by CW4 Michael W. Carr, US Army Watercraft Master (Ret) As a former instructor I taught cadets, midshipman, and merchant mariners for over 15 years during my various tenures at Maine Maritime, Kings Point, and MITAGS. And I sailed on my Merchant Mariner and Army Mariners License for many more years. When you know your skill, and you know your trade, you … [Read more...]
Why The USS Fitzgerald Is At Fault, Part 2 – Questions And Answers
The recent editorial "The USS Fitzgerald Is At Fault. This Is Why." has been read 103,667 times, shared by 9,699 people via social media and ignited a firestorm of over 500 facebook comments, forum posts, emails and phone calls to gCaptain HQ. Feedback I have received from Navy brass, journalists, pilots and Merchant Mariners working aboard commercial ships has been positive. … [Read more...]
COLREGs – Give Way or Stand On
by Captain Grant H Livingstone Part Two out of Three Part articles on COLREGS. Are some professional mariners unintentionally violating COLREGS in a conscientious effort to avoid close quarters situations with small boats? A review a few of the most common violations professional mariners are being found at fault for or debate in inland waters with small boats … [Read more...]
The USS Fitzgerald Is At Fault. This Is Why.
Editor's note: According to google this article has been read by 133,570 people and has received over 500 comments, questions and replies on Facebook and the gCaptain Forum. Here is Captain Konrad's response: Why The USS Fitzgerald Is At Fault, Part 2 – Questions And Answers By Captain John Konrad (gCaptain) Every ship, regardless of nationality or … [Read more...]
Why Gender Diversity Matters Aboard Ships
By Captain George Livingstone The United Nation’s has declared the month of March as International Women’s Month so it seemed right to review the subject of women in marine transportation for this column. The IMO estimates there are about 1.2 Million seafarers crewing vessels on the ocean trades. Arguably one of the world’s most culturally diverse … [Read more...]
Editorial – Did I Understand You Correctly?
By Captain Grant Livingstone I have learned a lot about relationships over 30 years of marriage. The learning curve was not easy. Initially I had the idea that our relationship would be successful through love and good intentions. I would uphold my commitments as would my spouse and we would live happily ever after. We were two people with very … [Read more...]
Sailors Unions Defend Greenpeace Crew
By Bruce Vail, Working hand-in-glove, two unions of merchant seafarers in several countries are agitating for the release of the Arctic 30, a multinational group of officers, crew, activists and journalists seized at gunpoint by the Russian coast guard on September 18. Working from the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise, the activists were protesting new oil and gas … [Read more...]