I share the concerns of the Captain about the ever
increasing odd and obsessive behavior of the Chief Engineer. I am also a
little surprised and concerned at my own reaction to that
behaviour.
Today, after lunch, the engine was turned off so
that the oil could be checked. The Chief Engineer was clearly disappointed
and somewhat agitated to learn that whipper-snapper, and not the Chief Engineer,
would be checking the oil. The galley was then fully occupied,
whipper-snapper sitting on the floor reaching into the engine compartment
checking the oil and me at the sink drying the last few dishes. The Chief
Engineer suddenly decided that he wanted to recheck the couplings attaching the
engine to the propeller shaft - no harm in that but absolutely no urgency
either. However, as the Captain previous described, the Chief
Engineer's desire is typically accompanied with an element of
obsession (I say panic) to do the
check immediately. The Chief Engineer appeared at the
galley entrance and ordered (it was certainly not a request) me to move out of
his way and allow him access to the rear entrance to the engine
compartment. Not satisfied with my response that I would move out of the
galley as soon as I had finished drying the last two dishes, and the panic
intensifying, he physically shoved passed me. I am afraid to say that I
rather lost my temper - being shoved by a significantly smaller and older man is
a difficult position to face - any response is likely to reflect very badly on
me and at least I only lost my temper.
I did not handle the situation desperately well - I
have never dealt very well with somebody who panics but I should have done
better.
The Captain is correct - 6 weeks at sea is too
long, at least for me, to be in the company of the Chief Engineer. It is a
great shame because it has blemished what has otherwise been a fabulous
experience. Back on solid ground tomorrow night and I am ready for
it!