LETTERS | Even more memories of the North Esk wheat run in the 1970s

Have just read this interesting article at a time reminiscing my experience in dry docking the North Esk in 1974. The dry dock was the old Duke and Orr’s in Melbourne where the Polly Woodside is now based.

My son was attending a conference near by and sent some photos through for me to view. In explaining my experience at the dock yard I googled North Esk to show my daughter the ship I had sailed on so long ago. To my surprise this very interesting article appeared that reminded me so much of my experiences on board the North Esk, my second ship at sea.

However, I must take issue with the electrical supply for the cargo handling gear. Unfortunately the author is incorrect as the augers were powered by A/C through shore side cables. Stability, as you can imagine, was very serious especially halfway through the discharge as the centre auger created a delicate balance leaving grain high on the holds sides both port and starboard. If a one-degree list occurred cargo was stopped as the grain acted like ball bearings and would tend to move to the listed side. If the angle of list increased further, then the shore A/C cables would be disconnected for protection.

The author mentions Launceston and I recall this occurring there once with a new third Engineer (short term relief from container ship experience) misreading the ballast order chit and pumping out all the starboard ballast tanks. A very interesting experience which severely damaged shore side mooring bollards as we lay on the wharf. Took some time to correct through ballasting.

Apart from this error I can empathise with the authors’ memories as we referred to ourselves as F Troop (from the TV show around that time) and it was said if you were posted to the North Esk you were either going up or out.

An aside regarding North Esk was the lung diseases that some engineers and others came down with. Created a major WHS issue that was eventually resolved. Grain for human consumption didn’t have as many chemicals as grain for animal consumption, the worst being the moisture scavenging chemicals. I recall the hydraulic clutches were in need of overhaul, and hence my dry docking experience. The clutches had to be topped up during discharge and entering the hold required masks and disposable coveralls to keep the dust out. The moisture scavenging chemicals were most uncomfortable as you were sweating heavily in these suits.

Can vouch for log entries over 24 hours with no progress and being passed by other ships on numerous occasions on their North and South runs. Usual comment was, “you guys still here?” He mentions Brisbane Trader in ’76 and I may have been on board as she was my third posting.

Regards,

John Japp

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