Follow the Manxman from South Korea

[Andy Onchan]

Isn't the union ballot about changes in terms and conditions and not related to how the MXM handles?

[TheTeapot]

In their myth busting piece they've put out and reported here by banker they say

12 hours ago, Banker said:

This allows us to keep Ben-my-Chree in service ready at a moment’s notice if for any reason Manxman is unable to make a sailing. 

which they've just shown at the weekend passed to be untrue

[Roxanne]

'Myth-busting The Manxman', from GEF...

'The Steam Packet has hit back at critics of its new flagship by seeking to put an end to some rumours.

You will likely have read many of the claims being made about the Manxman, typically they begin with the words ‘I’ve heard’.

The two rumours it has sought to dispel first are that the Manxman can’t sail in high winds or that she is scared of the dark (which may actually have been our fault).

The company said: ‘Manxman is designed specifically for Irish Sea weather conditions. Following discussions with Heysham Pilots, we have imposed a temporary wind restriction on movements of the vessel to/from the port whilst the crew build up their real world experience in a variety of conditions. The temporary restrictions are very common with new vessels and will be gradually eased as our Masters gain experience.

‘Please see our ‘to sail or not sail’ blog for additional details on how and why we sometimes decide not to put to sea. Passenger comfort and safety is always the company’s primary consideration and this was factored in to the bespoke design of Manxman, from the intuitive stabilising systems when the ship rolls in rough conditions, to the layout and added comfort of the passenger lounges. When conditions do deteriorate in the Irish Sea, Manxman will still be able to sail in strong winds, up to the same levels as her predecessor, Ben-my-Chree, but provide passengers with additional comfort levels.’

Addressing concerns over the Manxman not liking the nighttime sailings, the company said: ‘Manxman is fully capable of sailing at any time of day. Indeed, the vessel successfully sailed from South Korea to the Isle of Man, steaming day and night. The vessel is currently completing daytime only sailings in a scheduled working up phase. After a month of daytime sailings Manxman will complete a month of overnight sailings, before taking over the full twice daily Douglas to Heysham return service.'

[Gladys]

9 minutes ago, Roxanne said:

'Myth-busting The Manxman', from GEF...

'The Steam Packet has hit back at critics of its new flagship by seeking to put an end to some rumours.

You will likely have read many of the claims being made about the Manxman, typically they begin with the words ‘I’ve heard’.

The two rumours it has sought to dispel first are that the Manxman can’t sail in high winds or that she is scared of the dark (which may actually have been our fault).

The company said: ‘Manxman is designed specifically for Irish Sea weather conditions. Following discussions with Heysham Pilots, we have imposed a temporary wind restriction on movements of the vessel to/from the port whilst the crew build up their real world experience in a variety of conditions. The temporary restrictions are very common with new vessels and will be gradually eased as our Masters gain experience.

‘Please see our ‘to sail or not sail’ blog for additional details on how and why we sometimes decide not to put to sea. Passenger comfort and safety is always the company’s primary consideration and this was factored in to the bespoke design of Manxman, from the intuitive stabilising systems when the ship rolls in rough conditions, to the layout and added comfort of the passenger lounges. When conditions do deteriorate in the Irish Sea, Manxman will still be able to sail in strong winds, up to the same levels as her predecessor, Ben-my-Chree, but provide passengers with additional comfort levels.’

Addressing concerns over the Manxman not liking the nighttime sailings, the company said: ‘Manxman is fully capable of sailing at any time of day. Indeed, the vessel successfully sailed from South Korea to the Isle of Man, steaming day and night. The vessel is currently completing daytime only sailings in a scheduled working up phase. After a month of daytime sailings Manxman will complete a month of overnight sailings, before taking over the full twice daily Douglas to Heysham return service.'

Its all very vague.

[Capt_Mainwaring]

In part two of our Manxman Myths series, we clarify the clarity of our windows and clear up a rumour about the flagship's lifejackets.

Manxman Myth #3 – Manxman's bridge windows are too heavily tinted...

Fact: There is more than sufficient clarity and range of sight through Manxman’s bridge windows. See image three for confirmation. It is against SOLAS regulations to have tinted glass installed on bridge windows, Manxman would not have received a certificate of seaworthiness and the Company would not have accepted it from the shipyard if such a fundamental error had occurred in her build. The vessel is fitted with bespoke solar blinds for when the sun is shining in the Irish sea, to protect the watchkeepers eyes.

Manxman Myth #4 – Manxman's lifejackets have all had to be replaced...

Fact: Manxman received its Passenger Ship Safety Certificate following an extremely rigorous inspection and sign off from the Isle of Man Ship Registry. No new lifejackets were required. As part of the company’s continual safety management system processes, emergency drills are regularly completed on board so that the crew and vessel continue to meet the very highest safety standards. During deployment testing in the shipyard and for crew training in Douglas, many of our crew descended the MES chutes wearing these lifejackets.

[Roxanne]

7 minutes ago, Gladys said:

Its all very vague.

Quite. 

[Kipper99]

I've never subscribed to the baseless claims about tints, lifebelts and no lifeboats.

The rebuttals don't touch

Fuel Consumption

Manoeuvrability in harbour in windy conditions ( windage ) issues foreshadowed by the tank and computer testing

I listed above.

These have created a sense of distrust between officers and crew and now, in breach of agreement management is attempting to push the 2 on, 2 off, live aboard, rota outside the collective bargaining agreement.

Union circular to members here

21 August 2023

SO/350/SD

To Nautilus International Members

Employed by Manx Sea Transport (Guernsey)

Ltd Serving on Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd Vessels

Dear Colleague  

NEW BUILD - LIVE ABOARD PROPOSAL – BALLOT FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION 

Further to Bulletin SO/313/SD dated 21 July 2023, I can advise that Nautilus International has made concerted efforts with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPCo), to commit to independent arbitration, whilst concurrently we have been seeking dispute avoidance/resolution in line with Clause 6 of the Collective Bargaining and Consultative Procedure which states the following:-  

Quote  

The Company commits to honour the status quo arrangements whilst issues are progressed through the procedures to resolution or exhaustion.  

The Union commits to honour the procedures through to resolution or exhaustion and agrees that no industrial action or threat of industrial action will be taken either prior to the procedure being invoked or whilst the procedure is being progressed through independent arbitration.  

Unquote

Members have been contacting Nautilus concerned that they have received roster patterns that include Live Aboard (LAB), and we have given members our view that they have a right to refuse at present because the status quo should remain whilst collective dispute avoidance and resolution efforts are ongoing. Additionally, we have advised the IOMSPCo that we expect them to seek volunteers only, until our joint efforts to find a solution are concluded.  

We are deeply concerned that the IOMSPCo have still not procured the services of an independent arbitrator, despite being asked to consider this by Nautilus on 23 May 2023 (following the latest consultation whereby a majority of members rejected LAB).  

Recent attempts to engage the employer in dispute avoidance/resolution discussions have proven to be unsuccessful and as such, leave Nautilus with no choice but to ballot our members for Industrial Action. We have today written to your employer, advising that it is now our intention to organise an immediate ballot for Industrial Action under the relevant legislation.  

 

Members will be updated of developments via a further bulletin in the coming days.

[Andy Onchan]

2 hours ago, Kipper99 said:

I've never subscribed to the baseless claims about tints, lifebelts and no lifeboats.

The rebuttals don't touch

Fuel Consumption

Manoeuvrability in harbour in windy conditions ( windage ) issues foreshadowed by the tank and computer testing

I listed above.

These have created a sense of distrust between officers and crew and now, in breach of agreement management is attempting to push the 2 on, 2 off, live aboard, rota outside the collective bargaining agreement.

Union circular to members here

21 August 2023

SO/350/SD

To Nautilus International Members

Employed by Manx Sea Transport (Guernsey)

Ltd Serving on Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd Vessels

Dear Colleague  

NEW BUILD - LIVE ABOARD PROPOSAL – BALLOT FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION 

Further to Bulletin SO/313/SD dated 21 July 2023, I can advise that Nautilus International has made concerted efforts with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPCo), to commit to independent arbitration, whilst concurrently we have been seeking dispute avoidance/resolution in line with Clause 6 of the Collective Bargaining and Consultative Procedure which states the following:-  

Quote  

The Company commits to honour the status quo arrangements whilst issues are progressed through the procedures to resolution or exhaustion.  

The Union commits to honour the procedures through to resolution or exhaustion and agrees that no industrial action or threat of industrial action will be taken either prior to the procedure being invoked or whilst the procedure is being progressed through independent arbitration.  

Unquote

Members have been contacting Nautilus concerned that they have received roster patterns that include Live Aboard (LAB), and we have given members our view that they have a right to refuse at present because the status quo should remain whilst collective dispute avoidance and resolution efforts are ongoing. Additionally, we have advised the IOMSPCo that we expect them to seek volunteers only, until our joint efforts to find a solution are concluded.  

We are deeply concerned that the IOMSPCo have still not procured the services of an independent arbitrator, despite being asked to consider this by Nautilus on 23 May 2023 (following the latest consultation whereby a majority of members rejected LAB).  

Recent attempts to engage the employer in dispute avoidance/resolution discussions have proven to be unsuccessful and as such, leave Nautilus with no choice but to ballot our members for Industrial Action. We have today written to your employer, advising that it is now our intention to organise an immediate ballot for Industrial Action under the relevant legislation.  

 

Members will be updated of developments via a further bulletin in the coming days.

Kipper

Please explain what is meant by this "These have created a sense of distrust between officers and crew "?

And....

Are you seriously suggesting that crew have a say on "Manoeuvrability in harbour in windy conditions". Surely the Master is the final arbiter in such a situation? 

[woolley]

I wonder if the obviously fraught industrial relations situation is creating an atmosphere in which rumours are spread for malicious purposes.

[Major Rushen]

4 hours ago, Capt_Mainwaring said:

In part two of our Manxman Myths series, we clarify the clarity of our windows and clear up a rumour about the flagship's lifejackets.

Manxman Myth #3 – Manxman's bridge windows are too heavily tinted...

Fact: There is more than sufficient clarity and range of sight through Manxman’s bridge windows. See image three for confirmation. It is against SOLAS regulations to have tinted glass installed on bridge windows, Manxman would not have received a certificate of seaworthiness and the Company would not have accepted it from the shipyard if such a fundamental error had occurred in her build. The vessel is fitted with bespoke solar blinds for when the sun is shining in the Irish sea, to protect the watchkeepers eyes.

Manxman Myth #4 – Manxman's lifejackets have all had to be replaced...

Fact: Manxman received its Passenger Ship Safety Certificate following an extremely rigorous inspection and sign off from the Isle of Man Ship Registry. No new lifejackets were required. As part of the company’s continual safety management system processes, emergency drills are regularly completed on board so that the crew and vessel continue to meet the very highest safety standards. During deployment testing in the shipyard and for crew training in Douglas, many of our crew descended the MES chutes wearing these lifejackets.

Keep it up …. Nothing better than facts.

[P.K.]

1 hour ago, woolley said:

I wonder if the obviously fraught industrial relations situation is creating an atmosphere in which rumours are spread for malicious purposes.

So the liveaboard 2 wks on 2 wks off could be a rumour then...?

I'm very surprised that the reasoning behind this shift pattern isn't in the public domain. The obvious first hit is it's profit related but is it? I mean, shift allowances, unsocial hours, accommodation etc all come with a price tag. After all, this isn't the Navy...

Back in the dark days of Covid when the shift patterns on the boats caused something of a furore it occurred to me that the only shift pattern that would work was 2 weeks on and 2 off. That's 2 weeks liveaboard followed by 2 weeks self-isolation at home.

Hardly ideal...!

[woolley]

20 minutes ago, P.K. said:

So the liveaboard 2 wks on 2 wks off could be a rumour then...?

No, not that. The rumours concerning the capabilities of the vessel.

[WTF]

Follow the Manxman to Rambo's

 

new thread title is ready and waiting.

[Blade Runner]

Is Rambo still a thing?

Was in my day there, decent bloke but I thought he may have moved on to a better place by now*?

 

 

 

 

*Tels Skips.

Edited August 23, 2023 by Blade Runner

[2112]

The NPM leads this morning on the Nautilus Union balloting members over industrial action. 
 

So far, it’s teachers, nurses and now Steam Packet crew members in dispute with IOMG or its ‘arms length’ bodies. Not good at all especially with all the dick waving over the new boat.