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Master and Commander Merchant Marine
The view of the Gulf
of Mexico from our 9 floor corner unit apartment at Starlight
Tower resembles the bridge of a vessel. You have an uncanny
sensation that you are in the middle of the Ocean navigating
towards your destination wherever that may be. It doesn't matter
if the sea is calm or stormy, you feel you are in it once again!
Been a sailor that feeling can not be bought for all the gold in
the world. This is one of the many reasons I am passionately in
love with Starlight Tower. I am a Merchant Marine First Deck
Officer. You can see my credentials in this page. The 1st Deck
Officer is also called: Lieutenant-Commander, Captain,
Mate, First Officer, Chief Mate among others. My nautical
carrier was associated primarily with Ikaros Compania de
Navigation, S.A., a company belonging to one among of the oldest
maritime family owned business in Greece that owned a small
fleet of cargo ships which operated in the Baltic,
Mediterranean, Adriatic and Black Sea. All their vessels were
under Panama flag for the same reason Aristotle Onassis were as
well as Liberia flag. Ask any sailor why. That story is for
another chapter. Been of Greek
origin I have chosen as music background Zorba the Greek, so
happy sailing...
Major duties and
responsibilities of the First Deck Officer: The 1st Deck Officer
is the Master of the vessel in the Master's absence. The 1st
Officer ensures that the bridge is operated in accordance with
all applicable regulations and company policies, during all
prevailing circumstances and conditions. The 1st Officer ensures
that the members of the bridge team are aware of, and properly
perform their duties. While in port the 1st Officer, from the
bridge, monitors the gangways, supervises the moorings and is
aware of any significant work in progress.
The 1st Officer is
responsible to ensure that all alarm and safety panels are
monitored effectively. Is alert for weather changes at sea and
in port. Logs the course of events on his/her watch, and follows
all requirements. The vessel's first officer serves at sea and
on shore. Is skilled as a pilot and navigator and is
experienced in maneuvering and able to helm the ship. Is
experienced in handling and rigging of cargo. Is knowledgeable
in deck procedures and operation of equipment, and is qualified
and able to act as the Master of the vessel during his
navigational watch or during the temporary absence of the
Master. Is responsible for the vessel's accommodations,
catering, safety equipment and maintenance of deck equipment.
Translation:
Republic of Panama
Ministry of Property and Treasure
Merchant Marine National Certificate of Suitability
No. 49392
I was young then but I think you can still say its me!
Maritime Authority
Undersigned by: Jorge A. Fernandez - Consul General
Certifies that: Louisa Denise Antonatos
(I was not married then so here is my maiden name)
The carrier of this certificate has been verified and identified
for its suitability and therefore has the capacity
necessary to exert the position of First Deck Officer (Primo
Oficial de Cubierta) in ships and
therefore remains authorized to exercise equal charge in ships
of the National Merchant Marine.
Date: May 20, 1969, the Consul's Signature and so on and Number
of Order: 69
Name and Patent of the Ship: "LUISA" - General Cargo
Enlistment Place and Date: Venice, May 20, 69
Occupation and Contract: 1st Deck Officer
Signature of Captain and Authority: The Consul's Signature and then the
Captain's
And finally the very last page and I hope you don't expect me to translate!
Louisa Denise Antonatos retired as a merchant marine in April 1972 to get
married to Evangelos Otto Simos, #908 and in August 18, 1972 they came to
America. That's the short version of the story. If I have no material from
you, I think I will write a mini biography here. Stay tuned.
Sailors don't talk a lot but what they say consider it as a contract. Bottom
line: If my crew could trust me with their lives, you can trust me in
running honorably our website! The master and commander has spoken and you
can take that to the bank. Opa!
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