Recalling voyages of m.v. Jag Laxmi -1965-1968 Part 1.

Recalling voyages of  m.v. Jag Laxmi -1965-1968

A small 5 hatch, tween decker , 12000 DWT Gen Cargo  vessel .

We used to load iron ore from Indian ports on the east coast  for discharge  at a nominated port in  Japan- Voyage to Singapre for Bunkers and then from Horsburgh Lt to pass Mangkai Is lt ho at a distance--then  through the China seas- (Bashi or Balintang channel )  to Japan -about 18-20 days sailing. Discharge and then Ballast across the pacific to US North ports -usually about 16 days sailing time. Voyage  in ballast  across the Pacific, rolling quite heavily for all of of the passage was slow and in the pacific swells really some thing--Hang onto the bunk and try to get some sleep before or after watch...really hang on--Joined  First time as a new Cadet 1965,  --then later as 4th Mate '68 after 2nd mates exam-and finally as 3rd Mate...on m.v. Jag Laxmi.

USNP & Canadian ports can be bitterly cold -

WE often sailed  southwards from Sitka & Ketchikan in Alaska --, via Canadian ports covering about 12-15 ports  in 3-4 weeks time picking up cargo--As we sailed southwards--the  weather improved. 

It is was slightly better conditions as we came into the US Puget Sound area-of Tacoma & Seattle etc.However,  the passage through Sraits of Juan de Fuca was really beautiful

Canadian ports have some unique traits and Safety is maintained very high -

The port work was  tough-- All hands on Deck at 6.00am being the order of the day
as  Longshoremen were very tough on cargo gear safety standards
-Indian ships were marked after an accident on one-
the most strict being the Canadian port of  New WestMinster-

so daily cargo gear maintenance & inspection was a priority-
We renewed Runner wires daily several times.... and indented new ones too-

Loading wood pulp,  paper, newsprint mainly.

Winter was below zero  freezing temperatures and often frozen on deck workI did not even have a proper Warm kit; just a simple blue sweater  quite inadequate...but managed.Never realised the cold can literally bite into you and  At 6 am on Deck to check cargo gear etc with crew was not easy as our fingers would be frozen stiff .-At that time, we had not even dreamt of insulated winter wear.For me, from the hot summer areas of  south India--winter weather and work  was an awful experience.  

We all  used to  go to the crews galley (kitchen) during cargo watch to allow the galley fires  to warm us and to de-freeze by rotation.

Still recall the dock workers called "longshore men"- quietly "charging their Coffee" with " Mr.Johnny Walker", bought from the ships crew surreptitiously to warm & pep up !! .Some of these  longshore men were reasonably pleasant,  but most were tough foul mouthed and nasty and very often the Ch Mate was at the receiving end all the time when giving basic instructions even. 

I realised soon that Dock workers all over are a category by themselves--

In India too..all across.

Loading Locker "special cargo pkgs" was perhaps the most difficult  part with pilferage and threats. ..Overall,  a rough lot to work with . 

We just about managed each day. Fortunately in most places, the cargo work ceased for the day by 6 pm, so we had an adequate rest period after that..  unless we sailed out by 8pm --as it was occasionally done ..with small loads per port.

WE often did about 12 to 15 ports on each voyage on the West Coast --the last being Los Angeles or San Diego.

Shore leave was usually allowed after 6 pm -but it was not easy to travel without a taxi. Cabs were expensive and at our meagre wages was seldom taken. We used to however walk  a lot -often 2 hrs or more to  the nearest movie hall, cafe or store and pick up a few things on rare occasions. 

Then we were told that walking was also hazardous due to various reason like mugging. If we could manage in fair weather,  we would walk to the nearest mini-store across the docks for a few snacks-chocolates etc --nothing more as we could ill afford anything --

A cadet then drew Rs 90 pm  (at Rs 5/ per $ and a 4th Mate drew Rs 640 pm--(at Rs 130 $ pm!!) -

                                                   pic at Alaskan port of ketchikan 1965

Should I smile on how we managed.

We just managed---Thrift and Save what ever.

Still we some how -shared and  managed all that.

That was that--then !!

TR