Meeting a 1300 Foot Container Ship 

Thanks for aging me. "Older, smaller container ships had the wheel house aft." I sailed for years on the Sealand Venture as Second and Third Mate with the bridge forward. So I guess I was on not just "old" but VERY old container ships. I also sailed on breakbulk ships with the house in the middle and cargo masts and booms fore and aft so they would be VERY, VERY old ships. Also sailed on converted T-2 tankers in which the bridge windows were large portholes. Those would be VERY, VERY, VERY old ships. Also sailed on converted Victory Ships but I used up all my allotted "VERY's".

I love the VTS video! You seem like a kid in a candy shop! That is just how I feel every time I am with you in your wheelhouse! Thanks for letting us join you!

Technical difficulties don't matter. I am just grateful for your generous desire to share your experience.

If you hadn’t told us about the lost footage we wouldn’t have noticed. Smoothly done as usual Capt, I like the was you talk us through your manoeuvres. I used to fish in the central English Channel in and around the separation zones we had shipping coming past all the time often 3 abreast. Ships like the Maersk container would be doing 25 knots, all good in clear conditions but not a lot of fun in fog.

I lived in the Florida Keys (moving there from Chicago), and loved being at sea. A captain hired me to be a deckhand (I was police there, so I did this on my 3 days off), engineer's assistant, etc. I then worked my way up to be a 1st mate, and relief captain. I also worked my way up to larger and larger vessels. Then one day I found myself behind the wheel of one around as large as yours; I had to berth the ship between two others, like parallel parking in downtown Chicago! I joked around with the captain and crew, "I need someone to hop off and direct me in ('you hoo, just a bit forward!')- and I'll just tap the ship in front of me and say 'excuse me, sorry!' and then tap the ship behind me as I say 'excuse me, I'm sorry about that!' like squeezing into that tight parking spot in the Windy City - and then just like in Chicago we're gonna need a heck of a lot of quarters for the boat parking meter otherwise the police parking lady will give us a ticket"! Anyway, you remind me of that captain that trained me - you're really good at explaining everything, and have that confidence and knowledge that makes all the difference. That first time docking that huge boat I was so incredibly nervous; literally sweating like mad and my hands were shaky - but the captain stayed calm, and was really supportive of me, and it worked out perfectly! So I love your videos - keep up the great work!

Your videos are great and they've improved. I love watching a guy who knows what he's doing and can talk to me about it.

As an A.P. Moller - Maersk shareholder, thanks for not bumping my ship. 😛

I shook hands with one of the owners of Maersk Shipping at a marina in Copenhagen, I was helping a friend deliver a Banks employee's sailing yacht ready for them to enjoy a week ends sailing. Had a quick chat and he was interested in what I was doing in Denmark, as a new suspension bridge was being built across the Storbaelt. My part was building a rail tunnel on the same alignment, so a 10/15 min chat with a shipping owner was fun talking about a subject that effected us both in different ways. I do like the outside camera angle, but then it's fun being a back seat driver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe man, thanks for posting..

Stop apologising the work shows it all the good the not so good and the way it twists and turns. The videos you made are all watchable . They are always informative. These are also a great training for boat / ship/ tug handling. Its not your day job but you put in the feeling to them all,.. Goos work

Hi Captain Tim! Your positivity in your videos is one of the things that I think makes them enjoyable for me. Thanks for doing these. CUOTO

When you say that you upload every Tuesday you were Not kidding, LOL. Not a minute late on the West Coast. Great video and I always learn something. Thank you, Tim. Like

My firat trip as 3rd officer was on one of the sister vessels of the Maersk ship you passed. Triple-E. Wonderful ships to handle as they have 2 props, dual indeoendently controllable rudders and I think 2x 2400kW bow thrusters and 2x 1500kW stern thrusters. Big ladies though. 400m long and 60m wide 😂 250,000T displacement at summer draft of 16+m. Still get her going 22kts when we needed to though. Sometimes I miss those days. But not when I remember that just checking the moorings involved a 1km round trip.

Great videos... I love the expertise it takes to maneuver and the precision you do it with. Thanks for sharing.

My dad used to tell me that if you don't make any mistakes you're not doing anything. Damn, you've been busy, lol. CUOTO

Your channel popped up as recommended to view and I love the channel. You are a great captain and I have enjoyed everything I’ve watched.. Thank you for taking the time to share your world with us..

I love your pleasant and positive demeanor! Hardly a crusty old sea dog! You must be a pleasure to work with!

My new favorite channel. Spent 15 years in NY watching you guys do your work with fascination. Wish I had your channel then but great to learn your side now. SHould be required watch for all aspiring tug captains. Kudos. Big fan.

Once again Tim you rocked... Well maybe not that container ship, but definitely the videos of what you do. Great job. I wish more would subscribe and appreciate what you do teaching us about maritime. You make it look easy when I know it is anything but...

Love your videos they are very interesting thanks Tim happy sailing.

Hey Tim: Thank You for all your hard work and extra effort in sharing your "Hobby". You are doing us a solid, by sharing a slice of our industry the only way a Harbor Captain can: calm, honest, humble, and professional. To me, being a mariner is avocational, otherwise, why share it, so thankfully, you and your work are the content, which saves time. The 12hr shift might provide a little time for editing and production, but probably not much until your hitch ends. So now, you have to take your JOB home or to your other floating "hobby", your sailboat to complete. So, God Bless You Brother! Your dedication and consistency, while improving the production value in each new episode is evident and much appreciated. OK, I guess thanks would have been enough, but I wanted to really convey my thoughts, with my apology upfront. I tend to be very detailed and verbose when I write. So the reason I was originally motivated to take my time to drop you a line was to bring you up to speed and expound on Ethanol's 10% reduction to emissions you mentioned in a recent episode. This is meant for you, so np to delete it after ya'll read it. This tape will destruct Mr. Hunt in.... sorry. Just to cover my creds quickly, or not: I have earned a LEED AP Credential & Designation from the US Green Building Council ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), which is an environmental and sustainability organization that provides professionals from construction, engineering, architecture, design in and out, naval arch's the list goes on. You see the leed logo printed on paper, wrappers, etc. to display that they are certified... It's everywhere. The USGBC has developed an exhausting curriculum that along with an examination with proctors watching and is ridiculously expensive and difficult to pass (40% test failure rate back when I tested. I passed though) examination that if you pass allows us to get paid to provide professional certification (like a CPA in Sustainability) to a widget as a LEED AP Accredited Professional "AP". A Quick Example, or not... I had the opportunity to work on a cert project, per the following: To put into practice and use the education I gained from the LEED AP process is pretty rare, especially within the LEED community, which uses it as a business tool to sell or design something. Considering how difficult the test was, I was surprised with the variety of knowledge in construction, who did not understand anything but passed the test. When I asked they said, "I have always been able to easily retain information and tests are a breeze." So basically, they don't know shit about what they study, but they know how to retain and test well. something to be said about that. I hope our medical professionals are not graded that way! The point being, I had an opportunity to put my huge investment and effort, cost, and time to learn, I now could put that into practice, which most AP's don't have in the Real World: I was hired by Turner Construction as a consultant to work on one area of expertise for the Anaheim Convention Center, (owned by the City of Anaheim) Remodel/new building project LEED certification and Remodel Building Award Quest. My core focus was only on an area I have experience in. Just a few parts of many categories they need to complete the process for application submission, and for review to most likely will pass since their fee is paid. Hey, got some cash, lets get a green building award and sell for more dough!

Hi Cap, I was a relative new, totally land locked fan of your channel when you uploaded the VTS video; consequently, I abandoned watching the video at that time. After your suggestion today that the VTS video was worth a watch, I did exactly that. It was an informative and entertaining video. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

Tim do not worry about a little lost footage! What you do show is great and you show the human element that sometimes never shows on some productions ! Not familiar with your trade and you show that in depth! Thank you and enjoy the sailing also! Thank you!

Your narrative was more than good. You gave us the opportunity to visualize what you see. Well done, and good job. :)

When we were running up to Bremen or, Hamburg and it got foggy I would run just outside of the bouyed channel. At just over 4m draft there was plenty of water for us so no worry there. But when it was restricted visiblity the VTS used to do remote pilotage with a tendency to want to pilot you along the centre line of the channel. Then do avoidence action for oncoming or, overtaking traffic. Well running just outside of the fairway I was running in water depths okay for me and I didn't have to worry about any of the deep draughted ships trying to run us down. Used to drive the VTS operators up the wall but as it was remote pilotage they were only there to advise. 😀 Another great video Tim, see you Red - Red.👍

Another good one, Skipper. Years ago I crewed on racing sailboats in San Francisco Bay, where tidal currents often demand more attention than the wind. We of course look at the tide charts beforehand, but we would look at nearby bouys as we moved around the bay to guage the current at that spot. Your attention to tidal currents and wind always reminds me of those days. You're going to be a damned good sailboater.

We got to see another sleek docking. The blue ship, it is big indeed, 13k TEU, just imagine the bigger ones of 23k TEU and 400 meters. CUOTU.

Good stuff Capt. no shortage of quality don't sell yourself short on that front. That tug that slid between you and the container ship didn't have a whole lot of room, I am sure he gave you a heads up that he was coming by?. thanks again for a look into your world, you have to have one of the best corner offices window vies of the ever changing world. Need to see some more from LIS, Hudson, CD Canal, maybe with some 360° view tossed in. CUOTO

Very good Tim. Interesting when you talked about the container ship with its bridge so far back and needing tugs to get to berth. I sail a lot on cruise ships and they have bow drives and the bridge close to the front ahead of the hotel and maybe asipods or multiple props to guide into port and several people on short wave radio to guide the ship into port. Makes the containers and tankers look ancient.

Tim…your vids are fantastic! I retired from the Navy after 26 years and this is exciting to me! Please keep up the good work my friend!

Great channel Tim! Fun and educational.

I see tows going by on the Neches river all the time but I don’t get to see them dock so your vids are really cool to see how it is done! Thanks

Hey 👋🏽 Tim, no worries with the camera 📷 nobody is perfect 👍🏾 from your description the container ship sounds like a Maersk Triple E, forward bridge

Wow your thr captian of that huge ship im suprised your wheelhouse isnt bigger i woulda thought it would be... Anyways what an awsome jon

Your video about VTS is excellent. . .All subscribers and other should watch it!!

I really enjoy your videos, Tim 🤙 The combination of slow speed action coupled with large mass is pretty cool 😎 It’s kind of relaxing and stressful at all at the same time 😁

Sailed in and out of NY (passenger) on cruise ships from the U.K. your channel is so interesting. One day you may be helping us

I'm impressed with how responsive the barge is to your tug.

Well done Captain and interesting.

👍☑️ Tks Tim. Can’t wait to see you sailing your boat down to the Caribbean on your new channel SV Paquita ….. shameless plug!

Awesome driving Cap!!!

Fantastic stuff!

Great job, and video as always. Thumbs up!

Another good vid. It is so interesting to see all you do . This old man appreciates your effort. Havagudun cap.

Tim. I love your videos and they are great quality. I watch others where the camera is constantly moving and it’s impossible to get a true sense. Yours are stable, clear, well lit and of course informative. You have NO need to apologize, ever. I also agree the VTS video awesome and well worth viewing. Better even than Fox News! (Loved Dalton’s video). #CUOTO

Awesome job Tim. CUOTO!

Looking good Mr. Tim.

We love hearing those diesels run!!!

Great video Tim. Really enjoying your Paquita channel too. You have a beautiful boat there.

I watched that video recently. Very informative and very ATC like Great video once again. Also just a note: I really cannot put a finger on why I find these soo interesting but you are a great presenter and it's nice to watch parts of your day. Also Love the attempt at the flash forward by snapping your fingers :) and Don't worry about the Missing camera no worries still nice to watch

I live aboard a 15 metre houseboat here in Mannum South Australia. I wish I was as good a pilot as you are. Love your videos. Thanks for the channel.

Excellent again Tim!

Always great to watch your videos..CUOTO

I'm a day late so I guess my pay will be docked....pun intended...another great day on the river with you, thanks

Agreed, the VTS video is great - perhaps it'll gain some traction over time. Keep doing what you're doing (of course you will!) and CUOTO

good morning Tim, I am alway glad to watch your videos, greats stuff. you give the impression you like it as but as the rest of us, take care and most of all have fun, best regards from the UK.

It's fun Tim, thats what counts

Enjoyed the video 👍🏻👍🏻

Capt.Tim, thanks for letting us see your job. My job in the navy was Engineer so daylight hurt the eyes.... Can you do a short video on lines used for pushing and pulling, (split head) why Siamese a ship in out of dock, head line and spring lines, while all this is going on you can tell us why a twin engine tug is better than single. So basically basic ship handling. Like what you said about tugs with some ass, yes sir. Thanks again.

Great vid's, how about a tour of the boat sometime, especially the engine room!

Would be good to see a few shots of you pushing the barges, maybe just a friend with a cellphone, love the vids.

Some pretty nifty camera work Cap. LOL It’s all good stuff, better than mine is. Thanks for the ride! Ron

Just to be a smartass: the container vessel was the MAERSK EDINBURGH, which is a 366 Meter or 1200 ft container ship. Still big, but not the biggest anymore nowadays. 😀👍

Enjoyed the vts video

Isn't that the best office view in the world?

Interesting to see how much attention you put to looking at the water coming past the 8 buoy to gage the tide. I could imagine how a barge or long vessel could be slammed into a dock by neglecting the effect of seemingly little wind and tide. Once things start "going south" you're just along for the ride.

Another great video caption Tim . Stuff happens Tim .

yes Life and all it's imperfections are the same for you as the rest of us. Good to know, still fun to watch Tim 👍

Yet again Tim very interesting, things would be boring if everything went to plan without any technical issues once in a while. I noticed in the comments below I was not the only one thinking you were calling up our Royal Navy. Thanks Mike

Great Lakes Towing FTW.

Whoever is in the background drinking coffee should take the spoon out of the cup while drinking so that he doesn't poke himself in the eye with the spoon. 😃

Hi Tim, Most hand held recorders have normal Cardioid style of directional mic. Down on deck level these, as you've found, they pick up more of the surrounding sounds than the Exhaust sounds. You might try making a mounting plate to screw onto the recorder with a couple of attached rings for ropes that would allow you to rig it between the stacks, but 10 to 15 feet up in the air,(hopefully further away from any air handling systems.) Kent

excellent video nice views thank you tim

Thanks for the video.

Love your videos. You make things look so easy. Looks like a great career. You younger kids should watch your videos.

An enjoyable video as always! Exhaust pipes and missing container behemoths, what could be more intriguing??

Thanks Tim, that was fun...

Last time I saw you, you were on your boat that I can't spell. Somewhere in Puerto Rico, I think. 🙃😉🙃

Coming in hot!

Nice as always!

tim you guys never stop amaze me you guys dock every time and never bump the dock and very smooth do you ever get mixed up on where to go

You said HMS Justice and I was thinking “what’s a British Warship doing in NY Harbor this time of year…. Then I looked it up and it’s an abbreviation for Harley Marine Services…. Which made me think of Ed Harley from Fletch Lives!!! Great video… Tim B in the Rough (insert joke here 🤣) Anyways… 11 more days…. #CUOTO

Tim’s 50k subscriber wins a weekend aboard the tug! 😂😂

nice to hear the air coming though the windows

It's all good. Tim.

Capt... What's the chrome handle looking thing hanging from the ceiling that your radio mic is hanging from? Is that just a hand hold, remote searchlight or fancy mic hanger? Lmao!!! Love the content! Keep up the great work!

I have been meaning to compliment the interior of your "office". Does the owner of the tug decide the interior or does the builder choose it? It looks really nice and the workmanship is top notched

BTS OF VTS! CUOTO

Great video. i just found your channel. See you next time!

Hey from Tampa-St. Pete. I wondered if you prefer the small lever to actuate your rudder versus an actual wheel. Did it take long to adjust to it? Tim, thanks again for taking us along. I always enjoy the ride and watching good ship handling. Be well.

For the price you charge for show tickets, I can't complain at all. A more comfortable chair would be nice though. 8-)

Tim, for the engine noise - possibly you could investigate microphones for high volume levels and place one directly in the engine room.

Thanks for sharing your hobby Tim. Just a quick question, can you do a vid of the tug and barge connection?

Enjoyed today’s video. Perhaps a dumb question, but as a resident of the Ozarks, and having viewed traffic on the Arkansas river, other than navigating through locks, is there any major differences in tug boat operations?

Would love to have a compass indicator embedded on the outside, forward view. First world issue - thanks for the videos!

I always thought you were Tim Bat Sea. Sorry 😒 Love the videos.

Like Paula Dean a real man

Tim, Stop being so hard on yourself! WE still love💖 ya! LOL! 😎👍⚓CUOTO!

Awww3 cool video Great job

Tim, I had thought it had to do with the Mafia and Concrete shoes thingie...

We'll let you get away with it, this time, but don't go making a habit of messing up! :-) CUOTO As a retired computer programmer and now electronics hobbyist, seems to me you need a control centre which allows you to activate and deactivate all your cameras, and shows status lights for each camera.