View of the Maersk Ohio, taken from high above Courtesy Bryan Boyle
Merchant marine captures life at sea in a video tour of a Maersk cargo vessel.
This video shows both the technology used to guide the ship and the living quarters of the crew.
Bryan Boyle, second mate, said that his work has allowed him to travel to many places.
A merchant marine led a tour of a 958 foot cargo ship. He explained the intricate details of the hulking freighters, which carry 90% of the world’s goods.
Bryan Boyle, second mate, records the many mechanics that keep the ship in motion, as well the living quarters of the Maersk crew and officers. The video was made in 2006.
Although the video was shot in 2019, Boyle said that Insider provides an insight into the daily lives of shipping crews today, as hundreds of cargo vessels wait to dock at US ports.
The ship sets off from Norfolk, Virginia and makes several stops in the US, before heading to Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands.
Boyle stated to Insider that he had been able to work on "some interesting vessels." "I have been able to travel to places that an average person wouldn’t know about," Boyle said to Insider. It's one the best aspects of my job."
Boyle stated that it's exciting to travel to new places, recalling his trip to Africa where he spent more than a month. He said that the time crews have to explore new places has decreased over the years as ships rush to get into and out of ports. Early COVID-19 restrictions also limit crew excursions.
This video shows Boyle's living space and a movie locker, which holds hundreds of titles.
Boyle's living quarters aboard the ship. Courtesy Bryan Boyle
The cargo ships offer limited entertainment options for 20-25 people. Boyle stated that workers can have a variety of entertainment options, including movies and video games as well as time at the gym.
The video shows both the officers' lounge with a TV and ping-pong table, as well the general crews lounge which features a poker table. Boyle explained that the crew could only do certain activities onboard during the pandemic.
Continue the story
Boyle explained to Insider that many ships were not allowed onboard to eat with crew members or use the gym. "You could only use your work or bedroom area."
Below is a view of the mess hall.
Bryan Boyle, crews' mess hall
This video also shows the combination of old and new technology to keep the supply chain moving. It pairs engine control rooms that look as if they belong on a spaceship with a huge gyro compasse.
Bryan Boyle, engine control room
The navigation bridge provides a clear view of the water ahead and allows the captain and officers to manage the entire operation of the vessel.
Bryan Boyle, Navigation Bridge
A huge gyro compass guides the ship's course.
In 1908, the first seaworthy gyro compasses was made. It is a non-magnetic type of compass. It uses a fast-spinning disk and the rotational Earth's orbit to determine geographical direction.
Bryan Boyle, ship's gyro compasse
This video shows the engine room as well as the huge combustion engine that powers a massive propeller.
Bryan Boyle is the engine
Boyle leads viewers on a tour through the exterior of the ship, labeling each part and touring the lifeboat.
Bryan Boyle, the ship's lifeboat
The video ends with the ship pulling up to a German dock.
Huge cranes lift 20-foot containers off the ship. New containers are reloaded by more cranes as the Maersk Ohio ship returns to Norfolk, Virginia.
A crane lifts 20-foot containers from the ship. Courtesy Bryan Boyle
You can watch the full Boyle video on YouTube.
Are you a seafarer? Contact the reporter via a non-work email to gkay@insider.com
Business Insider has the original article.
