I went to sea for over 35 years as a merchant, marine deck officer, I worked with quite an assortment of characters.
Captain Kevin was one of the nicest skippers I ever worked with. At the beginning of each voyage he went ashore and bought birthday cakes and cards. He had the steward freeze the cakes, and in the course of the trip when a crewmember had a birthday Capt, Kevin presented him with the cake and a card signed by all the crew.
Eugene, better known as Gino, was the third mate, a wonderful soul. Unlike many of us who went through maritime academies Gino worked his way up from ordinary seamen, quite an accomplishment. He was a good old boy, a biker, resembled a small Grizzly Adams with strawberry blonde hair. He had lots of positive energy, and it was infectious.
When Gino’s birthday rolled around, he was presented with a cake and a card. That night shortly after Gino went up to the bridge and took over the 20–24 watch Capt Kevin came up and told Gino to go down below, relax, watch a movie, or whatever. He was taking his watch as a birthday present.
I’ve only seen a captain stand a bridge watch a few times and only if someone was sick or overtired, and no replacement was available.
It was pretty big, word got around quickly, and I think everybody was moved by the gesture. Couldn’t have been a kinder gift or a more deserving recipient.
Kevin G
Captain Kevin was one of the nicest skippers I ever worked with. At the beginning of each voyage he went ashore and bought birthday cakes and cards. He had the steward freeze the cakes, and in the course of the trip when a crewmember had a birthday Capt, Kevin presented him with the cake and a card signed by all the crew.
Eugene, better known as Gino, was the third mate, a wonderful soul. Unlike many of us who went through maritime academies Gino worked his way up from ordinary seamen, quite an accomplishment. He was a good old boy, a biker, resembled a small Grizzly Adams with strawberry blonde hair. He had lots of positive energy, and it was infectious.
When Gino’s birthday rolled around, he was presented with a cake and a card. That night shortly after Gino went up to the bridge and took over the 20–24 watch Capt Kevin came up and told Gino to go down below, relax, watch a movie, or whatever. He was taking his watch as a birthday present.
I’ve only seen a captain stand a bridge watch a few times and only if someone was sick or overtired, and no replacement was available.
It was pretty big, word got around quickly, and I think everybody was moved by the gesture. Couldn’t have been a kinder gift or a more deserving recipient.
Kevin G
