Cruising is many things to many people. And, there are many changes ongoing within the cruise line industry. At this time, it is not my intention to write about any particular port, cruise line, cruise ship or any particular associated business. may, in the future, write in my Blog of my experiences aboard ship as such cruises are taken. I am also not affiliated with any cruise line or associated business and receive no compensation at this time. The information provided is based on my personal observations and opinions. If these conditions change in the future, an edit to this post will be made. None of the information within has been Al generated.
My focus and basis for creating this Guide and website is to assist and guide passengers both new and experienced cruisers through the process of getting onboard your ship, 'Booking to Boarding'. The information, and in particular that found in my 'Booking to Boarding' Guide (20 pages) for purchase online contains the basis upon which you will have a greater awareness and confidence in sailing aboard ship. As an engineer, I like information and detail. So, although you may find the information to be not particularly relevant to you, it provides you with a knowledge of the Cruise Line Industry and the relationship and role in the Maritime Industry.
As a United States Coast Guard Licensed Engineer, I worked as the Officer in Charge of the 'watch' aboard cargo vessels, steam paddlewheel passenger vessels and cruise ships. I was responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the engine room machinery which included propulsion units, generators and auxiliary machinery. I was also responsible for the unlicensed personnel on my 'watch'.
I received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. While working aboard ships, I created manuals for the operation of machinery and systems so as to shorten the learning curve of new engineers.
My engineering knowledge and experience with my academic credentials prepared me for what I would say was the best job I have ever had. In 2008, I was invited to participate in the State of Alaska, Ocean Ranger Program. I was a member of the first Ocean Rangers to be deployed to work onboard cruise ships in Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance (CPVEC) Program was established in July 2001 by Alaska Statutes (AS) 46.03.460-AS 46.03.490. State law set effluent limits and sampling requirements for the discharge of blackwater and graywater from commercial passenger vessels. Cruise ships that discharged wastewater in Alaska are required to take samples. Effluent limits were established for Fecal Coliform bacteria and suspended solids.
The insight and commitment of Alaskan citizens wanted more to insure the pristine areas in which cruise ships traveled would remain in its unparalleled beauty. The Ocean Ranger Program was created in 2006 after voters passed Ballot Measure 2 making Alaska the only jurisdiction to require U. S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineers on large cruise ships (250+ passengers).
The role of the Ocean Ranger onboard while in Alaska waters was to act as an independent observer-entirely separate from the ship's operators-to monitor compliance with State and Federal pollution requirements as well as how passengers and crew are protected by sanitation, health and safety practices. From the Program's inception of observing sanitation issues, the Program in scope expanded to observe other areas aboard cruise ships. These areas included, but not limited to observations in the following areas; opacity (air quality/air pollution) from the vessel funnel/stack, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa, medical facilities, housekeeping chemical lockers, garbage room handling and storage facilities, lifeboats, the handling of non-hazardous and hazardous waste, observing wastewater sampling, reviewing the various log books for completeness-engine room, oil record, garbage, observations of the engine room spaces. The Ocean Ranger would provide feedback to the Officers aboard ship and submit detailed reports. Unfortunately, at the end of the 2019 season, the Program as it was initially designed and implemented was discontinued.
During my ten years of having worked aboard cruise ships in Alaska, I have worked on all the major cruise lines and some of the luxury cruise ships. It has been of great professional and intrinsic satisfaction to have been a part of a team of engineering colleagues with the excellent support from our Program Manager. And, during my tenure as an Ocean Ranger, I would have to say that nothing surpasses the intelligence, expertise and commitment of all the members of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
With my love of the sea and continuing commitment to the environment, I do sail as a passenger. It is my goal to share of my insights into information some of which you will find of some value while certainly finding of interest. I have had the benefit of seeing the operation of a cruise ship from both that of the cruise line and that of a passenger. Although I will not go into detail of my experiences aboard any particular cruise ship, I can share my insights as to the experience you will find onboard.
I look forward to sharing with you my insights with your experiences and thoughts and concerns.
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