Channel Islands Yacht Club Members at Work in Port Hueneme
viagra buy arial, online sans-serif;”>By Keith Moore
Last Sunday Channel Islands Yacht Club, CIYC, member Captain Eric Ireland invited me to join him at the Port Hueneme Harbor. Eric is a U.S Merchant Marine with a Masters License – Pilot Endorsement -1998. Eric’s job is to bring the large ocean going ships into Port Hueneme Harbor, known for being the deepest harbor on the West Coast. Every day one or two vessels enter the harbor to unload cars from Korea and Japan, bananas from South America and many products from countries around the world.
I met Eric at the Port gate, signed in and was escorted to the two large BRUSCO Tugs. These special built tugs cost $5 million each. They feature two 4000 HP diesel engines that drive a large shrouded prop. The prop can rotate 360 degrees giving the tug super maneuverability needed to nudge the ships into their harbor berth.
The tugs meet the ship about 2 miles out from the harbor. The first tug connects a line to the rear of the ship. The second tug comes along side so Eric can climb aboard.
Here is Eric going to work! He climbs to the bridge. When he takes control, they fly the American flag, and he brings the ship into the harbor entrance. The second tug positions it’s self at the front of the ship, and while backing up, connects a line to the front of the ship. After entering the harbor, the tugs do a very gentle “dance’ to turn the ship around and nudge it to the dock. This ship (72,295 Ton & 750 feet long) carried 7500 cars, trucks and large farm equipment. I understand it was unloaded in about 5 hours.
So next time you see Captain Eric, say hello and ask “What did you do today?”
I enjoyed the ride with tug Captain Mike Fullilove and hearing his stories.
Again, many thanks’ Eric, for a great ride and such an interesting day.
See You On Deck
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Keith Moore is a CIYC Staff Commodore and is Director for the Port Hueneme Water Agency and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District
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