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New Training Vessel Debuts at Paul Hall Center

September 2009

A momentous signpost was realized recently by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) with the acquisition of its new training vessel, the G Force. The vessel, a 66-foot Custom Trawler Tug, tied up at the pier of the Piney Point, Md.-based facility July 28 following a four-day voyage from Port Everglades, Fla. Crewed by Great Lakes Capt. Mel Stackpoole and Phase III Apprentices Chuck Murphy and Brandon Braam, the G Force arrived to the fanfare of a large contingent of school officials, staff and trainees. Also aboard the vessel during her voyage was PHC Safety Director Jimmy Hanson. The G Force will replace the Osprey, the wooden-hulled boat that has served as the school’s training vessel for nearly 20 years. Her arrival culminated a search launched by union and school officials more than one year ago for a platform to upgrade the quality of the institution’s training vessel. “It took a long time to get the agreement done for the school to get this ship,” SIU President Michael Sacco told rank-and-file members during the union’s August membership meeting at Piney Point. “A lot of work and some tough negotiations were involved, but everything finally fell into place. Now she is ours and we are all proud because it’s one really fine training vessel.” PHC Vice President Don Nolan echoed the view voiced by President Sacco, noting, “We’ve needed to upgrade our capability in this area for a long time. This vessel meets our needs in a number of ways and we’re delighted to have it aboard.” The officials, instructors and staff of the Paul Hall Center along with the trustees recognize and thank the following SIU-contracted companies and other labor-friendly organizations that provided financial support in the G Force acquisition effort. These included: Alaska Tanker Company, American Overseas Marine, American Roll On/Roll Off Carrier, American Shipping Group/TOTE, Crowley Maritime Corporation, Horizon Lines, International Shipholding Corporation, Maersk Line Limited, OSG America, Pacific Gulf Marine, Sealift, Chas. Kurz & Co., Inc. (on behalf of Phil Fisher from Keystone) and TK Foundation. A steel-hulled vessel, the G Force has a beam of 20 feet, six inches with a maximum draft of five feet. She is equipped with two 450 horsepower 3406 Caterpillar engines which can reach a top speed of 10.5 knots. The vessel boasts a fly-bridge with an enclosed pilothouse which is equipped with a myriad of new components including: Raymarine E80, Raymarine GPS sensor RS125, Furuno GPS GP32 Navigation Station, Simrad auto pilot AP35, Commercial air controls, Raymarine digital sounder and much more. The G Force has three staterooms, can sleep six and has three bathrooms. Its galley is equipped with all new appliances including a chest freezer, refrigerator, ice-maker and microwave. Several 26-inch flat screen LCD televisions adorn the galley and staterooms. The G Force should be fully on-line for integration into the school’s training program in the next 90 days, according to PHC Director of Training J.C. Wiegman. Prior to being used as a teaching vessel, she must first undergo a rigorous certification process by the U.S. Coast Guard, Wiegman said, but after that “we’ll have a go” on all systems. “This vessel is a long-awaited and welcomed addition to our training program,” Wiegman continued. “Our previous training vessel had reached the end of its service life. “The G Force is a giant step forward for us,” Wiegman concluded. “Its modern equipment and systems will add significantly to our capability to instruct trainees in all three shipboard departments.” The vessel will be renamed during a ceremony later this year. ###

Trainee Learns Value of Being Observant While Standing Watch The keen eye of a Phase III trainee from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., complemented by the professionalism of his vessel captain recently warded off potential disaster for three distressed sailors. During the late evening hours of July 25 while standing watch on his docked vessel, STOS Chuck Murphy learned firsthand the importance of being observant and wide awake while on duty. Murphy, while standing watch aboard the G Force in a marina situated along the coastal waterway on the Alligator River in North Carolina, detected a vessel—a 34-foot Sea Ray—underway and moving precariously close to the rock-strewn shoreline leading to the marina. “At 23:20, I noticed a vessel close to the rocky shoreline and clearly in danger of running aground hard,” Murphy said. “There were three young men aboard and they could not find the channel markers to the entrance of the marina.” As the situation unfolded, Murphy said one of the young men jumped overboard and began to make his way ashore. “At this point, I woke up Capt. Mel Stackpoole and he took the situation in hand. The captain turned on our navigation lights to guide the ship into the entrance. I verbally directed the young man who had jumped overboard ashore while Captain Stackpoole safely guided the vessel into a slip at the marina.” By the time the vessel was safely in the marina, Murphy said one of its passengers already had dialed 911 and a search and rescue helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) was dispatched to the scene. A USCG vessel also had been launched from the nearest station. “As the helicopter circled the area in a tight pattern, Captain Stackpoole established radio contact with the Coast Guard,” Murphy recalled. “He asked them to call off their search, stating that we already had all passengers accounted for and the vessel safely docked. “Captain Stackpoole calmed the vessel owner (the young man who had jumped overboard) down and formulated a plan of action for first light,” Murphy continued. “He then told the young man to get some rest. The two other passengers from the vessel left the marina and went about their respective ways.” Murphy then resumed his watch while staying in contact with the Coast Guard and proving them with information as needed. “The helicopter pilot called and thanked us for having our lights on,” Murphy said. “They (the G-Force’s lights) were the only point of reference that the pilot had in the dark marina.” Murphy said the G-Force also received calls from the captain of the USCG rescue ship which had been deployed as well as the area Coast Guard Commanding Officer. “The rescue ship’s captain thanked us for saving them a long trip and the commanding officer contacted us to find out who we were,” Murphy said. “I informed him that we were a merchant marine training vessel for the SIU in Piney Point, Md., making our way up the intercoastal. They all were impressed with our captain’s quick and professional actions and offered praise.” The following morning, the owner of the rescued vessel came aboard the G Force. “Over breakfast, Captain Stackpoole explained to him that we would do an inspection of his vessel, help him fuel up,” Murphy said. “The captain also told him that we’d guide him to his destination which happened to be along our course. Since he had no radio aboard his vessel, Captain Stackpoole also provided him with a hand-held radio so we could maintain communications.” Later that morning (July 26) the G-Force got underway and resumed its voyage towards Piney Point with the rescued vessel and its owner following closely behind. Murphy said the small vessel reached its destination without further incident. Along the way, Murphy reflected back over the events that took place during the previous 24 hours. “There is no doubt in my mind that Captain Stackpoole saved those young men from serious danger,” Murphy said. “Of equal significance, the G Force’s lights guided them to safety and the Coast Guard helicopter to the scene.” Up until the time of the rescue, Murphy said he always thought that standing watch was only necessary for the physical safety and security of the vessel he was on. But now that line of thinking has completely changed. “I really learned a serious lesson on the importance of being observant on watch; not only for the safety of my ship but also for the safety of anyone else in the area who might need your assistance,” he concluded. “Being on watch is a responsibility and being able to help someone in their time of need is a privilege.” ###