One of the great benefits of attending the US Merchant Marine Academy is the experience of going out to sea on US-Flag merchant ships. This is called 'Sea Year'. While the state schools primarily rely on school ships, USMMA Midshipmen are sent, generally two at a time, to commercial vessels trading around the world. That is until now -- if the following information … [Read more...]
Visit the Liberty Ship S.S. JOHN W. BROWN
Still looking for something to do this Independence Day weekend? The S. S. JOHN W. BROWN is one of two still operational Liberty ships from World War II and was launched on 7 September 1942 from Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard at Sparrows Point, Maryland. She will be open for tours at Fells Point in Baltimore as part of Family Fun Week from 3 to 6 July. This is a great … [Read more...]
Lifeboats, Liferafts and the Sunken Ferry M/V SEWOL
On April 16, 2014 the Korean-flagged passenger ferry M/V SEWOL sank resulting in a large loss of life of the passengers. While this story will continue to develop as this disaster is investigated, there are a number of questions that should be included as part of the investigation. In relation to the disaster, these are mere side-questions, in that I do not think that the … [Read more...]
David Macaulay Does the SS UNITED STATES
David Macaulay is an author and illustrator well known to most all American children. His book UNDERGROUND has to be one of my all-time favorites when I was a kid. Mr. Macaulay next book will feature drawings of the great cruise liner SS UNITED STATES. Here is the press release which notes that he was a former passenger on the great ship: Dear SS United States Conservancy … [Read more...]
Cable Penetrations Almost Did In The EMMA MAERSK
The EMMA MAERSK suffered a flooding incident in February as it was getting ready to transit the Suez Canal. As reported earlier, water entered the vessel through a damaged stern thruster. The flooding was initially contained in the shaft tunnel, however, the Danish Maritime Authority's investigation report just released notes that once the pipe tunnel was full and the pressure … [Read more...]