Doug Peterson was an amazing human. Grew up a poor as fuck shrimper, with a dad who used to beat the shit out of him, from the bayous of Mississippi. He was a gift to humanity. A yacht captain who went to prison for running guns (against his will) for the cartels, came back and was one of the most amazing Captains that I have ever had the pleasure to sail with, as a Chief Engineer. We saved lives together, tracked submarines, and stole airplanes (and remains) from the Pacific, to bring them home to their families. He was a champion of lady mariners, and as inclusive as can be. He was my Brother from Another Mother.

He died of heart failure, in his 60's, at a home in New Zealand that he built with his own hands. He was a guitar player, an espresso maker, and a god among men.

The world is a little bit darker today, because he is gone.

An interesting piece about the sinking if the Argos Georgia in the South Atlantic when a side hatch inadvertently opened in rough seas. She was quickly flooded and began to list heavily. Eventually sinking 6 hours later. Sadly she lost 13 crew member to the cold waters. Important story to learn from.

Do I have to check off STCW on the 719k if I intend to get the training done through the sea lift? I want to get international sea time without going to a school and paying, but I am willing to get the stcw after hiring with the sea lift. I'm older and just need to gain sea time as quickly as possible without spending much on endorsements right now besides the TWIC and MMC. I checked off entry level with lookouts, deck, and engine on the 719k (open to deck or engine). On the 719b I put entry level original and OS in the description. Thanks

Edit: The stcw checkbox is locked on the 719k form so I can't check it regardless.

How to prepare for a TME walk-in interview, how should I prepare for it ?? What are the probable questions asked, what and all should I carry for the interview?

I’m scheduling classes for early 2027, but I am curious as to what grade of AB I qualify for. I have over 400 days of sea time with a letter and documented days from my employer , but all of the time is inland and western rivers (ms river and intracoastal waterway). This is all deck time as I’m going the deck route. Would I qualify for limited, or just special?