20 Aug Our Seafares’ Stories: Chief Engineer Pe Pe Tin
A Challenging Blackout
One of Mr. Tin’s most unforgettable experiences involved dealing with a “blackout” on a ship powered by a Pielstick engine while transporting bananas from Moringa, Costa Rica, to Hamburg. Initially, three generators were needed to lower the temperature in the cool room, and with two shaft generators, the ship sailed with a total of five generators. However, as the temperature began to cool, they started shutting down the generators one by one, leaving only the two shaft generators running. The weather turned bad and attempts to switch to another generator failed. Finally, by connecting the power from the emergency fire pump to the main air compressor using wire ropes and manually closing the unloader, they managed to start the generator. This incident, which took about four hours to resolve, taught them the importance of emergency procedures and the ingenuity required at sea.
Near-death Experience in a Hurricane
Another harrowing tale from Mr. Tin’s career was a near-death experience during an “Abandon Ship Standby” on a small ship named Ernst Rickmers. Under the command of Captain Min Hlaing, the ship faced signal loss and stress as it approached a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean. The captain, unable to send a crucial crew list message due to weak signals, declared an “Abandon Ship Standby” as the weather worsened. The situation was dire, with the crew terrified and the ship at risk of sinking. A critical moment came when one of the steering gears tripped due to overload. Mr. Tin, along with EO Ko Than Tin, braved the wind and waves to reset the steering gear, ensuring the ship could steer through the storm. Their quick thinking and bravery saved the ship and everyone on board.
The Time Pe Pe Tin Delayed a Flight
Not all memorable moments were life threatening. During a trip to Hamburg, Mr.Tin had a layover in Bangkok. Mistakenly thinking his boarding time was 2:00 AM instead of 12:20 AM, he fell asleep on a bench. Awakened by an airport staff member, he realised his mistake and rushed to board his flight, which had been delayed for him. Embarrassed but relieved, he received a round of applause from the other passengers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Seafarers
Mr. Pe Pe Tin’s career is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness required at sea. His stories, ranging from overcoming technical challenges to surviving life-threatening storms, highlight the unpredictable nature of maritime life. Through his experiences, Mr. Tin has not only contributed significantly to the maritime industry but has also inspired countless others with his dedication and courage. His legacy continues as he shares his knowledge as an instructor, shaping the next generation of seafarers.
By Naing Win Ti