Thread: A nautical story

Originally Posted by 4bee

Now now bob, those reminiscent thoughts are all warm & fuzzy (ask me, I have them all the time, me living in the past)

But would you really really really wish to to go back there today?


Thought not.

In a heart beat.

Originally Posted by 4bee

Now now bob, those reminiscent thoughts are all warm & fuzzy (ask me, I have them all the time, me living in the past)

But would you really really really wish to to go back there today?


Thought not.

In real life I used to work with an Ex -RAN Stoker who told stories of stoking on various HM vessels & ports he'd been to. HM Ships Melbourne & Sydney spring to mind but cannot recall the others. It was probably 50 years ago when we last spoke. I wonder whether all Stokers were as sexually depraved as this guy? Maybe it formed part of his Course?

Thought I was conversing to a sensible man . Guess I was wrong. Whatever floats your boat, mate.

Thales replaces the first bow sonar for the Collins class Subs.

Thales UK sends first Collins-class replacement bow to Australia | Naval Today

Originally Posted by bob10

Thought I was conversing to a sensible man . Guess I was wrong. Whatever floats your boat, mate.

So did I. Eerr helloooooooo, it was an observation of the time this bloke was in service. I didn't say ALL Stokers were like that but if the cap fits.........

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

Perhaps the large difference in build times between warships and merchant vessels can be explained this way. Merchant vessels are ordered by companies who want them delivered tomorrow and out on the ocean hauling freight and making money. Warships are usually built to the beat of the government stroke except in wartime when need might become more urgent. Warship construction can be delayed or cancelled for political or budgetary reasons. "Treasurer, we need more money for schools, hospitals, and our salaries". "Well then, stop building those white elephants for the Navy and use that money."

The old days are over. Merchant Ships keels laid after next year have to have new low pollution engines and really only gas turbines make the grade. New MARPOL 2020 regulation on sulphur dioxide emissions requires all vessels globally to operate with no more than 0.5% sulphur in fuel content.


I loved a fuel oil burner HMAS Vampire blowing soot or smoke at least once a day. The Chief stoker would be stressed if delayed due to a pretty ship being down wind of us I hated it if in Whites and the wind was unkind!!

Rolls Royce makes some cool ones

Sigh. Try again. YouTube