Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Open ocean

Eelco has left the piracy infested and ultra corrupted coastline of West Africa and is on his way to Houston in Texas. He thoroughly enjoys the peace and 'normal' life out there in the blue yonder. Isn't this copper plate artwork a masterpiece? We came across it on a street corner in one of the villages on Cocos Keeling in the Indian Ocean during our voyage. 

true or false ?

Good or bad ?
The word pollution has become a stick to hit and control the world. We all believe for the better of the world. That's why we accept it. On the ship was a crewmember who got a haircut during his off hours. Doing the good thing of not polluting the ocean, he put the hair- cuttings in an empty plastic container that was trashed. And afterwards the filled plastic container went back in the plastic trash. We all agree; the answer is, 'good'.


True or false ?
Not a single thing may go over the side of a ship these days. Everything (oils or trash) is separated and a register has to be kept to have control by any and all countries and harbours the ship visits. Seperation and control are very strict.
Marpol (marine police) came on board in Nigeria. Dug out the trash and thoroughly combed through it. Triumphantly a trophy was lifted out - the plastic container with hair. "How could you allow this, captain?"  The ship got an unreasonable hefty fine. After hours of nagging and threats from the officials, the fine was discounted with sigarettes and alcohol.
After the issue was paid and settled, captain asked the Marpol official:
In what category did the hair had to go?  Answer: overboard.

True or false ?  TRUE.