The $5,000,000
Lift
By Jon Halgren
It was one of the beautiful days, no rain and the sun just coming over the
horizon. Everything is beautiful, a great day to be working on the waterfront.
As usual everyone wants to do a good job and have no injury to workers or
damage to equipment, ship or cargo.
As I was going up the gangway I
heard, “Mr. Boss, Mr. Boss,” At the top of the gangway I allowed the worker
to pass to get to their jobs. “Mr.
Boss, I own that yacht that will be unloaded today.”
“That is wonderful. It is not often the owners are concerned enough to
come down and watch, or tell us what to do.”
“Will you do my yacht first
because I am here?” “Sir, we want to make you happy, we are here to please.
Our delay in doing your yacht is caused by containers on the starboard side of
the ship. We will discharge 3 – 45 footers, then 9- 40 footers and then we
will take off the 6- 20 footers. And with the inshore deck clear we will rig the
boat gear and lift your yacht, take it south to clear the ship and put it in the
water. When it touches down in the
water your crew can get in.
Sir, do you have any questions?”
“Yes,
do you know my yacht is valued at $5,000,000? What time will you get to my
yacht?”
“First,
Sir, we treat each item of work as if it is the most important, workers are
trained, and equipment is tested beyond its limit and certified. The crew has
worked together numerous times. You may think it is strange that we use hand
signals, or yell at each other
as
if we are mad. We are not. Second question, we will do your yacht at about 9:00,
give or take 15 minutes either way. Now
I need to get up to the hatch where your yacht is.”
Things
went very well, all lashings were removed, the twist lock were all in the open
position and none hung up.
“OK,
Bob that is the last 20 footer. Hawk
is between the crane legs and ready to hook up the boat gear.
The stevedores are straitening the work area so if you would call me when
ready. Thanks.”
“Hey,
Jon, I am ready to take the boat.”
“Come
in at your own pace. We will set the
boat slings as best we can; the owner said the center of balance might cause
problems. OK, up a little, and a
little more. Slings are starting to
tighten, hold that, you have the weight. We will set the tag lines.
It will not come out of the slings. Looks
very good. The stevedores are coming
off. Easy as she goes, to the dock.
Hawk, will go south with you and give direction as it goes into the
water.”
“There
is no hurry, care and consideration are keys.
We got to the yacht before 9:00,
It
will be in the water and they will be on their way to Lake Union for finishing
touches before 10:00”
“Bob,
this one for the books’ the owner wants to buy you coffee.
He said it was nice to watch the fine job that you did. He also said if
his wife would let him he would buy another yacht just to watch you operate the
crane. This is a fine way to start yachting life. Thanks.”
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