DISQUS

CAPT. D. Peter Boucher, MN(Ret · 1 year ago

This is hardly a new or unproven method of training. My own experience was as a British Merchant Navy Deck Apprentice. After three months shore training I joined my first ship just 3 days after my 17th. Birthday. Indentures with the Company were co-signed by my Father and were for 4 years, 1954 to 1958, at sea. During my last year I was promoted to 4th. Officer and stood watch with the Chief Officer. Then I was promoted to Third Officer on one of the smaller tonnage ships where I stood watch as OOW. We Apprentices worked under the Bosun to learn all deck work from experienced seaman. We stood Bridge & cargo watches, day & night, steering, kept lookout thus understudying the OOW. The result was that I thoroughly knew all deck, cargo and Bridge work. When it came to giving orders I knew from personal experience just what was required of each job and how long it took. Thus I always had the respect of my crews. They knew I knew my job and did not give them ridiculus orders. Finally I retired some 50 years later as Foreign-going Master. I am still active Maritime Consulting, teaching BSA Sea Scouts, writing and guest speaking. It might be fair to conclude that my training was very good and I applied it well. The judgement is yours. Good Watch

Kp graduate · 1 year ago

What continues to amaze me is that the USCG and other public vessels are exempt from the STCW training standards. We all sail on the same oceans, but apprently have different standards. Part of the reason the USCG credability among professional mariners continues to drop is USCG officers and petty officers are trained to sub-standard condtions. Then they are the agency charged to carry out regulations over those held to a higher standard, but yet fail to meet the same standard.

CAPT. D. Peter Boucher, MN(Ret · 1 year ago

eed. Imagine how it feels when some snotty nosed Ensign just out of the USCG Academy starts instructing a cruise ship Master with 45 years seatime of which 25 was in command.
Nearly strangled the little twerp, fortunately a more senior officer came and apoligized.
Good Watch

John · 1 year ago

Peter,

I whitnessed an ensign try that with a Master Chief once. I must say he was very nice in his refusal!

nika · 1 year ago

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