[Bob Kontak]

I enjoy your threads. Thanks.

Forgive me for talking about my one micro contribution to the bulk carrier industry.

Portland spare parts warehouse audit for big Valdez ships. Guy had a room with buffing wheels and polishing compounds for his car hobby. He had a little time here and there.............

As usual we ask what are some of the problems you encounter. Guy says making sure I deliver the right part because it's not always that easy to clarify. I asked "You guys (ship/shore) have e-mail, why not use a digital camera"? He said, we haven't done that but that would really help.

And that's it.

Cripes, I can't stop..... That week we went to see the BT Alaska in dry dock. My supervisor knew the captain and we went to his office on the ship and the supervisor asked the captain to show me how he guards that bulk of cash he has for payroll. Ship guys will know this but he just pulled out a big pistol from the top drawer of his desk.

That was a fun trip. Good food that week.