Joel Milton | WorkBoat

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Thank you for another great WorkBoat Show! We hope to see everyone back in New Orleans December 2–4, 2026. Save the date!

Joel Milton

Joel Milton works on towing vessels. He can be reached at [email protected].

Author Archive

Containers fell from the containership Mississippi in the Port of Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 9, 2025. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Richard B. Uranga.

Seeing is believing

Tugboat deckhands must be ready ahead of time for whatever might foreseeably happen. Shutterstock photo.

Ready, set, throw

The weather, once a “safe harbor” for conversation, can now quickly turn into a squall of disagreement. Shutterstock photo.

Let’s talk about the weather

The concept of the “experience gradient” highlights how disparities in experience between crew members — whether in aviation or maritime settings — can hinder critical communication and decision-making, making mutual respect, humility, and structured training like crew resource management essential for safety. Shutterstock photo.

When rank masks risk

Real skills will always matter on the deck of any working vessel. Shutterstock photo.

You can’t YouTube your way to seamanship

Shutterstock image.

Adaptability is key in the towing industry

Shutterstock photo.

Know when to audible

Shutterstock photo.

Sleep deprivation can be deadly

WorkBoat file photo.

Leave your troubles at the dock - Part II

Back watch crew need to be sleeping before the sun comes up. Shutterstock photo

Lack of sleep is dangerous on the water