Moments of terror

DeadEye · Feb 10, 2008

The daily pearls of a Merchant Marine, Many hours of boredom offset by moments of sheer terror.
This is one of the most dangerous jobs anyone can imagine!
Here we have a huge barge being towed by tug approaching its port of call, now the tow must be released from its bridal pennant and moved into push gear.
1. Barge in Tow

2. Tow cable to pennant ( thousands of tons weight could be exerted
here if not properly executed)

3. First remove the nut from shackle pin

4.Pull Pin

5. Pull pin2

6. Pull pin3

7.Pin Pulled ( now pennant only held by stopper line )

8. Pennant Released ( Once the stopper line is released the extreme weight of the tow gear will whip it violently over the side so I used burst mode to get the frames) People have lost life and limb when caught by this line.

9. Release2

10. Release3
11. Now of the swing to retrieve the Tow ( broadside to the swell gets wet)

12. Brace for your drenching

13. Embrace the cold sea with a smile.

14.Ready the gear

15 .Ready the gear2

16 Ready the gear3

17 Ready the gear4

18 The Bow

ksven · Feb 10, 2008

These are all great. :] I deffinitly like the b&w

DeadEye · Feb 10, 2008

ksven said:
These are all great. :] I deffinitly like the b&w

Thank you. Maybe I should have put in the B&W gallery. It is everyday life for me that few get to see.

Tennessee Landscape · Feb 10, 2008

very interesting....i like the pictures

Just_Brian81 · Feb 10, 2008

I like all of these pictures. It makes them even better that you explain whats going on in each of them. #1's my favorite... if you didnt know that it was from a tug it would give it that Holy $H1t impression. Love it-

Puscas · Feb 10, 2008

very impressive. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:

pascal

Battou · Feb 11, 2008

Verry impressive shots #3 really puts the size of those cables into perspective.

Personally I would have liked to see them smaller on the forum with full size available in a gallery to reduce scrolling but that is just my oppinion. Great shots.

DeadEye · Feb 11, 2008

Thanks again for all the comments. Though I have been into photography over 20 years , Its only been an avocation for the past year and most of what I have learned is from right here on this forum from all of you. A special thanks to the moderators that keep this forum running so smooth.

Ockie · Feb 12, 2008

the photos sure tell a story!
Nice!

Lyncca · Feb 12, 2008

These are wonderful photos! The black and white is perfect for them.

I have met quite a few merchant marines while traveling for work

JeffD · Feb 12, 2008

I will be completely honest, I joined the forums here just to comment your work & also because I love the content on this website.

I must say Deadeye, these pictures are amazing. What type of lens were you using?

DeadEye · Feb 12, 2008

JeffD said:
I will be completely honest, I joined the forums here just to comment your work & also because I love the content on this website.

I must say Deadeye, these pictures are amazing. What type of lens were you using?

Wow I am very flattered anyone would join to comment on these. Thank You and Welcome to TPF. I used a canon 50 / 1.8 and had to wipe the salt spray from it several times with my T shirt as I shot.