Fourteen men and one woman relate their experiences as Deck Officers on U.S. flag merchant ships -cargo ships in regular service, tramps, tankers, and the fastest passenger ship ever built, the SS United States. Carrying cargoes common as manhole covers, exotic as circus animals, dangerous as aviation gasoline, and dirty as coal, they sailed to travel poster ports like Rio de Janeiro, to war zones, and to ports like Mina al Ahmadi, Kuwait, where the 8 A.M. temperature is 120 degrees.

"oral histories...in this book play an important role in preserving...the history of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The tale tellers look back on their careers with a keen sense of nostalgia, appreciation, and accomplishment...Their narratives command our attention." - Nautical Research Journal

"books such as this...record the real purpose of merchant mariners and the ships they sail." - Steamboat Bill (quarterly publication of the Steamship Historical Society of America)

"There's something enjoyable for everyone in this book." - www.usmm.org (Website of U.S. Maritime Service Veterans)