Geoff_E
23rd November 2009, 18:26
I'm sure this was the norm in many (most) companies:
Vessel enters dock and the dock is pumped dry. I then recall what seemed to be an enduring ritual in BP; that, at the earliest opportunity (and before any pressure washing, scraping etc.), there would take place an inpection of the hull. A select group of Master, Deck Superintendent, Mate and C/E plus associated hangers on and a Cadet (gopher) to carry the shell expansion plan, would descend to the dock bottom. The object being to ascertain what damage/mayhem (if any) had been visited on the vessel since the previous docking.
Dented or deformed plates would be noted and referenced against previous docking notes on the plan; bilge keels examined for deformation or detachment or, God forbid, extraneous traces of fishing gear still in situ! Similarly anodes (or lack of them), condition of the propellor ("Nasty chip there Chief, noticed any unusual vibrations?"). Also those suspiciously smooth areas on a fouled hull possibly indicative of close proximity to solid ground at a recent date!
As Cadet, it was always a vaguely entertaining interlude, with red faces and some shuffling of feet amongst the hierarchy when any of the above was noted. However on progressing up the "Managerial Pyramid" it took on an altogether different aspect!
I don't actually recall encountering anything too dramatic on these excursions but I'm sure, amongst the membership there will be those who have a tale to tell; Yes/No?
Vessel enters dock and the dock is pumped dry. I then recall what seemed to be an enduring ritual in BP; that, at the earliest opportunity (and before any pressure washing, scraping etc.), there would take place an inpection of the hull. A select group of Master, Deck Superintendent, Mate and C/E plus associated hangers on and a Cadet (gopher) to carry the shell expansion plan, would descend to the dock bottom. The object being to ascertain what damage/mayhem (if any) had been visited on the vessel since the previous docking.
Dented or deformed plates would be noted and referenced against previous docking notes on the plan; bilge keels examined for deformation or detachment or, God forbid, extraneous traces of fishing gear still in situ! Similarly anodes (or lack of them), condition of the propellor ("Nasty chip there Chief, noticed any unusual vibrations?"). Also those suspiciously smooth areas on a fouled hull possibly indicative of close proximity to solid ground at a recent date!
As Cadet, it was always a vaguely entertaining interlude, with red faces and some shuffling of feet amongst the hierarchy when any of the above was noted. However on progressing up the "Managerial Pyramid" it took on an altogether different aspect!
I don't actually recall encountering anything too dramatic on these excursions but I'm sure, amongst the membership there will be those who have a tale to tell; Yes/No?