CaptainTJ

▶

▶ 2.3K ❤ 0 💬 0

Day 112 onboard the mighty Saginaw! ⚓ Today we departed Sarnia early in the morning and made our way across Lake Huron to Goderich, Ontario. But when we arrived, somebody was already occupying the loading dock. The Algoma Buffalo. MY OLD SHIP. 😂 Apparently, even after leaving her, the Buffalo is still finding ways to make me wait. Once she departed, we made our way into the loading dock and started loading. And then we were treated to an absolutely beautiful sunset over Goderich. 🌅 So naturally… WE WENT INTO THE ENGINE ROOM. 😂⚙️ First, I’m showing you Saginaw’s rotary vane steering gear. This hydraulic system turns the ship’s rudder by directing pressurized oil against rotating vanes connected to the rudder stock. No giant hydraulic rams pushing a tiller. Just an enormous hydraulic rotary actuator doing the work. Then we visit the main engine. And this thing is MASSIVE. It’s a six-cylinder MaK 6M43C marine diesel, rated at approximately 8,160 brake horsepower. The engine is about TWO DECKS HIGH! 😳 And here’s a little history… When Saginaw was built in 1953 as the John J. Boland, she was originally powered by STEAM. Her steam propulsion machinery was replaced by this enormous diesel engine during a conversion in 2008. More than 70 years after she was built, she’s still earning her keep on the Great Lakes. Not a bad day’s work for the old girl. ⚓ 🎥 Follow the full season on YouTube: Captain TJ #greatlakesshipping #saginaw #goderich #marineengineering #captainTJ

▶

▶ 1.7K ❤ 0 💬 0

Day 113 onboard the mighty Saginaw! ⚓ We departed Goderich, Ontario, early this morning and are making our way toward Muskegon, Michigan. And after a beautiful sunset over Lake Huron, I figured it was time for a little SAFETY DANCE! 🕺😂 Today we’re taking a look at some of the safety equipment aboard the Saginaw. 🚤 First up, our rescue boat! This boat can be used to assist with marshalling life rafts during an emergency, as well as recovering people or objects from the water. 🧯 Next, we’re heading somewhere most people never get to see… THE CO₂ ROOM. This compartment houses the cylinders for our engine room’s fixed carbon dioxide fire suppression system. There are a whole lot of CO₂ bottles in here, all connected to a common manifold. If we ever have a serious engine room fire that requires the fixed system, the CO₂ can be released through the system’s designated controls, either locally or remotely. Of course, this is an emergency system that requires strict procedures, including ensuring personnel are evacuated before CO₂ is discharged. And finally, a quick look at our fire locker, a steel cabinet containing some of the ship’s firefighting equipment. It’s all equipment we hope we’ll never need in a real emergency, but it’s essential to have it ready. And what better soundtrack for today’s tour than… 🎵 THE SAFETY DANCE — MEN WITHOUT HATS! 🕺⚓ 🎥 Follow the full season on YouTube: Captain TJ #greatlakesshipping #saginaw #maritimesafety #lakefreighter #captainTJ

▶

▶ 794 ❤ 0 💬 0

Day 114 onboard the mighty Saginaw! ⚓ Today we arrived in Muskegon, Michigan, after making our way south across Lake Michigan. We had strong winds during much of the trip, but by the time we reached Muskegon, they had eased to a very pleasant 10 knots. I’ll take that for a harbour arrival any day! 😂 We made our way between the piers and into Muskegon Harbour, but something familiar was missing… The USS Silversides! ⚓ The historic World War II submarine normally displayed at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum isn’t here at the moment. She’s over in Sturgeon Bay for dry docking. It’s certainly strange entering Muskegon without seeing her in her usual spot! From there, we continued up the harbour to the Verplank salt dock, where we’re currently unloading our cargo. And today’s music has a special connection to our destination. 🎵 I Can’t Stop — Bettye LaVette Bettye LaVette grew up in Muskegon, so I figured we’d give the city a little hometown soundtrack! Another beautiful day aboard the Saginaw, another load of cargo being delivered, and another Great Lakes port visited. 🎥 Follow the full season on YouTube: Captain TJ #greatlakesshipping #muskegon #saginaw #lakefreighter #captainTJ