Picture of the Month September 2003 |
Splicing the main brace? |
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This impressive pile of beer and liquor bottles was photographed by an Ecology Vessel Inspector aboard a ship at the port of Tacoma, Washington. It was not determined how quickly this collection of empty bottles had amassed, but it raises an interesting topic for discussion. In the post-EXXON VALDEZ world, many citizens in the U.S. may be under the impression that alcohol is simply off-limits aboard large ships. The reality is more complex. While many companies (especially in the U.S.) have taken a hard-line approach by banning alcohol consumption aboard their ships, the norm is for a ship operating company to have a policy that places restrictions and conditions on alcohol consumption without an outright ban. Alcohol can often be purchased aboard ships. This approach is in-keeping with long-held traditions of some cultures and of the sea (see the below note). Alcohol test equipment is also frequently maintained aboard ships should a question of sobriety arise. The U.S. Coast Guard uses a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent or more to establish operation of a vessel other than a recreational vessel (i.e. commercial vessels) while intoxicated (see Title 33, Part 95, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations). Washington State law establishes 0.06 percent or more to establish operation of a covered vessel while intoxicated (see Revised Code of Washington 90.56.540). [As reference, automobile drivers reach their legal limit in Washington State at 0.08 percent.] A felony charge can result from exceeding either the federal or state limits. Occasionally, large ships will suffer consequences when one of their crew members tips one too many, and/or at the wrong time. In May 2001, a case occurred that resulted in a 5-hour delay for a containership at Tacoma, Washington. An Ecology Vessel Inspector noted the ship's Chief Engineer appeared to have been drinking near the ship's scheduled departure time and notified the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard investigated and found him to have a blood alcohol content of 0.086--over twice the legal limit. As the Chief Engineer is important to the safe operation of the ship, the ship was delayed until his blood alcohol limit dropped to within the legal limit. The Chief's sobriety assured, the ship was allowed to sail, but only after a costly delay and unflattering news coverage for the company. [Note: The main brace on a sailing ship was a thick rope used to handle the main yard carrying the primary sail of a square-rigged vessel. If a brace broke (as during a storm), a splice was used to repair it. The most experienced crew were assigned this difficult task as it required skill and speed (the ship's maneuverability was limited while the brace was repaired). Those crew were rewarded with an extra ration of rum for splicing the main brace.] |
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