Like Jimmy Buffett sang, I am a true “son of a son of a sailor”, my grandfather was an unlimited Chief Engineer, my father a tug master and then Panama Canal Pilot, my brother is also a tug master.
I have been licensed and steering since 1978, and have since acquired Master 1600 tons upon Oceans, Inland Master Any Gross Tons, First Class Pilot Any Gross Tons, Master of Towing Vessels upon Oceans, Unlimited Radar Observer, A.R.P.A., S.T.C.W. 95…..
I started in the industry as a deckhand for my father in 1973, 5 years later I made captain on the same tug.
Based in NY harbor for the last 37+ years, my area of operation has included all major east coast ports from Bucksport, Me. to Norfolk, Va. Including Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay with the occasional voyage to Port Everglades Florida.
Presently serving as Master of the A.T.B. Nicole L. Reinauer for Reinauer Transportation Co. in NY.
I am not a writer by trade so I may ramble at times, I have been “around the block” so I can speak on many issues. I also have a deep concern for the future of this industry and I’m working toward making it better for the guys doing the job. I”m told I tend to use a lot of industry-speak when I write, so if I’ve confused you with a phrase, description, or reference feel free to ask for clarification. I’ll endeavor to clear up any confusion if asked.
This site is primarily focused on the needs and concerns of active professional mariners.
My favorite quote;
Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. In the first stage of life the mind is frivolous and easily distracted, it misses progress by failing in consecutiveness and persistence. This is the condition of children and barbarians, in which instinct has learned nothing from experience.
Any Newtown Creek stories?
Check out the image pages for some Reinauer activity in the creek.
Kosnac, Reinauer and K-Sea service the western shores of the creek. The Mary H travels deep into English Kills to service Bayside oil.
Bernie
Hi Capt. Brucato. It has been a while since I’ve pronounced that title. Gene and I worked at the Panama Canal way back in 1975. If you feel like remembering old times, please send me a note.
Gus Delgado.
Captain Brucato
Great site you have. I lived on board my 30 foot sailboat at Chelsea Piers from April to November in the mid ninties to 2002. I was always interesting about life and work on the tugs that I came across in sailing or heard conversing on the VHF. Thanks for allowing a more detailed look at what’s happening on these workhorses of the seas.
Do you know where I can find a map of the East River currents? I’m studying to be a librarian and my teacher wants us to find this.
For one of my English classes we spent the whole semester reading Moby Dick. Your blog reminds me of that book.
Thanks,
Sara Richardson
sararichardson@gmail.com
Sarah, If what you seek is a graphic tidal current chart of NY Harbor you need only acquire a copy of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book. Any edition will have the graphics you’re looking for, it doesn’t have to be a recent edition. You might be able to find one in your local library. For larger scale and more detailed images you’ll need to call or visit a nautical supplier of charts in order to purchase it.
Ahoy Capt. B:
A little heads up. Poular Mechanics (March 2010) has an article on the “Super Tugs” specifically the Edward J. Moran out of Savannah. Sez here it’s one of the “most powerful sophisticated tugs in the United States”. Thought you might be interested. Says it can go from 14 knts to 0 in a boat length. What’s the scuttlebutt about these tugs?
Sarah
Here’s a link to an excellent site showing currents and much more in NY harbor – http://hudson.dl.stevens-tech.edu/maritimeforecast/ On the right side of the page – Click on an area under the Click on a Forecast Region. The Manhattan waters one will show what the currents are doing at any given time (hourly). Check them out just before and after the tide turns.
Captain,
Shame on me for not having read your blog before (nor put it on my unit’s blogroll). Great stuff. The shiphandling/piloting write-ups are outstanding, and also provide me with training tools for my budding shiphandlers. Tug captain perspective on various items is always valuable as well.
Just a note passing on my appreciation for your efforts.
Thanks for the kind words,
bb
Things were never like this at Exxon Inland!
My father Lars Hagen Sr was Chief Engr for Blue Line for many years. Last assignment was on Salutation-1951.
Would like to find any information available about him and the Blue Line Tugs: Salutation, Seneca, Saratoga, Sagamore. Especially the Salutation “open house” at Pier 1 in 1951 (introduced as first hydraulic pilot house in NY).
Regards Lars LBHagen@Gmail.com
I have authored a web page focused on my Dad (Lars Hagen Sr) and the McWilliams Blue Line Tugs and other related materials and web links that may be of interest to tugboat enthusiasts. Please visit and enjoy.
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http://www.lars1.com/TugboatsBlueLine/index.htm
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Copy and paste the link into your browser address to view
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Regards Lars
Hi –
Jessica DuLong, engineer on the fireboat John J. Harvey, gave me the link to your blog. It is terrific. Next week the Working Harbor Committee is presenting a great program about Women Seafarers in Manhattan, which Jessica will be part of. Here is our Press Release headline. Details are at http://www.workingharbor.org.
Thanks,
Betsy Haggerty
America’s Women Seafarers Tell Their Stories
Wednesday, March 30 at 6.p.m., Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street, Manhattan
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www. workingharbor.org.
This special Women at Sea program features a screening of the documentary “Shipping Out – The Story of America’s Seafaring Women” followed by a conversation with seven women mariners who work as mates aboard cargo ships, tug captains, marine engineers, pilots, port officials and more.
hi capt brucato
i got 260 days as apprentice mate?(steersman)
need to complete TOAR have 4 items left,
i nlooking to fininsh up ..
please
e.mail me
thanks
jeff k
captjeffkk@aol.com
Jeff, Thanks for asking but unless you’re an employee in the outfit I’m with, I’m unavailable for signing candidates off on their TOAR. I don’t have a tug and barge at my disposal. If you worked here and were assigned to my boat I could and would sign you off if you met and demonstrated the skills to my satisfaction as required in the TOAR.
Wish I could have been more help. What’s preventing you from finishing the TOAR at your present job?