Not this!
But THIS…
I thought it’d be fun and informative to conduct an interview of my seaMAN, my merchant mariner, my tugboat captain, my sometimes-he’s-here-sometimes-he’s not husband of nineteen years. What kind of man is the husband of Princess Rosebud? What’s it like being a merchant seaman? He didn’t always go out to sea for months at a time. We met in 1991 at a local boat company where he was the master captain of several vessels and I was in the marketing department, and he worked around our harbor for many years.
It was “annoy” at first sight…
I’ve written about our love story in “Just a cup of coffee” and “Just a cup of coffee, part two” with many more chapters in draft form as the story unfolds.
As you’ll see, he’s pretty serious when discussing his career; otherwise he has a very dry sense of humor, not too snarky. He’s really a very good natured, even tempered guy. Like I always say, he’s the turtle to my rabbit.
On an enchanting side note, as I walked out of Trader Joe’s this morning, a homeless man told me I had a beautiful smile. Life is good, y’all. A compliment is a compliment. It was appreciated!
Let’s Play!
Twenty Questions for a Merchant Seaman
The interview of this mariner took place while he was home between assignments. He’s a professional mariner, an academy graduate, and has been in the tug and tow industry for a quarter of a century. He’s also captained 700 passenger vessels and worked in just about every aspect of the maritime industry (except fishing).
Thank you to TheFurFiles, tonettejoycefoodfriendsfamily, ibdesignsusa and Yvonne La Brecque Deane for playing along and submitting questions.
Work-related questions:
Not his tug, just an example of the type of work he does.
What types of boats do you work on?
Mostly I work on vessels of limited tonnage-under 3000 tons. I’ve worked on numerous unlimited tonnage ships but currently am assigned to work boats and tugs.
Do you think it’s a good career for young people to pursue?
I think it’s is a good career, but it’s not for everyone. You have to be able to live for long periods of time in close quarters with others, and it’s difficult to be away from home. It hasn’t been dramatically effected by the downturn in the economy.
Can you talk a little about the adjustment period from being home to being stuck on a boat 24/7 in cramped quarters.
The worst is right when you report aboard find your room, bed, etc. it takes a couple of days for the pain of being away dulls then you get into a routine of standing watch and life aboard ship and your new shipmates then things settle down and its not that bad.
What do you eat while you’re out to sea?
I’m a vegetarian which makes it a bit challenging. I eat a lot of brown rice and lentils and vegetables; sometimes seafood. We stock up on high quality foods unless we’re away from port for extended periods of time, then most of the food has to come out of the freezer.
Does everyone cook his/her own food?
Most boats I’m on have a cook on board. Every once in a while I’ll bake for the crew and email Rosebud for a recipe and a coaching session–I’ve made apple pies and brownies and banana bread. She’s a great instructor.
What do you do out to sea when you’re not working?
I work out, do my knot tying, read, watch videos, listen to music, and play my ukelele.
I know that you were involved in Desert Storm. Can you talk about what role you played?
Yes, it wasn’t much but the ship I was on was prepared to support the war effort. We were loaded up with military equipment some of the exploding type but were redirected when the bombing stopped and did not reach the Gulf.
What do you do nowadays in times of conflict?
Even if we are not directly involved with the support effort, our service is important. Keeping our credentials current gives the US a support force that can be called during times of war. This has happened throughout US history.
What do you do with a dead body?
We follow the orders of the medical adviser.
What do you do if you need to restrain a crew member because of a mental break or a crime?
Restrict them to their room, or lock them in if necessary. Otherwise restrain them somehow. ZipTies work without hand cuffs until the next port of call.
How far is too far for the United States Coast Guard to make a medical rescue?
I think about 1000 miles.
Have you encountered pirates?
Not directly, but I ‘ve been in dangerous waters where there was an elevated risk.
What’s the smallest craft you’ve encountered on the high seas?
An ocean going row boat.
What is the biggest drama that’s taken place while on duty?
Usually it has to do with unruly crew members causing trouble with other crew members or while ashore; getting into fights etc.
Have you ever been near a tsunami?
I haven’t experienced a tsunami, but have been offshore enough times during tsunami warnings. It’s n eerie feeling when you are offshore when that happens–actually being far offshore is safe because you rarely feel the effect of a tsunami in deep water.
What is the Jones Act?
Jones Act laws are what’s left of US job protectionism. We should protect the laws that protect US jobs. Without laws like these, we would lose our jobs to cheaper foreign labor. This doesn’t necessarily mean that foreigners are less safe. There are very professional foreign flag merchant mariners world wide, but most countries have the same protectionism which would prevent me from taking their work. The anti Jones Act drive predominantly rides along the lines of cruise ships which are just about all foreign flagged vessels. It is a complicated thing that gets distorted. It’s all about profit. Proponents of Jones Act laws are claim that in order to remain competitive…blah blah blah, we need to rescind these laws. They claim that since most of our products imported and exported are done so by ship, the cost of transporting these goods by US standards are hindered by the high cost of US labor. Relatively speaking, US seaman rates are higher than internationally, but in the big scheme of things our labor merely cuts into the higher profit margins that big companies would gain and do gain when they re-flag their fleets. APL (American President Lines) a company that benefited from Jones Act laws during WWI and WWII by giving them priority in carrying US goods to and from war zones have now shifted most of their assets into the foreign market. Most APL ships you see today fly foreign flags and carry foreign crews. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the end of the Jones Act in my lifetime. In the world of Costco and Walmart, its all about the cheapest goods. My job is expendable if a pair of jeans can be purchased for ten bucks.
How important is it to the economy to have a vibrant merchant fleet?
It is important to the economy to import and export goods. This has to be done by ship or barge. It is nice to buy “Made in the US”, but there is nothing wrong with buying foreign either as long as US manufacturers can compete fairly in the international market. US is restricted by environmental and labor laws that most foreign companies are not, making it very unfair for US manufactures to compete both in the domestic and overseas market. The US jobs that our merchant fleet create are in the hundreds of thousands I’m sure, but is a relatively small job creator in the big realm of things. Keeping a strong US merchant fleet provides good paying jobs to a whole bunch of people all around the country.
Personal questions; he’s a man of few words, not like me!
At the time you met Princess Rosebud, did you ever think she was going to be your future wife?
Probably not at the time, I was a bit lost then, and now I’m not lost.
When will the next ChaCha purchase take place?
2028.
What do you love most about your lovely wife?
I love how she makes the most awesome homecomings that last for weeks on end and that she loves the simple things I bring home for her, like rocks and shells and stuff that washes ashore. She loves the other stuff too, but it’s not all about the nice things that I can’t always afford.
What’s your favorite movie?
Apollo 13, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan.
What’s your favorite food?
I love my wife’s cooking, her homemade granola, tuna melts, all of her desserts, that chocolate swirl bread, and buckwheat pancakes. I really like to eat.
What do you like to do when you come home?
It takes a while to catch up on sleep and adjust to a different schedule. I take a lot of naps for the first few days. I try to get back to the gym immediately. Of course, I’m sure you’ve read about all the surfing I do and now that I have a standup paddleboard–like Rosebud said, “no wave’s too small”, and that’s pretty much the truth. We like to hike and camp, too. What I really like to do is drive my princess around on her many daily errands from the grocery store to shopping excursions. It helps to bring me back to a normal life, as does the list of chores and projects around the house and yard.
SAILOR MERRY: Gay seaman won’t be charged for having ‘unnatural’ sex in cheating case (vancouverdesi.com)
Ok I need that Tshirt fir my hubs-tho he is an airline captain-same Shizz only in the air! Loved it
Isn’t that just the funniest tshirt? If I can figure out where to get it, I’ll let you know.
On Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 6:33 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
This was very interesting, to say the least! I now a million other q’s and I know my fella would talk his ear off and wear him out with q’s! Quite a guy you have there! Anny taks gud,2!
I could not agree more with him about the Jones Act and I had never even heard of it before!
(If Capt Tug is a Coast Guard Academy grad,I have two dear friends, brothers, who were CG grads, career officers. My cousin did a stint teaching there, too.)
Ocean-going row boat? Reminds me of a greeting card I once saw: “I have a thingy for your dinghy”.(That about covers it, huh, RBud? and where on Earth did you ever find those knitted guys in the first picture????)
Annoy at first sight…yeah.I’ll have to post my own tale one day.
Thanks; this was fun. One day I am going to show up on your doorstep!
That’s funny, just follow the trail of seashells to our house! nope, not USCG academy but I couldn’t tell you anyway. too many people know him and it’s a small world. He’s a staunch defender of the jones act! very pro-american merchant marine-y stuff..
On Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 6:39 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
PS I found the little knitted guys on Etsy and forgot to add the link.
What a great article! I was looking forward to some of the answers to the questions we asked. I can see that it’s not a easy life and can understand the adjustment period when you get back. Learned quite a bit and glad that he answered about the tsunami and how it’s better in deeper waters when that happens. Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions!
I really appreciate your asking them! It was like pulling teeth, I gotta tell you it’s not easy to get him to talk unless it’s about the jones act! then i kinda tune him out, you know, blah blah…
On Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 6:53 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
OK, sorry, forgot about your husband being like mine.I ‘m not using his last name; I’m using mine online and professionally, otherwise, I’m Mrs. Cartoon Character Name.Some people would not be happy with me, reflecting on him!
Aren’t we a couple of cards?!
much of what a mariner does is subject to a “no talk” contract. You wouldn’t believe.
On Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 7:37 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
I noticed that when he answered the various questions. Most were short other than the Jones act. I sure enjoyed reading it!
I chatter so much and he’s the opposite! opposites attract i guess! Thank you! Have you seen Safe Haven yet?
On Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 9:44 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
We are the opposite also although it’s me that is the quiet one and he’s the talker. This Friday is when it opens near us at the theater so we are going Friday. Will keep you posted
This was soooo great! I loved it. Rosebud and the Captain…you should have your own reality show. Protect American jobs? The Jones Act will be going the way of the dinosaur (and retirement/health care pkgs) I’m afraid. I do agree we’ve gotten addicted to cheap. Thanks for the great job and service you do Captain, sir.
How sweet of you! I’ll have him read your comment when he gets home, prolly not til sometime in March. Sad me. I hope you and he aren’t right about the Jones Act.
Reality show. ha ha! He would NEVER. I’ve already asked him!
I come from a naval background, my dad worked the fishing boats when he was a child, joined the merchant navy, and served in the royal navy during the WWII. Also my uncles and some of my cousins too (not WWII of course). So I salute your tugboat captain hubbie.
I salute your dad! merchant seamen in wwll didn’t have an easy time of it!
Thank you for the Q&A. And whenever I see “merchant mariner”, I start singing Iron Maiden’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Not saying your hubby is ancient, it’s just that whole “mariner” thing.
no worries. I might have to start singing that one too, just to mess with him!
you will have a great husband and I think your seaman will feel the same about you !
thank you!
On Wed, Feb 13, 2013 at 7:59 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Fabulous Q&A! He’s obviously a Tom Hanks fan.
Geez, I know. What’s up with that? We do like totally different types of films. I’m the “Shopaholic” type, chick flicks. It’s funny. He’ll watch FGump everytime it’s on.
On Wed, Feb 13, 2013 at 8:03 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Wonderful! Glad to meet the man behind the seashells.
And he plays an instrument!
Thank you for your service, Captain.
When he gets back, I’ll make sure he reads your comment, and I’ll thank you now on his behalf. Oh yes, he plays many musical instruments; trombone (he was in a swing/jazz band) guitars (multiple) and trumpet. All I do is dust them when he’s gone…
Great interview. Lots of really interesting things to know about Mr. Tugboat Man. I love that he loves your baking. And the question about the dead body – good one. I would’ve asked something like that. Yes, and the ukelele, love that too! Multi-talented man indeed.
thank you! btw he wouldn’t answer the question about “sex”. Mr. Serious Mariner, don’t you love it!
He’s funny.
Only a few of us know that, and yes, he is!
On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 5:17 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Oh,now I am REALLY depressed! Wow.Right there and don’t like it.shoot.
Tell Capt.Tug to check out a few online classes; he might like it.I tried to get Mr.Scholar here back to school and he went for a while….way far from his interest and Bachelor’s so it ended up not being of any use.(We won’t go there;I should not want to kill him on Valentine’s Day.) Why don;t they listen when we are always right????
He told ME to go back to school cos my dad was a lawyer but I practiced the LSATs and I did great on the comprehension and horrible on logic, which totally makes sense for me!
LOL,Lack Of Logic! Both fit!
Speaking of which…maybe I shouldn’t ask but…how often are dead bodies a problem for him???
Good question, really! On a larger ship with more crew and maybe even passengers, they have a greater chance of someone having a heart attack, stroke, or even a crime victim. They put them in the freezer. You are very interested in this area of the maritime world, I must say!!
I was concerned with ol’ Capt. and his crew!
I am fascinated by ships;I miss being near the sea.I just has a taste of it and was going boating regularly when I got dragged to the middle of the county, then I didn’t move back east far enough.I t doesn’t help that my husband’s father was a naval capt. and he grew up always at the water’s edge.He went on a carrier,too, as a kid…on the high seas.The one and only time that officers’ kids,(or any kids), were allowed to go out when they recovered a space capsule,(Gemini VI), he went with his two brothers and about 30 other boys. We love ships and boats!
You can have them! I never liked boats or boating, never cared to sail or go on a cruise. That’s why it’s really opposites attract with us! He grew up sailing around the world and he’s never been anything but a master mariner. Altho I’ve tried to get him to go back to school to become a maritime attorney cos hes so good when he’s called on to be an expert witness…but so far he hasn’t listened to me.
On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 1:24 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Beautiful post my dear friend! Love the questions and answers
This is definitely true love !!
I think I’ll keep him, (Ha ha)
On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 3:20 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Fascinating! Now I need to read about how you both met and fell in love. Going to book mark and read tonight. Does he watch The Biggest Catch?” Is his life like that? Yikes!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy my little love story! He’s doesn’t really like the Deadliest Catch cos he says it’s not the world of the “professional mariner” and he’s a college/maritime academy grad. There’s no love lost between his kind of work and fishing!! Don’t get him started on it, he’ll tell you more than you ever wanted to know!