Class Notes
On the Run to Valdez
Luke Velho '08 currently ships as
2nd Engineer aboard the MT Polar
Discovery, a ConocoPhillips-Polar
Tankers Inc. vessel in the Trans
Alaskan Pipeline System trade, with
several fellow mates from MMA
(shown in photo). "There happens
to be a lot of MMA alumni who
work for Polar Tankers," Velho
wrote via e-mail at sea on the way
to Valdez, "so there is always a good
chance you wil sail with some each
tour."
Polar Discovery is powered by
two MAN B&W slow speed diesel
engines producing 22,120 KW
(30,000 BHP) of power; 272.7m
long and weighing 141,740 MT.
Velho is responsible for the
maintenance and condition of
the ship's boilers and associated
equipment as wel as transfer and
oversight of fuel and bulk lube oils,
among other duties.
"The best part of going to sea" he
said, "is that you develop a better
appreciation for those you leave at
home. A lot of people take their
wives or significant others for
granted sometimes, but when you
spend months at sea, you appreciate
how strong they are because when
you're gone they hold everything
together back home.
"Also, having half of the year
off is a huge benefit," Velho said.
"When I'm home, I'm home.
"The camaraderie on the ship is
also important. Out here, they're
al you have. I would trade the best
ship and the worst crew for a poor
ship and the best crew. Luckily, I
work with a great bunch of people,
so it makes it easy.
"It's nice to have guys from
MMA here because we share that in
common," he said. "You have an
automatic bond even if you are
years apart."
From top left: 2nd Engineer Luke Velho '08, 3rd Engineer Caleb Philbrook '13, and from bottom left: 2nd Mate Galen Richards '10 and 3rd
Engineer Logan Doustan '13. Photo courtesy of Luke Velho
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MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 1

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