2. Started as a bait cutter at 14
Moved up through excursion and ferry boats
Trained as deck officer at Massachusetts Maritime
Academy
14 years in US flag container feeder trade
7 years at Maersk
Experience in Customer Service, Cargo Planning,
Class & Flag Compliance, Vessel Repair, Emergency
Response and Crew Management, Root Cause
Analysis & Corrective Action
3. “Short Sea Shipping” or “America’s
Marine Highways.” No need to rebrand it! East Coast
feeders have been successfully operating for over 30
years.
This was a great introduction to the union
environment on the docks and a chance to grow my
customer service skills and start gaining real world
cargo and stowage experience.
4. A thorough inspection of the ship and equipment
before a change in management or flag is crucial to
a smooth and safe transition.
5. I was very happy to
learn I was a “Medium.”
In an actual emergency
I’m sure I could get into
a Small!
6. I love ships – everybody should! I take a lot of
pride in explaining to the customers and other
stakeholders what we are doing to safely and
efficiently move cargo. My experience as a tour
guide on the sightseeing boat makes it very easy
for me to talk to groups large or small.
7. I was very lucky to have
good mentors right from
the start. With experienced
pros teaching me the basics
I didn’t have to unlearn bad
habits later.
The Captain and crew of the East Chop
on Martha’s Vineyard with actress
Gates McFadden, summer 1994
8. After a couple years of assisting I took over M&R
including planning drydockings for the container
barge fleet. T&M, C/R, Spot & Sweep came into
my everyday vocabulary.
9. Depending on the age of the barge and scope of
work projects ranged from US$300,000 – 750,000.
10. Maersk is synonymous with containers but I started
in a small group doing everything but!
Out of gauge on flats is just the beginning.
Almost nothing was dismissed without a close look.
11. While bagged cargo is usually loaded by crane
forklifts running up a ramp can quickly fill ro-ro
spaces
12. My introduction to the idea that with some
imagination and the right rates any ship can be the
right ship.
Fumigation and strapping were the big challenges.
Yes, someone rode the bulldozer up. I
was years from becoming the Safety
Manager. I know better now.
14. Cargo height, wheelbase, the tide and turning
radius are just a few things that can lead to an
opportunity for creativity.
15. If cargo is longer than the hatch, just wait for the
wind to turn it to a better angle.
16. Two US Navy boats loaded West
Coast and discharged Far East.
Loading was planned by one
team, securing by another and
they were on different
continents.
Resolving the conflicts in the
two plans and getting everyone
on one page was one of the
most satisfying weeks of my
career.
17. Even on a purpose built heavy lift ship with high
deck strengths sometimes you have to spread the
load.
18. This generator was well within the crane capacity
but would have overcome the tank top. Some
prefabbed frames acted as dunnage and solved
that very efficiently.
19. Always assume the dimensions on
the packing list are wrong. At
least the tire was removable.
Do not go cheap on the
straps. Double check
your math.
20. The best drills both test abilities and teach new
skills.
21. Unfortunately it doesn’t always go to plan.
When things go wrong it is critical to get to the
true cause so it doesn’t happen again.
Take the opportunity to learn from mistakes.
