Passing ships in the night

Passing ships in the night

 

In the 1960s- Isolation was felt by most of us on the long sea voyages of abt 35 days across Pacific (US Ports to -India at 12 kts speed)  via Spore-

In Winter it was rough seas being tossed about and in summer it was Fog!!Often no Radar working. The sea and sky -a keen Look out on the Bridge Wing undera Masters watchful eye; that was all--After watch Books alone, were my best companions and work---(or go to Sleep)

Abt 35 days sailing to Bombay with No radio, newspaper (TV Video unheard of then-) was an experience. A very brief stop for refueling of about 8 hrs at Singapore gave a little respite.

A few managed a shore leave -rest on duty on board . This was quite an experience anmf taught us to Learn to accept -Isolation without complaint--

 

 

ASa 2nd mate, Passing ships in the night esp 12 midnight-4 am (also called Graveyard watch by early Mariners  ) was something looked forward to by most.  

The chance passing of another Ship on an opposite route or crossing meant a very brief 2mts exchange of Morse Flash lamp  Signals

-later on VHF in 70s." What ship where bound"-and Reply---then Bye ----

 

Never knew the phrase of Passing ships was from a poem  --

From a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
quote"
 Ships that pass in the night, and speak to each other in passing,
only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness;
So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another,
only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.
Unquote
poem by H.W.Longfellow.
Thinking aloud today:
Applies even now when we meet briefly -and move on in Life.
TR

                                                           Above is a File photo

                             Photo below is of me during training on  Dufferin era-On Aldis Lamp

As Two Ships Passing in the Night

As two ships passing in the night,
So quietly neath the stars soft light;
Our paths cross but now and then.
Reaching out, seeking one another again.

We say hello and then we part,
Knowing we've shared a piece of our heart.
Some friendships stay and sadly some go.
My prayers remain steady hoping ours will grow.

Author: Unknown

Mazagaon Pier revisited, many years later..

Greetings All

Mazagaon Pier revisited, many years later..

The Road once travelled i.e.-- the boarding point at Mazagaon pier.

A few years ago, I had a  trip- to my Mumbai Head Office and the meeting completed early by 3 pm and my flight was at night -delayed too.So, I took the office car and toured some familiar spots viz.  Dufferin Pier, with the shed, railing all there at the boarding jetty ...yes the stone  steps are all chipped off ...Mazagaon Dockyard still very active and building a vessel - then to Hay Bunder playing  field now being developed as a proper Playing field. A real surprise at Hay Bunder was late PTI Yadav's cottage-which  still stands there ...undisturbed and time really stands still here- believe it or not  an old woman, who worked as their faithful  domestic  help still resides there- she even invited us in --wanted us to share her  Chai ... I had Capt.Anil Athale, our senior's- senior ( in our Head Office ) and a very close friend over the last 20 years along with me..so it was easier to navigate  in these parts.

I only had my mobile camera and and took about 15 snaps of old time sightings inc Mazagaon pier- the islands across etc.and believe me it was a good 2 hrs trip. 

Down Memory lane-

There is a time to recall- recollect and give thanks-
Some thoughts jotted-( not senti- mush)

As man grows he /she lives more in the city of the Spirit as Dr A.J. Cronin (doctor- writer of our 50s era said in his autobiography...titled " Adventure in two Worlds:-  a book of his life of experiences and anecdotes of great wisdom both in the fields of medicine and in writing -touring - meeting people etc . 

It is  possibly the book that made the greatest impact on my Life and I used to read & re-read it during  sailing days as cadet to 2nd mate.

Most people visit places of Youth....some time later in years - some day.... some time-but most DO.
It is a kind of silent Thanks Giving too- 

For me it was certainly that.It is  a fact that with age and growth---we all seek out places of  youth and carefree happy days to cheer us.

  

Even all the Western & Eastern  cultures see  War/ Veterans do this.

Finally said ---ok, let us add in LBS College too ...now a very dusty, unkempt &  uncared for place , unlike Late P. Alexander's time with it's  fresh flowers in bloom in the clean garden.The road to LBS  is totally a mess- with debris and hutments of migrant workers - and is a very sad sight.

The LBS college  has the Dufferin model and also m.v. Indian Resource, in addition to a few others from our time-Pity such ships are all in hstory only-

NOTE:

No heritage building, souvenirs,  museum concerns seen-  despite all the blab.

(some one asked me about this--) All prize boards and memorablia from our time and Dufferin have vanished --

Verified and was told  that these had been  taken off with renovations

and then......- Lost in the sands of Time---

1972 was a turning point for Ex Dufferin Memorabilia ?
FINALLY---

There is a time to recall- to recollect and give thanks-
It is all not just sentimental stuff, please-
These visits  flood   our memory banks and such trips can be most rejuvenating and esp when done with no expectation

as Change is always there- ( & degeneration) or a new building in place.

But that famous  Pier still stands out quietly, although  abandoned--still-
Silently,  saluting the Sea.

What a story it has to tell . 

Rgds all
TR

Winter madness Constantza 1972

Winter madness of Youth in 1972, at the port of Constantza, Rumania, recalled.

31 December 2013

Winter madness of Youth in 1972, in Nov-Dec in the port of Constantza, Rumania 
On m.v. Chennai Okkam Bulker with Ore ex Port Redi to Constantza, Rumania.
We were just Married and this was Sudhas first voyage .It had been a long and rough sea passage and via Cape of Good Hope, as the suez was closed then . On arrival , my ship was held up at Anchorage for a long time and after that winter sea passge this was not too easy.ThePort of Constantza- was Sudha's first foreign port in Winter. I was Chief Mate then (3 stripes only) -
A bleak winter and a long stay at Anchorage awaiting berth is no fun and even for us Seafarers can be maddening -no TV or what Video etc those days; just novels and a music cassette recorder . My dear wife's nerves and patience had been surely tested--possibly leaving her wondering "How did I ever come on this crazy ship.(marry this Guy anyway!! Hmmm, should have listened to all my friends -- LOL ). Besides that ship was not a very social crowd -as it happens once in a way , although courteous and formal- Sudha was the only Lady on board too.
So we decided a little fun and games was in order :
1. Snow man on deck ...was first planned ; Some of my crew peered through portholes to see us two on deck  must have wondered -Bada Maalim Saab (British term for Ch/Off)  Kya Kar raha hai- (Never seen him like that.. !!) -Then we had snowball throwing like kids (but gently) as snow packs can hurt---returned to our cabins feeling better-hot Coffee and food and snuggled up with music on my small Sony Cassette Recorder -usually Carpenters. My crew may have been  convinced that the long voyage had affected us...crazy kinda.
Our ship  finally berthed; My wife had enquired about Movie theatres and one kind soul said to her "Mem saab Yaahan bahut saare  Hindi filum bhi chalta hai -Rajkapoor Saab ka bhi -OMG - --Dear God that was it as Sudha was rearing to go out....In a bleak harsh winter without proper thermals,-just simple  woolens and overcoat  it was not advised, but a 19 yr old wife has different views. But we were young --jawani ki josh, abs pagal - that youthful spirit prevailed and in that biting cold we went hand in hand.There was no proper transport as Rumania was a severely impoverished country .Pathetic scene really. The abject poverty was evident .
So it was Oh, Saathi Chal--I think the movie started at about 3.30 and ended by 5.30 . The film AWARA was running in a dingy, badly lit box theatre to packed houses and women cheering every song , some dancing esp. with Nargis's songs; seemed to love the film and story with subtitles -and of course romace " The song  “Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi” by Lata Mangeshkar and Who can forget the great songs that really  made it a hit and Shanker-Jaikishan’s greatest hits  “Dum Bhar Jo Udhar…” and evergreen Mukesh hit  “Awara Hoon, Awara Hoon” by Mukesh  which every Youth seemed to be singing there.The movie goers realised we were from India and sort of mobbed us for cigarettes and Sudha was in fact nicknamed Rita ...Rita (From the film!!) Hmmm- she was pleased too. WE just ran, just ran after the movie. A lone Restaurant sold the only item viz. a bowl of Hot Veg Soup and Bread and then it was trudge back what a mad  jaunt !
This seemingly enchanting and innocent fairy tale has a some what unexpected turn -The overcoats & caps etc not withstanding; Sudha came from Madras summer temperatures and was quite unused to Winter cold,  soon developed a chest congestion and then it touched her lungs. Pleurisy. Dear God .Called a Medico with influence and of course much inducement through the Safety Inspector, with liberal gifts of Johnny W Walker, Indian Curry & Rice and 777 Pickle Bottles to take home!! In Rumania currency has to be supplemented and esp cigarettes Cartons too helps a lot . The cold and wind had affected Sudha  and she was quite weak and had to be nursed gently  back to health with medication on board. Finally, with Polybion injections for a week as we had a very long port stay foe some reason I cannot recall. Ironically a few felt I was negligent n taking her out in Winter!! Hmmm tell that to Sudha.
Looking back I wonder!. Life is all about courage and maybe some adventure and with it take all what comes within reasonable limits. She recovered fast and was fine and we were sailing out to take bunker fuel  in Sicily and then to Norfolk, USA  to load Coal.
So, this real  life ( may call adventure)  story ends here --a true story.
Dec 5th is our Engagement Anniversary and we cherish this date as very special -42 years gone by-Thank you God-
Cheers
TR
ps Next visit to Constantza was in summer 1973 on same ship-it was a lot better.Mamiya Beach is nice and I ahd arranged a summer picnic for with some of our officers and ships crew.
885 words

Dec 1972

Now--2012- Dec

Nov Dec 1972 at Constantza Anchorage

Just engaged 5th DEc 1971

Our ship -a Bulker of SISCO Chennai Ookkam of -in DryDock -at Malta

Star Fixes at Sea- at Twilight.

Star Fixes at Sea

Greetings
Sextant sights for a navigation and position fixing is an art and a science and doing it gave a sense of  accomplishment and immense  job satisfaction to us Seafarers till GPS took over in the 90s.

In the 60s, esp  on West Coast US port calls, we used to have USCG Sea Charts titled Pacific Pilot issued to ships at U.S.Ports. Apart from weather and current information, the reverse of the chart  had a fund of interesting information. One such was the WW2 experience of naval and merchant navy navigators taking sextant sights after getting eyes adjusted with a special reddish tint goggles to have a delayed time for taking sights,before the nautical twilight. In short for adjusting the "Eyes to a horizon" to fix position by star fixes after identifying suitable  navigational stars.

Twilight in many places is short and so this was a good idea.In any case better that a basic Dead Reckoned Position. Possibly more needed for tracking own vessel's position in submarine infested waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. Historical details of submarine torpedo attacks are spine chilling and also the tonnage sunk by the German Submarines tells; all this, despite the excellent Convoy systems and the effort taken to stay in position and on course and speed.                                   Looking at the definition of Twilight i.e. before actual day break when the sun rises above the Visible horizon.

Astronomical dawn is defined as the moment after which the sky is no longer completely dark. This occurs when the Sun is 18 degrees, below the horizon in the morning i.e. astronomical dawn (and also at dusk)

Nautical dawn is the time at which there is enough sunlight for the horizon and some objects to be distinguishable; formally, when the Sun is 12 degrees below the horizon in the morning & also just after sunset in the evening

Civil dawn is the time at which there is enough light for objects to be distinguishable, so that outdoor activities can commence; formally, when the Sun  6 degrees below the horizon in the morning. The sky is bright and all clearly seen.
But-Taking sights is not practicable then as stars are no longer visible in the bright light.

The duration of the twilight period between dawn and sunrise varies greatly depending on the observer's latitude, from about 15  minutes in the equatorial regions to more in the higher Latitudes. Our data and books tell us that it is many hours in polar regions to weeks at the poles.

                                 Going for morning sun sights (long by chron) at about 0800 hrs

                                                               Plotting the position
Celestial Navigation had been the mode for several centuries and served the shipping well. Allthings change with Time & Technology. I feel like an Ancient mariner when writing this blog post-
TR

Passing ships at night.

Greetings

Passing ships in the night

Thinking aloud--On  relationships in many areas today esp Corporate  meetings and employee employer or client contacts today. It is now strictly  biz as usual applies.-(in sms language BAU). I also noted that even within offices,  relationships are now brief and most impersonal. CRM is almost lost as people are transferred or are shifted too frequently or they  just quit -some times not even 6 months in a desk or portfolio. In many corporate meetings I found the basic courtesy of a tea or coffee shared and some polite exchange is replaced by just Money Talk and close.  
In our time a Marine Superintendent was the identity and face of the company.With personnel dept we used to have a reasonably good exchange of views and experiences and thus a bond was built. Today it is all lost ...

NOTE In the 60s- Isolation was felt by most on the long sea voyages of abt 35 days across Pacific (US Ports to -India at 12 kts speed)  via Spore-In Winter it was rough seas being tossed about and in summer it was Fog!! The sea and sky -that was all--Books alone, were the best companions and work---(or go to Sleep). Abt 35 days sailing to Bombay with No radio, newspaper (DVD- Video unheard of then-) was an experience.A very brief stop for refueling of about 8 hrs at Singapore gave a little respite. A few managed about 4 hrs of  shore leave -rest on duty on board . This was quite an experience- 

Passing ships in the night esp on 12 midnight-4 am Watch (also called Graveyard watch by early Mariners  ) was something.  The chance passing of another Ship on an opposite route or crossing meant a very brief 2mts exchange of Morse Flash lamp  Signals-later on VHF in 70s." What ship where bound"-and Reply---then Bye ----Over and out 
 quote" :

Ships that pass in the night, and speak to each other in passing,

only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness;
So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another,
only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.
Unquote--H.W.Longfellow.
Thinking aloud today:
Applies even now when we meet briefly -and move on...
TR

                                               Photo I had taken at Mumbai -anchorage scene

As Two Ships Passing in the Night

As two ships passing in the night,
So quietly neath the stars soft light;
Our paths cross but now and then.
Reaching out, seeking one another again.

We say hello and then we part,
Knowing we've shared a piece of our heart.
Some friendships stay and sadly some go.
My prayers remain steady hoping ours will grow.

I ache when you're hurting,
I cry when you're sad.
Wanting to comfort and hold you so bad.
Know that I'm waiting here, with open arms,
To share all your troubles and relish your charms.

I have nothing to offer but the soul of a friend,
Strong shoulders to lean on that don't easily bend.
I offer these freely with no strings attached,
For in caring and sharing you'll not meet my match.

So on some long and lonely night
When nothing seems to go just right
Close your eyes and think of me,
Under the moon's glow is where I'll be.

Author unknown

 Photo source ackd--Thanks

Wondered what is happening and why and reconciled that after all Life was summarised in a that poem by Henry Wadsworth long fellow. 

Doing our Competency Exams

PREAMBLE

The traditional and statutory requirememnt of completing the required "sea time" and doing our competency exams was held in great reverence in our time-The ships job and employment was all that held us together for our livelihood. In fact many of us helped to support our parents and siblings at home with monthly allotments-although on a meagre salary.That was a different time altogether and an era of  "Family first"- This applied to all of us working on ships at that time.

Recently I met a ships colleague at a function and was so happy to meet and chat. He is 3 years older than me and linked from 1967-2nd Mates Exam days of LBS Nautical College student life. We recalled the exam days including the boarding & lodgings esp; We spent some happy time and laughed  about our student days and the sheer simplicity of life then post sea for  Exams and the conditions that prevailing . 

Life ashore during our Competency exams-at Bombay.

In October 1967, I had completed my sea time and got off the coastal tanker m.t.Jag Jwala  for  appearing for the 2nd mates exam at Bombay. I had studied in my last year as an apprentice and as was the practice then The Self Examiner model test questions (called Selfi) and all text Books were carried by us. Besides Dufferin training held us in good stead.

Writtens and Oral examination, LIfe Boat -survival at Sassoon Docks, Radar at LBS COllege , First Aid at St John Ambulance office and the Defense Course at Navy office was all added in the list.  ROR & Orals was seen usually by all as the greatest challenge.

Boarding & Lodging at economical terms was the greatest problem in Bombay then and even later. I had initially used the Seamans club, Ballard Estate Bombay which provided a share space (divided by a wooden partition-not a room) for 3 weeks but that was only allowed for maximum period of 30 days then and then you had to leave as per rules.

The next choice was Sagar Vihar -a small building which was a Udipi Lodging on Frere Rd fora very short while -- a very  down to earth lodge, but decently maintained. The food was of course  just a Thali of Dal - Bhaath and veg with pickles and pappad at Rs 5/ room delivery! I had used the place for a short while only. Later, I shifted  into LBS Nautical College Hostel at Hay Bunder, 3 km from Reay Road station following the normal "wait your turn" procedure vacancy booking through the college secretary, who was very fair and kind. 

The college hostel was much better, clean, neat and quietfor study. I did my 2nd mates in Dec 1967 and cleared all straightaway.

Then in 1970 1st Mates Exam study there and cleared. Only at Masters time in 1973  I stayed outside ina rented place in Bandra, as I was married by then   .

All ship's personnel  did our Exams with a study friend as it was a great help to both and so it was with me also. We shared books, notes, ideas and practiced Morse signals on a Torch and even  ROR model questions and the MS Safety Notices with typical questions asked for the greatest challenge then of the grilling called --"Oral Exam" --viva voce, which usually was left to the mood and personality -whims and fancies of the MMD examiner on that day.

LBS College faculty were excellent , kind and helpfull--all of them supported students with great patience and helped us in every way. I can never say Thanks enough to all of them and my Salutations always to each one.

                                        LBS College entrance 

Whereas, the MMD Examiners were just awful. They were viewed by all candidates as just aggressive bullies -typical Babu style. Some copied the negative styles and traits of of the earlier colonial era with a harsh dictatorial, condescending  outlook. A small omission like a Tie not tied properly was a Fail case and the order was -     " Get Out, Fail, Come next month  barked out like a Capt Bligh of the Bounty in command. We just said Yes Sir & left. --that was all. Many candidates faced serious problems, were severely discouraged and some had to switch to Calcutta MMD which was far better as  the treatment was fair and very cordial. It is a matter of regret to state all this  in a blog post decades later-but is a Truth.In that era bullying and harrasment at exams was more common than realised. Later it was again a greater  mess as corrupt practices crept into these Govt offices, as I am told. The entire system was unable to cope as is is even now. 

I was fortunate to manage reasonably well as I used to study a lot and did my Revision extensively --but still felt the tension and the oppressive behaviour--

Overall, for many it was a difficult time, especially  in Bombay.

But that is Life--we learnt to take it all in stride and Life went on .

TR

Joining m.v. Chennai Ookkam, Bulker at Port Redi, January 1970

Joining m.v. Chennai Ookkam, Bulker  of SISCO at Port Redi in January 1970

I was on m.t. Jag Jwala, the coastal in 1969  in the port of Cochin discharging Petroleum products and serving GESCo when when I received a telegram  that my father had suffered a serious heart attack  (in fact the second time a MI) and so it was imperative to go home--The Captain was understanding and I was signed off on ENG 2 Form; i flew back by IAC Viscount Flt.next day. That incident altered a lot in my plans and took me to a another company. I was in Madras assisting my late father in hospital and then post recovery. Finally,after a long stint of nearly 4 months ashore at home  assisting my late father, he was medically fit -and I decided to rejoin a ship. I had to get back to work and employment and my meagre savings also had run out. Besides it was about time for me for Chief Mates F.G.exam. I was  at the Bombay MMD Office to apply for  Mates FG examination, but my CDC showed my sea time was short by  by just "2 days" as per the MMD Surveyor Late Capt. Rajagopalan- who was really  a  cranky man and he just said -Go and sail, get the 2 days sea time and then come back .... Thats was the 1960s and MMD .Besides, I was flat broke -aka out of funds.                                                        So I decided it was " fait accompli" ...best to go back to Sea.

I looked up the new paper and saw many  adverts for a Jr. Officer; One was required by Mackinnon Mackenzie and soon found my self being interviwed by Capt N.N.Bhansali, former Scindia's Supt -then with SISCO Chennai.  The interview was pleasant and more so as i was Ex.Dufferin and was promptly accepted for a voyage- as I explained the need to do my exams. All things agreed and it was quite basic and simple then-so it was for a voyage and it turned out to be about 7 months actually to get 2 days sea time on my CDC. It may appear quite absurd, but that was MMD terms then . Life went on , we accepted it all gracefully as it came then., but, looking back it really made no difference. 
Then it joining my ship. 
Next I know was the Agent handing me a 1st Class Passenger Cabin Ferry Ticket on  m.v. Konkan Sevak -ferry from Bombay to proceed to join m.v. Chennai Ookkam at Port Redi, near Vengurla in Ratnagiri, south of Goa  as a 2nd Mate. The ferry voyage was over night and quite pleasant. It was an abs  new  experience to go as a Passenger afer being used to being signed on as a Navigating officer...(now a Passenger); The ferry service was good and we departed on time at about 4 pm from Ballard pier .The weather was calm and the small cabin with a bed was reasonably ok. They served a decent night meal of a curry & rice, salad and vegetables with  dessert  in the usual Goan style, for dinner .
Goa Ferries--was as I later learnt a way of Life and work then -- simple, calm, safe  and friendly.
Arrived at Vengurla Rocks anchorage point at about 4.30 am and disembarked  -where passengers disembarked into launches and were landed at a wooden jetty--After a long wait, the Agents taxi came at 8.30 am and drove me to the ship at Port Redi a small anchorage port loading Iron ore using a set of LCTs .(Landing Craft s salvaged from WW2) . 

Joined the ship and  my plan of  short voyage .....actually  turned out to be 7 -8 months . We loaded  Iron ore to---Constantza, then to Norfolk- loaded coal for  Japan..Ballast back to USA -finally bulk grain soya beans for Japan -then back again for Wheat in bulk to India..(see pics)

By strange coincidence, I joined the very same ship at Port Redi again after Marriage in 1972 and this time as Ch Mate with my Mate Sudha; thats another story
Port Redi is now  a major sea side resort too..clean beaches.
Rgds
TR

NOTE: Port Redi was then only an anchorage port .

"Redi" is a Village in Vengurla Taluka of Sindhurg district of Maharashtra State in India. It has historical importance and once upon a time it was Capital of Goa. Then the name was "Revatipattan".Redi is famous  now for a Beach, Sea-port, famous Ganesh,Navadurga & Mauli Temples, and Yashwantgad fort.The world famous Terekhol fort of Goa is very near from Redi.

some pics attached.