MY FIRST SHIP | WORKING ON A CABLE SHIP | PHASE 2 | SIU UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM 

Yo Joe! I've lost count of how many times I've watched these very well done piney point videos now, as I've been waiting about a whole year for documents to come in the mail etc, to go to phase one this summer! I'm excited for my adventure to begin.

I start my class in 11 days with the UA program I’ve been a lil stuck in life I just turned 23 couple weeks ago and been watching your videos for like a year and man thank you so much for this wealth of information and honestly gets me excited seeing how much you enjoyed yourself !!!

Inspirational my friend. You're inspiring my son to follow in your footsteps. This is the way. You're doing good work. Keep it up.

Dear Joe, you have a unique way of describing your experiences and your mood with a few calm words and short video sequences. I found your channel here by chance and your contributions are unique. Please keep it up for a long time, it's one of the best things to watch here on YT. Some scenes and emotions remind me of the time 45 years ago when I did my military service as a rookie in the German Navy.

What an incredible adventure and your memory is so good after so many years! Thank you so much for sharing these amazing parts of your life.

Super video, especially since I was stationed on Crete for 5 years while on AD in the USAF. Party Central Word out there 500 Scandinavian tourist each week in the Summer.

I can't find a word to describe the kitchen incredible phenomenal that thing was incredible stainless steel every kind of oven you could possibly want

Hi Joe. I love your videos. I know they must be a lot of work, but please consider making some longer ones. And please consider leaving off the numbered days, because it obstructs my vision. I want to see everything you are doing. Thank you for posting.

Thankyou very much for the movie. God bless...

Joe, thanks so much for these videos. As a young man I was on the verge of signing up with Texaco on the training programme they had at the time. Merchant seafaring was part of our family history and I desperately wanted to carry it on. I always felt my heart and soul belonged out there and even to this day I'll take any opportunity to be on a ship. Sadly, with life being as unpredictable as it is, it didn't happen. I feel like I'm living the life I always wanted to live through your videos, so once again thank you.

So wonderful to see someone pursuing a passion like this,and being so excited by the experience. No doubt there must have been some tough times,but nice to know some people still enjoy crucial jobs like these!

You put a ton of work and thought into each of your videos with your editing and everything. It doesn't go unnoticed great work and thanks for bringing us along

These are beautifully done in a lot ways , look forward to the next one

I’ve been watching these vids over and over haha I’m starting the process to get into the program, this has helped a lot! I’m very excited! I turn 30 next May, so i figured why not enter a new chapter in my life

I worked on that ship back in 2016. Bosun lee and thor are good people. Man your youtube channel is awesome, keep it up.

Enjoyed every minute of this one. Can't wait for more!

Dude thank you for posting these. Super helpful and I’m stoked for the next one

I could get lost in these beautifull videos, what an amazing job, thanks for taking us along for the ride, totally loving it.👍👍

This is wonderful: a perfect use of RU-vid. I'll never work on a ship like this, but I love to learn about it. Thank you for sharing

This is absolute quality. Thanks for sharing.

OMG Scenery. The blessed scenery!

Well done! You will never regret a life filled with adventure. Kudos to you for figuring it out.

Thanks for the great videos, I spent twenty-five years working at different Marina Terminals in New Orleans, La., I went on many container ships tied up to the docks but I never sailed. Finally a few years ago I got to sailed on a Carnival Cruise out of NOLA to Jamaica, Grand Camden, & Cozumel & then in June of 2023 we are going on a Alaskan Cruise, my wife & I can hardly wait, while I know it’s not adventures like your tours, I still finally got to see the sea even if was in the lap of luxuries, lol. Thanks again, stay safe, GOD BLESS!!!

Joe, great work! Really enjoy your relaxed storytelling style and your obvious passion for life at sea. RU-vid led me to your channel yesterday and it was an instant sub. Can't wait to see your ongoing adventures!

You are such a good story teller. Really enjoying your vids. The editing and music are absolutely point. Keep 'em coming!

30 minutes ago I was recommended your channel. It was a lucky find, it’s very interesting, not hyper and you have an easy to listen to voice! I subscribed, 30 minutes ago I didn’t know I wanted to know anything about cable laying ships, or ships carrying my nemesis…wheat, evil stuff, a love hate thing, I love it, my body hates it

Hi Joe, great work producing these videos. Like many seafaring runs through both sides of my family but never did get away myself, drawn to the sea and can watch ships go by for hours (drives my wife crazy), do get on a few ships each year as part of my job and always love going up a gangway. Again great work, love seeing the different ships you've worked on and the ports you have visited around the world, now my favourite youtube channel.

Congratulations!!

Just subscribed I've been binge watching all your videos keep up the great work 🇺🇲 👍

Did 3 years on the Zeus, Cable Ships are really unique for sure.

Good stuff, thanks for the education. I've always been interested in the Merchant Marine, learning a lot from your channel.

Glad to find this channel! Well done!

Great Video Joe, thanks for sharing!

USN Retired, I love these videos! Reminds me of my time at sea, sometimes I miss it and would like to go out for a week or so lol. Great narration. Wishing you fair winds and following seas. 🙂

Wow, another fantastic video! I was on the cable ship CS Long Lines way back in the '70's.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences. I watched phase 1 and 2. I enjoyed watching both videos. Greetings from Arizona.

Congratulations. I sailed as a Qmed 1 and 3rd eng. Also did the AT&T cable ship out of Bmore. I do miss it sometimes have fun enjoy it. Siu took me around the world 🌍 7 times. Now I travel the country as a truck driver

Thank you for your Narrative on a CABLE Laying Ship. The life of a Sailor. Glad you talked about the handbook training/ Test you have to do.

Another awesome video! Thanks for sharing your adventures with the world! I have learned so much from these videos! Thanks for making them! Spence

Joe..your videos are some of the most amazing I have seen on RU-vid. I have seen places I will never be able to see on the other side of this beautiful Earth. When I want to see other places, I come to your videos. Not to mention living the life of a seaman thru your eyes. Thanks for sharing your life with us..

Awesome, thanks for sharing! Really looking forward to the next video!

Man what an adventure. Thanks for showing us.

Been a CM and Captain in cable ships, alongside the GS a couple of times for transfers. Retired three years ago I had a good time with your video and your POV of that life. Have a good one at sea, it was good for me

What a great program to acquire a valuable and ancient craft. Appreciate you sharing it.

Hey Joe, you’re a great narrator and this series is fantastic for anyone wanting to do the SIU program. I could see you making a full on documentary.

Great storytelling, Joe! Totally enjoyed this one.

Joe, it is very cool that you like your work. Good to hear.

Very cool. Never knew these ships existed. Very cool journey. Cheers from Sarnia Ontario Canada 🇨🇦. Thanks for the video.

Hey Joe, you just popped up in my recommendations and really enjoying your videos. I can relate to the lifestyle having spent many years as a flight attendant with the UK's national airline. This was a few years ago, when our longest trips were 21 days and we were away at least 180 days a year. But fantastic memories travelling the world. You come across really well and I enjoy your low key sense of humour, after all that's what keeps people coming back. The cable laying trip was brilliant because we get to see not just the ship but the destinations and your ship mates. Exciting to watch and I wish I was there to buy you a beer. Really looking forward to next time. It would be interesting to see your take on the difficulties of being away from home and maintaining relationships. Best wishes from Oxford UK.

I’m really enjoying your explanations of the ships, the jobs, and the training required.

My Grandfather's Uncle was a Mariner (Band instrumentalist and composer) who unfortunately passed-away while in Gibralter. That was in the last part of the 19th Century. I am so fascinated by your video series. My father was the first one not to be a mariner in 5 generations.

Ahoy Mate! Awesome videos. You have helped me to decide to stay with my present occupation, piloting new yacht deliveries on the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean Sea, and the Great Lakes. Much more fun and sometimes exciting, too. Cheers Bro!

The choice in background music is awesome! Just goes along with the video so well.

Did most of my sea time on offshore racing and deliveries nut im currently traing and working on getting my license to get back to sea in shipping These videos really do inspire me to get to sea again. I dont think i could ever loose the love for open ocean

Nice job Joe, makes me see what I missed out when I was younger.

Seems like there is always something to be maintained on a ship. Pretty great videos Joe.

As an old foot soldier, i always wondered what it would be like to be a sailor. Now I'm living vicariously through your Vids, THANKS BROTHER!

Awesome videos Joe. Keep them coming. Didn’t know much about ships until now. It’s interesting to see how you work and live on the ships months at a time. I’m a traveler myself and love to visit many countries. Shoutout from Washington, DC.

Excellent video - thanks for sharing your experiences and places most of us will never get to see. New to your channel and looking forward to watching all your videos!

Love watching your adventures at sea.

Awesome video. Your production skills and narration are top notch!!!

Was looking forward to this for a loooing time

I’m class 350. Still going strong as CE. No regrets!

That was a great video. It kind of reminded me of ‘Six Months at Sea in the Merchant Marine’. The cable laying ship wasn’t a whole lot different than working on research ships. Now I’m retired after 1000’s of days at sea on all kinds of ships. Your video did remind me of some of the great days I had and put a smile on my face.

Awesome Joe, As a fellow mariner with and Unlimited AB ticket most of my adult life. Now in retirement at 65. I really enjoy your video's all of them. Many of the very best times of my life were spent at sea, going places, seeing things and doing things most people will never have the good fortune of experiencing. I wish you only the best as the years sail by, stay safe and stay close to God as you go, he will show you amazing things along the way. I would love to have videos of my trips to look back upon and pass on to others.

The extent of my experiences with sea life are twice-yearly cruises on Regent Seven Seas. So, nothing like yours. That said, your videos are compelling, insightful, entertaining. It seems to me these jobs provide two things: an immediacy. With each task you gain an immediate sense of gratification for a job well done. This is rare. As someone who spent thirty years in academic medicine, often I never knew if my efforts were meaningful or utterly futile. Secondly, these jobs require a person to be at peace in relative solitude. This is rare. Surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean, that palpable sense of isolation can be exhilarating or terrifying. I state the obvious. I enjoy a glimpse into your life. I am grateful for the opportunity you give us all. 👍

On an FPSO in Equatorial Guinea right now watching this, 40 days in and hitting the wall, and this truly is helping me get through it. Thankyou brother

Right on man. Wealth is in the experiences that you compile over a lifetime.

Brilliant stuff mate,really enjoyed it👌

US Navy 22 years.. retired now going on 17 years.. still miss being underway and hitting all the great ports including all you experienced on this video. Great job!

My friend and I met a Sharif in Tangiers as well. He was very helpful and did take us to a rug place or two. We went out for a drink at a local hangout with him. He drank wine with lemon. After a few drinks he disclosed he gets 2% of any thing he gets us to buy. Quite a civilized procedure.

Joe, some how YT throw your feed at me, spent 7 hours last night watching. I blame you for the spilled coffee this morning. Keep them coming, this old Marine really enjoys them

This is so cool brother. Thanks for sharing this. Great experience.

Joe, great piece. I was the Master on the Sentinel for 5 years, 22 with company, great ship great crew. Retired now but best of luck in your endeavors.

That brought back some old memories. Did a year tour on a cable layer, those who know, the 21 quad was a real b1tch. Retired now, sailed as Boatswain, but found ship's Carpenter was good fit for me. Here is some advice, go back to school and get your mate's license. Good luck, great career.

Joe!!! Thank you so much for posting all these videos!!!! I sailed with SIU in the 1970’s. I was mostly in the engine room. You’re so right, deck is nicer, with a much better view! The view in engine SUCKED! I hated Piney Point at first, but I DEEPLY appreciate it now! SIU gave me a FULL college scholarship!!! What a great union. I love them. After engineering college, I got my USCG engineering license and I worked on nuclear submarines and even on the battleship USS Iowa. I have seen some cool shit! I just love ships, especially submarines! They are crazy complicated. As an engineer, I love complicated! haha! There is a GREAT song about the SIU, I’ll try to find a link for you. -Ash

Absolutely brilliant how that's all gone well for you.just randomly found your videos and it's good craic mate✌️🇬🇧🐜

Thanks for sharing these Vids brings back many memories. I went to P.P in 69 and sailed SIU till 81 in deck dept as O.S/A.B always looking for adventure. Be yourself cause everyone else is already taken my mantra. Peace

Very nice. I came out of Piney Point in ~1972 shipped out on CS Longlines into a storm in the Gulf of Alaska. As the broke cable was being spliced in the ship, it broke again somewhere undersea, whipped through the ship BOOM BOOM BOOM "WTF was that?" busted up the ships doctor who was taking pics of the cable repair, causing us to drop the cable to rendezvous with USCG for the docs evacuation. Miserable. I had hoped for maybe a idyllic voyages through SE Asia. My other voyage was about as bad, bobbing on a empty tanker in another storm in the North Pacific. A bosun who threaten any misbehavior with a beating, later on a mid watch explained the benefits of the job, I had to excuse myself to puke off the bridge. Sounds like the SIU program is much more sophisticated now.

I laid some cable today. But I wasn't at sea... Recently found your channel and have been enjoying. Do you see rats and bugs on these ships?

good job. reminded me of my army days in Germany and exploring Europe.

Your video editing and narration skills are very good, the video product you produce is both captivating and enjoyable. Keep up the strong work, I hope your channel continues to grow.

Awesome channel. Thank you for your hard work putting these videos together. Not sure if its my computer but this is the only video in your 5 part series that I CANNOT open. The load icon just keeps going.

My dad worked on the CS LongLines and laid the first trans Atlantic fiber optic cable years ago. I sailed on offshore tugs.

I was stationed very close to Catania across the Strait of Messina at a USAF communication site (1980's). Been through Catania countless times and recognize several places in your video. Really enjoy your Vid's.

I enjoy everything about your videos other than the piped-in music.

Remember these days and cherish them for when you're "older'". That's my advise. It is really something good to look back to, in the future....Like, "been there", "experienced that", and yes "got a t-shirt".....But honestly, in 30 years from now, you will cherish these moments.

Your channel is going to explode with subscribers, it has to because it is that great!

Love your videos, informative and good videography & narration.

For a young man 25- to 45 yo. What a great way to get a major life lesson. Of course a single man. I had no idea.....

Crazy some of the ships you mention I would see going up the Columbia river to Portland. I lived 100 yards off the river in Skamokawa, WA. As a non seafarer, seaing those ships fascinated me.

Just subbed your channel... I have allready watched all the videos.. well done Joe.. All the best.

You tell a good story Sir, Thankyou

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

I finished with phase 1 and I'm leaving for a cable ship next week. Thanks for the video.

Your videos are great. The voiceover and editing is top notch!

Great stuff!!!!! l

Cable ship looked like a good job. Besides the usual maintenance the job seems to be a fairly clean environment. Port of calls are a plus too.

Yalls training game me some bootcamp nostalgia lol. Good stuff man. Think I might wana try this stuff 1 day. Ain't nothin wrong with a grown man havin feelings cuz. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Hooyah submarines.

Excellent! Great video! 👍👍👍👊😎