Man!!!
3 calls to wish me for my birthday after midnight on 21st December 2008. 15 calls to wish me through the day and 47 scraps on Orkut for a Happy Birthday wish...
Fun eh?
A call from a certain buddy around noon and an 'enlightening' talk to his fiancee ... well I guess plans for dinner were set.
I couldn't have planned it better... Table at Martin's Corner, Mandar, Shamin, Alwyn (if the spelling is wrong blame Mandar, he gave me the spelling), Aditi and Vipul...
Couldn't have asked for a better Birthday. Martin's corner special, Tequilla shot (dance on the floor), Sex on the beach shot, B52 shot, (EVERYONE DANCE ON THE FLOOR), Kamikaze shot and another B52 shot.
Then Aditi didn't have her shot of the last B52 so I took it along with Vipul and voila! Add another B52 shot to my list!
Before the last B52 shots, ... A HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ME!!! CAKE... (already cut!) and might I add ... just 3 candles! And Shamin lost no time in rubbing it in for the baby boy to notice that he was to be 3 years old!!!
Amazing gang... had a ball...
Drove home after all that. Sober enough to see my way through. Trust me I was.
To think I would have spent my time ... doing almost nothing...
I did what I loved... danced... was involved in sarcastic comments... and spent time with people who enjoyed the time spent...
Me thinks me gonna upload some pics real soon...
Yeah. Me would like that.
p.s. Me have been nominated as the guy with the sexiest name!!! Now how cool is that!!! Just wish that comment would have come from a gal who wasn't already committed huh?
(for those who think that was a joke, I HAVE WRITTEN PROOF!!!)
sarcasm et al??? [:P]
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Lest we forget...
It was in the evening of 23rd July 2008, in the small town of Murmansk, Russia. Our ship had been in the port for a couple of days and I was out with the deck cadet exploring the town.
This memorial caught my eye. I was able to find a young man who was kind enough to try and explain that it was a war memorial. My lack of understanding of Russian was the culprit here.
What was most striking about the memorial was the fresh bouquet of flowers present. This, the young man could explain saying that there would always be someone who would place flowers on that memorial. It was their way of showing they cared and they remembered those who had fallen.
Cut back to today.
13th December.
Anniversary of the attack on the Parliament.
All 12 of our politicians turned up.
This, from a whole assembly of politicians who had just a couple of days ago been unified in their voice to state that they would not forget the fallen soldiers.
Or was that ONLY for the 26/11 fallen men?
Yeah. We remember our dead. Sure.
Hebei Spirit - Criminalisation of seafarers
I'm a seafarer.
A Marine Engineering Officer.
I know EXACTLY how stringent rules and regulations are for us especially when it concerns marine pollution, and the most feared of them all "An Oil Spill".
The laws are so stringent that it is taken for seafarers to be 'guilty till proven innocent'. And so we are EXTREMELY EXTREMELY careful with regards to ANY form of oil related transfer.
But what happened in Korea recently defies all semblance of logic.
The following information has been taken from a blog created for the benefit of everyone who wishes to know more about the incident and what has been happening. The link to the blog has also been given in the name.
HEBEI SPIRIT FACT SHEET
Summary
1. The MT Hebei Spirit oil spill in South Korea in December last year was a major incident that had ongoing environmental and economic effects. It was the country’s worst ever such release. The spill was about one-third of the size of the Exxon Valdez release and occurred when a barge struck the Hebei Spirit, which was safely anchored. Despite having been found innocent of any negligence, the Hebei Spirit’s Captain Jasprit Chawla and its Chief Officer Syan Chetan remain in Korea awaiting the results of an appeal, during which they will again faced charges. The appeal decision will be handed down on 10th December.
2. The ITF is very concerned by this example of the criminalisation of seafarers in an incident for which they bear no responsibility. Together with world shipping industry bodies, it has constantly pressed for the men to be allowed to return home pending the new trial, but to no avail.
The Incident
3. At about 7:30 local time on December 7, 2007, a tug-towed crane barge owned by Samsung Heavy Industries collided with the anchored Hong Kong registered Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Hebei Spirit, which was carrying 260,000 tonnes (290,000 short tons) of crude oil. The incident occurred near the Port of Daesanan on the Yellow Sea coast of Taean County. The barge was floating free after the cable linking it to the tug had snapped in the rough seas. Although no casualties were reported, the collision punctured three of the five tanks aboard the Hebei Spirit and resulted in the leaking of some 10,800 tonnes of oil. Considerable public outrage and concern followed. Korean fishing communities and fishers’ livelihoods were seriously affected.
4. On December 20, the Korean Coast Guard completed an initial investigation. According to their conclusions, blame was shared between the tug captains, the barge captain, and the officers of the Hebei Spirit. The tug captains and the barge captain were charged with negligence and violating the marine pollution prevention law. The officers of the Hebei Spirit were charged with violating marine law. On June 24, the trial concluded. The Hebei Spirit officers were exonerated, as were the personnel on the barge. The two tug captains were found guilty. Barge owners Samsung Heavy Industries were also fined.
Continued Detention of Officers
5. Despite their exoneration, the Hebei Spirit's Captain and Chief Officer continue to be detained in Korea. They are currently awaiting decision of the appeal court because the Korean prosecution appealed the case. The Appeal Judge will give the decision 10th December, after which it could go to the Korean Supreme Court. Korea's detention of the crew has generated worldwide controversy and protests. The crew’s release has been demanded by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the shipping fraternity nationally and internationally.
6. We are troubled by accusations that Korean maritime officials, prosecutors and Samsung lawyers have colluded in the retrial of the two senior officers. Roberto Giorgi, President of management firm V Ships, visited South Korea to meet with the detained Hebei Spirit crew. He told the press that he is concerned at recent developments "which point to collusion" between the Korean authorities, prosecutors and Samsung Heavy Industries, operators of the drifting barge that collided with the oil tanker, and that efforts of Samsung and prosecutors "look to be designed to ensure that the master and chief officer are found guilty on appeal," Giorgi said. "I am worried that the captain and chief officer may not get a fair trial this time around."
Statements and protests
7. “There are a number of cases where seafarers have been criminalised and their basic rights denied. In our experience, detention or inability to leave the country where the investigation is taking place – has the sole effect of creating unnecessary psychological and physical discomfort which ultimately can damage the detained seafarers’ health.”
8. The Indian shipping fraternity comprising of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), Maritime Union of India (MUI), Foreign Owners Representative and Shipmanagers Association (FOSMA), Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) and Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) have conveyed to the government and authorities of the Republic of Korea their surprise, disappointment and great concern at the news that Korea’s courts intended to continue to detain the ship’s officers, calling this move “unjustified, unreasonable and in contravention of the men’s rights” and reminding the authorities that the trial had determined that another vessel was wholly responsible for the incident.
9. The ITF Seafarers’ Section Conference meeting in Hong Kong on 18-19 November 2008 resolved to make “every effort to secure the immediate release of the Captain and Chief Officer of the Hebei Spirit and an end to the injustice they have been subjected to.”
Well that was all the news going around till the 10th of Dec 2008. This was the news that came out that day.
On 10 Dec 2008, almost after a year being in Korea for the proceedings, both were proven guilty, declared CRIMINALS and given imprisonment for 18 months & 8 months respectively along with monetary fines. They were HANDCUFFED and taken away. What is also a grave matter of concern is the Criminalisation of seafarers round the world after an accident, as if the seafarer has done a deliberate heinous crime. Same was the case with Capt. Jasprit Chawla & C/O Syan Chetan, who have done all they could to limit the level of pollution. This can be proved as Capt. Jasprit has been awarded and honoured by the Lloyd's List and Nautical Institute for his actions after the accident. The court's verdict was otherwise. The court felt they could have done more better.
I believe this is the first time I'm seeing a party, proven guilty by the lower court, joining the prosecution in a higher court against a party proven innocent by the lower court.
The question being raised now is whether justice will be served. The continued detainment of these 2 seafarers even after being pronounced innocent by the lower court goes against human rights.
Calls are being made now for seafarers to abstain from ships going to Korea and for companies to follow suit. In fact a couple suggestions have come out to boycott all SAMSUNG products.
Will that help in getting our seafarers back?
Do what it takes. We need to get our Hebei Two (as they are now referred to as) back.
A Marine Engineering Officer.
I know EXACTLY how stringent rules and regulations are for us especially when it concerns marine pollution, and the most feared of them all "An Oil Spill".
The laws are so stringent that it is taken for seafarers to be 'guilty till proven innocent'. And so we are EXTREMELY EXTREMELY careful with regards to ANY form of oil related transfer.
But what happened in Korea recently defies all semblance of logic.
The following information has been taken from a blog created for the benefit of everyone who wishes to know more about the incident and what has been happening. The link to the blog has also been given in the name.
HEBEI SPIRIT FACT SHEET
Summary
1. The MT Hebei Spirit oil spill in South Korea in December last year was a major incident that had ongoing environmental and economic effects. It was the country’s worst ever such release. The spill was about one-third of the size of the Exxon Valdez release and occurred when a barge struck the Hebei Spirit, which was safely anchored. Despite having been found innocent of any negligence, the Hebei Spirit’s Captain Jasprit Chawla and its Chief Officer Syan Chetan remain in Korea awaiting the results of an appeal, during which they will again faced charges. The appeal decision will be handed down on 10th December.
2. The ITF is very concerned by this example of the criminalisation of seafarers in an incident for which they bear no responsibility. Together with world shipping industry bodies, it has constantly pressed for the men to be allowed to return home pending the new trial, but to no avail.
The Incident
3. At about 7:30 local time on December 7, 2007, a tug-towed crane barge owned by Samsung Heavy Industries collided with the anchored Hong Kong registered Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Hebei Spirit, which was carrying 260,000 tonnes (290,000 short tons) of crude oil. The incident occurred near the Port of Daesanan on the Yellow Sea coast of Taean County. The barge was floating free after the cable linking it to the tug had snapped in the rough seas. Although no casualties were reported, the collision punctured three of the five tanks aboard the Hebei Spirit and resulted in the leaking of some 10,800 tonnes of oil. Considerable public outrage and concern followed. Korean fishing communities and fishers’ livelihoods were seriously affected.
4. On December 20, the Korean Coast Guard completed an initial investigation. According to their conclusions, blame was shared between the tug captains, the barge captain, and the officers of the Hebei Spirit. The tug captains and the barge captain were charged with negligence and violating the marine pollution prevention law. The officers of the Hebei Spirit were charged with violating marine law. On June 24, the trial concluded. The Hebei Spirit officers were exonerated, as were the personnel on the barge. The two tug captains were found guilty. Barge owners Samsung Heavy Industries were also fined.
Continued Detention of Officers
5. Despite their exoneration, the Hebei Spirit's Captain and Chief Officer continue to be detained in Korea. They are currently awaiting decision of the appeal court because the Korean prosecution appealed the case. The Appeal Judge will give the decision 10th December, after which it could go to the Korean Supreme Court. Korea's detention of the crew has generated worldwide controversy and protests. The crew’s release has been demanded by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the shipping fraternity nationally and internationally.
6. We are troubled by accusations that Korean maritime officials, prosecutors and Samsung lawyers have colluded in the retrial of the two senior officers. Roberto Giorgi, President of management firm V Ships, visited South Korea to meet with the detained Hebei Spirit crew. He told the press that he is concerned at recent developments "which point to collusion" between the Korean authorities, prosecutors and Samsung Heavy Industries, operators of the drifting barge that collided with the oil tanker, and that efforts of Samsung and prosecutors "look to be designed to ensure that the master and chief officer are found guilty on appeal," Giorgi said. "I am worried that the captain and chief officer may not get a fair trial this time around."
Statements and protests
7. “There are a number of cases where seafarers have been criminalised and their basic rights denied. In our experience, detention or inability to leave the country where the investigation is taking place – has the sole effect of creating unnecessary psychological and physical discomfort which ultimately can damage the detained seafarers’ health.”
8. The Indian shipping fraternity comprising of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), Maritime Union of India (MUI), Foreign Owners Representative and Shipmanagers Association (FOSMA), Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) and Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) have conveyed to the government and authorities of the Republic of Korea their surprise, disappointment and great concern at the news that Korea’s courts intended to continue to detain the ship’s officers, calling this move “unjustified, unreasonable and in contravention of the men’s rights” and reminding the authorities that the trial had determined that another vessel was wholly responsible for the incident.
9. The ITF Seafarers’ Section Conference meeting in Hong Kong on 18-19 November 2008 resolved to make “every effort to secure the immediate release of the Captain and Chief Officer of the Hebei Spirit and an end to the injustice they have been subjected to.”
Well that was all the news going around till the 10th of Dec 2008. This was the news that came out that day.
On 10 Dec 2008, almost after a year being in Korea for the proceedings, both were proven guilty, declared CRIMINALS and given imprisonment for 18 months & 8 months respectively along with monetary fines. They were HANDCUFFED and taken away. What is also a grave matter of concern is the Criminalisation of seafarers round the world after an accident, as if the seafarer has done a deliberate heinous crime. Same was the case with Capt. Jasprit Chawla & C/O Syan Chetan, who have done all they could to limit the level of pollution. This can be proved as Capt. Jasprit has been awarded and honoured by the Lloyd's List and Nautical Institute for his actions after the accident. The court's verdict was otherwise. The court felt they could have done more better.
I believe this is the first time I'm seeing a party, proven guilty by the lower court, joining the prosecution in a higher court against a party proven innocent by the lower court.
The question being raised now is whether justice will be served. The continued detainment of these 2 seafarers even after being pronounced innocent by the lower court goes against human rights.
Calls are being made now for seafarers to abstain from ships going to Korea and for companies to follow suit. In fact a couple suggestions have come out to boycott all SAMSUNG products.
Will that help in getting our seafarers back?
Do what it takes. We need to get our Hebei Two (as they are now referred to as) back.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Moving forward?
Wow! It feels like AGES since I've been back and I've ALWAYS been thinking to myself that I need to blog about my travels and experiences, about a real pain-in-the-neck Captain, back-breaking hours ...
But all that was forgotten when I was in Kerala the weekend that the terror attack was carried out in Bombay. T'was in a panic that I tried calling up people who I knew were in and about V.T. Most were fortunate. They were in their respective hotels which weren't in the terror zone. Others... well, at first I couldn't get through them. The next day I found out they were at V.T. station and were caught in the firing. God bless their souls. I wanted to say so much more but ...
There has been immense fury at the complete apathy towards the situation and the insensitivity of the politicians while trying to push themselves as the good for the people.
Yesterday, for once, there was a united front expressed by our politicians at the Lok Sabha session. Will it last? Time will tell.
Been trying to follow what I could on the blog front concerning the attacks and the feedback from the 'aam aadmi'.
I liked what I saw on the 'Rebuild India' Mission. Will it last? I don't know. It's a start. I'm following it up regularly. Recommendations and opinions were collected from a lot of bloggers. They've now moved to an online survey which is intensive as it is thought-provoking.
'Rebuild India' Online Survey is an interesting move and I would request all those who care to just give it a go. It might just see the light of day.
But all that was forgotten when I was in Kerala the weekend that the terror attack was carried out in Bombay. T'was in a panic that I tried calling up people who I knew were in and about V.T. Most were fortunate. They were in their respective hotels which weren't in the terror zone. Others... well, at first I couldn't get through them. The next day I found out they were at V.T. station and were caught in the firing. God bless their souls. I wanted to say so much more but ...
There has been immense fury at the complete apathy towards the situation and the insensitivity of the politicians while trying to push themselves as the good for the people.
Yesterday, for once, there was a united front expressed by our politicians at the Lok Sabha session. Will it last? Time will tell.
Been trying to follow what I could on the blog front concerning the attacks and the feedback from the 'aam aadmi'.
I liked what I saw on the 'Rebuild India' Mission. Will it last? I don't know. It's a start. I'm following it up regularly. Recommendations and opinions were collected from a lot of bloggers. They've now moved to an online survey which is intensive as it is thought-provoking.
'Rebuild India' Online Survey is an interesting move and I would request all those who care to just give it a go. It might just see the light of day.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Finally back here again!
10 months later and here I am...
Another ship, another trip round the world, different countries and new experiences.
Now ain't that something...
Came back on the 10th of October. Since then I've been busy literally travelling about.
Ain't complaining though. Does help keep the mind occupied.
Let's see... and short introduction on where I've been the last few months...
Signing-on flights: Goa - Mumbai - Dubai/Fujairah
Ship: Fujairah - Goa(yeah I went home within 10 days!!!) - Singapore - Lanshan(China) - Adang Bay(Indonesia) - Pagbilao(Philippines) - Battangas(Philippines) - Haypoint(Australia) - Cosipa, Santos(Brasil) - Tubarao(Brasil) - Hamburg(Germany) - Murmansk(Russia) - Port Bury, Wales(U.K.) - Kamsar(Guinea) - Las Palmas(Spain) - San Ciprian(Spain) - Tubarao(Brasil) - Point Lisas(Trinidad & Tobago)
Signing-off flights: Port-of-Spain(Trinidad & Tobago) - Caracas(Venezuela) - Charles-de-Gaulle(France) - Mumbai - Goa
Phew! Over 7 months on-board Giovanni Della Gatta and half that time under a not-so-pleasant Italian captain can be a very very long time.
Since I've been back, I've spent the first weekend at home. The next weekend in Bangalore, the next at home and the one after that was spent on meeting friends as it was the Diwali weekend and people were coming down for the extended weekend. Since then, last weekend I was in Pune and this coming weekend might in all probability see me in Delhi with the next 2 weekends seeing me in Kerala. And I say I get bored! Jeez! Talk about making EVERY TRIP planned at the last moment!
But there's always a fun element in a last moment put-together trip huh?
Whaddya say?
Another ship, another trip round the world, different countries and new experiences.
Now ain't that something...
Came back on the 10th of October. Since then I've been busy literally travelling about.
Ain't complaining though. Does help keep the mind occupied.
Let's see... and short introduction on where I've been the last few months...
Signing-on flights: Goa - Mumbai - Dubai/Fujairah
Ship: Fujairah - Goa(yeah I went home within 10 days!!!) - Singapore - Lanshan(China) - Adang Bay(Indonesia) - Pagbilao(Philippines) - Battangas(Philippines) - Haypoint(Australia) - Cosipa, Santos(Brasil) - Tubarao(Brasil) - Hamburg(Germany) - Murmansk(Russia) - Port Bury, Wales(U.K.) - Kamsar(Guinea) - Las Palmas(Spain) - San Ciprian(Spain) - Tubarao(Brasil) - Point Lisas(Trinidad & Tobago)
Signing-off flights: Port-of-Spain(Trinidad & Tobago) - Caracas(Venezuela) - Charles-de-Gaulle(France) - Mumbai - Goa
Phew! Over 7 months on-board Giovanni Della Gatta and half that time under a not-so-pleasant Italian captain can be a very very long time.
Since I've been back, I've spent the first weekend at home. The next weekend in Bangalore, the next at home and the one after that was spent on meeting friends as it was the Diwali weekend and people were coming down for the extended weekend. Since then, last weekend I was in Pune and this coming weekend might in all probability see me in Delhi with the next 2 weekends seeing me in Kerala. And I say I get bored! Jeez! Talk about making EVERY TRIP planned at the last moment!
But there's always a fun element in a last moment put-together trip huh?
Whaddya say?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Political Farce
Goan politics comes to the fore once again. The musical chairs scene has started once again. Rumour has it that the government is to fall because the Chief Minister is scrapping the SEZ while his detractors have much to lose from that decision. Big money staked on the constuctions by the builders... damn this gets dirtier and dirtier.
Will the government fall? Will the NCP support the government again? The people just don't want to go to polls again... what is it with switching political alliances at their whim and fancy?
Will the government fall? Will the NCP support the government again? The people just don't want to go to polls again... what is it with switching political alliances at their whim and fancy?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tidbits
Attending an oil tanker course in Bombay for the last week and it's running this week as well.
Lecturer gives out a few anecdotes while trying to make the class interesting.
Guy 1: When I wake up in the morning I feel totally invigourated. I have a hot shower and after that I feel rosy all over.
guy 2: Please introduce me to Rosy. I too would like to feel her all over first thing in the morning.
He was explaining about the catwalk on the oil tankers. "Don't mix it up with the fashion catwalk. That's a totally different type of pussy... sorry, cat."
Of course, he seems to have a soft corner for Mallika Sherawat. Keeps on bringing her up while interjecting the lecture with anecdotes. Today, we asked him why not Bipasha. Someone asked about her age. Another responded with "somewhere in '79". He shot back with "you talking about date of birth or size???"
Lecturer gives out a few anecdotes while trying to make the class interesting.
Guy 1: When I wake up in the morning I feel totally invigourated. I have a hot shower and after that I feel rosy all over.
guy 2: Please introduce me to Rosy. I too would like to feel her all over first thing in the morning.
He was explaining about the catwalk on the oil tankers. "Don't mix it up with the fashion catwalk. That's a totally different type of pussy... sorry, cat."
Of course, he seems to have a soft corner for Mallika Sherawat. Keeps on bringing her up while interjecting the lecture with anecdotes. Today, we asked him why not Bipasha. Someone asked about her age. Another responded with "somewhere in '79". He shot back with "you talking about date of birth or size???"
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