I was a US Civilian Mariner (aka merchant marine) for 16 years or so and a licensed officer for the last 4 years. I recently changed professions due to a welcome addition to my family that I can't bear to leave for months at a time! I'm not here to tell you the Ever Given situation isn't meaningful, I think it is. What I can do is tell you what it's like to live and work in the industry, share my training and experience with large ocean going vessels. Basically I'd like to help dispel nonsense so we can all get to the truth and look good doing it!
I just got off work and I'm starting my weekend, so I'll be back to answer any questions after a good sleep.
Why is it called a " poop deck"?
Back in the old days, guys would transfer onto ships by swinging on a rope to the elevated aft deck, aka the poop deck. The process was dangerous and understandably terrifying. To save on the effort of skiing laundry, they would swing over without pants so that when they shit themselves in fear...
I don't know.