I have a question about the software used to track containers moving through ships and ports… I’m a career computer programmer, though not in the maritime industry, and have wondered how software was developed to manage huge container volumes, especially in the early years when only mainframe computers were available… I’m currently reading Marc Levinson’s “The Box”, and I just read this line: "Instead, [The Port of Singapore] handled more than a million boxes in 1982… "… but at that time, neither desktop computers of any capability, nor distributed Unix-based systems, were widely available, so ..read more

How are the MSC/government jobs offered through AMO? I used to work for MSC and really enjoyed the foreign port time, being able to actually get out and see new places is really important to me. But after being overdue for five extra months, I quit MSC and have been working on a Tanker through the union. The work here isn’t bad, but I keep seeing all these jobs on the board for MSC stuff that are overseas in cool ports. I recall being next to the USNS Effective years ago in Japan, and the whole crew just seemed to be chilling out for weeks drinking on the North Dock. Does anyone here have expe ..read more

An old classic that is still worth listening to: Lolita - Seemann, deine Heimat ist das Meer (1960) (16:9) (29.01.22 - Die größten Schlager-Kulthits) Translated into several languages, incl. English (The US version was called “Sailor”) 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more

On-topic posts only. This is a copy and paste from Tugsailors post. CNN — Hours after President Joe Biden touted the success of the temporary pier the military had just constructed into Gaza during his commencement speech at West Point last Saturday, White House staffers learned the pier was at risk of falling apart. By Tuesday, heavy seas and a surprise North African storm had beached four Army vessels and caused enough damage that the whole thing had to be towed to Israel for repairs. “We were all disappointed,” a senior administration official told CNN, adding that up until it broke apart ..read more

Has anyone here joined the Strategic Sealift Program *without doing it through a maritime academy?. I have been sailing on my deck license the last few years and am interested in joining but have a had time finding a path, or even knowing if it is possible. I want to serve but I want to keep sailing as well. I know this may be a “cant have your cake and eat it too” type situation but any insight/guidance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. 3 posts - 3 participants Read full topic ..read more

Today I received word that Jimmy Hennessey passed away. I believe he was the brother of William Hennessey of Local 333 infamy. He was an old time NY harbor tug skipper. I can’t say it was a pleasure working with him. I will say that he was a piece of work. 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more

On their brand new ship because they can’t get enough licensed mates to get underway. 2 posts - 2 participants Read full topic ..read more

Good evening I’m currently looking for a company that will pick me up I have all of my credentials now I gotta find the right company I have no experience if anyone know of a great company let me know 2 posts - 2 participants Read full topic ..read more

I held 100 ton masters license for almost 15 years and let it expire after I got my nursing license in 2001. I am interested in getting it back to do some part-time work in Florida. Do I have to retake the entire exam? Or is there a way around it? I’ve been told by a couple people that all I have to do is take an open book test, but I am unsure if this is true. Any help would be appreciated thank you. 2 posts - 2 participants Read full topic ..read more

With the shortage of officers- are USMMA graduates completing their sea service requirements of 5 years or are they finding loopholes to work shoreside? 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic ..read more