 k
So classic, heartbreaking and exciting! can't wait to go to merchant academy. for the future and for my family.thanks! inspirational video btw.
great paintings! and nice video to inspire us in our free time!
I've watched this three times over the past six years and every time is like the first. Great video!
Such a great simple documentary. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I’m a merchant seaman, but I work in the engine! All of my sailor brother....SALUTE!
Can you make good money as a merchant ?
Andrew Howard It depends on several things: nationality, ranks, and types of ships. I could say that the money earned would be good, but it won’t come easy. As everything has a price, you will be far away from home, you would have less access to the Internet, and you could also encounter lack of sleep.
Narration is your calling.Amazing work!
Yes.....never i felt so captivating on a 20 min video....i watched it whole in a sitting. As soon as the vid finished and i checked if he has posted any other video. Sadly no
Explanatory without seeming forced or rushed. Warm without being sentimental. Personal yet objective. Very nice, well-shot, interesting video. Thank you!
This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for making this.
Your video was amazing and inspirational. I'm getting my merchant marine credential and joining the military sealift command pretty soon. Can't wait for all the travel and adventure.
2 years later ,So how was it ?
i am also curious
Hope he responds lol
How did it go
I've worked on a boat before, its amazing - when you are out at sea, it feels different. You don't have to worry about anything.
This is a wonderful bit of documentary, it’s one of my favorite on UA-cam and I love coming back once in a while to watch it again.
Nevermind the merchant marines. You're a pretty damn good artist!