SS Energy Independence/WBJF

1Jun84 - 12Oct84

Keystone SS Co.

313 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia, PA

This ship was unique in as much that it used coal as its primary fuel. This ship is a collier (coal carrier) also noteworthy is the fact that Energy Independence could burn either coal or oil depending on the local pollution laws. The coal used as fuel was surprisingly not the same as the cargo.  Coal was only burned as fuel at sea. Soot was a constant problem on deck. The ship had to be washed down almost continuously. In my area, I used to don a pair of coveralls, climb the mast and hand clean the radar scanners. It only took a week of soot accumulation to cause problems with the radar reception. This ship brings back some sad memories for me. It was the last time I would get a chance to sail with my friend and shipmate Third Mate Stephen McHugh who went on to become a Chief Mate and was later killed by an explosion on a tanker in the Persian Gulf.   He and other members of the Masters Mates and Pilots went through a very trying period on this and many other ships throughout the industry during the time I was on this ship. The tanker companies decided to play hardball and gave the deck officers an ultimatum. Either come work directly for the Owners or walk, many of these proud and brave men decided to walk.  I tried to stay on this ship after they left but found that sitting across the table from my friend's "replacements" was just too much to bear. After many days of reflection on this matter I decided to call it quits and tendered my resignation. This ship ran regularly between Norfolk, Virginia - Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA to Salem and Somerset, Mass.