Overtime

This is an interesting topic.
If my memory serves me right, I seem to remember that at the time I started in 1949, RSL Apprentices were paid overtime at the following rates

1/3d per hour for the 1st two years (Ordinary Seamans rate)
2/6d per hour for the 2nd two years. (A.B.s rate)

Detailed Yellow Overtime Sheets were completed (a formidable job when dealing with a White crew) duly signed and returned to Cardiff Office at the termination of the voyage.

Mates,(as did myself) hated the procedure. Loads of repetitive writing- ALWAYS disputes!. However,usually the crew could be cajoled into signing by way of a weekly tot of rum!

Finally, with the demise of white crews,Officers pay scales were adjusted to include a lump sum in lieu of Overtime. John Cann. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

Did you ever have to suffer the rigmarole of Sundays at Sea, and Weekends worked in port? Before joining RSL I recall instances, according to the returns of some Officers, when there were more Sundays in the voyage than there should have been. Mike Jones. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

Yes, Mike- another pain in the butt Weekends worked in port etc Always a bone of contention and subject to particular scrutiny by the Office!.
When you think of it- just poor sailors trying to make a decent living!
Going back to Griffs posting regarding a lady M.P. having a go at Merchant Seamen- was that Lady Astor? If so, sadly I believe she was M.P. for Devonport.
Enough said. John Cann. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

Being on A Articles, the only time that overtime was available was the "Sundays in Port". As 3/E I used to spend my Sundays in Port repacking the water transition elbows in the Crankcase of a Doxford, whether they needed packing or not. Tex Graham-Russell. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

Much the same deck side. Don't know how many times the flag lockers were tidied up, on one ship I was Mate on!! I seem to recall the expression of "Only on a Sunday", being quite popular. Mike Jones. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

What overtime? The three cadets worked the 4-8 watch
then worked from 09.00 am until 11.45 am on deck with the Chief Officer
all part of the training. The fourth cadet was on day work on a weekly
rotation. If cadets worked out side these hours on good ships they
received 3p,6p,9p per hour some ships nothing it depended on the Master.
Happy times as we thought it was the norm. The Merchant Navy rule book
1948 changed all that. Yes John you are quite right it was Lady Astor. Griff Jones. Posted on forum 25th March 2011.

 

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