You'll be happy to know that it is not the wild wild west out here. Young Second Mate's are not allowed to sass-mouth. The law of the sea remains intact....the Captain is still in charge. I received my very first letter of warning. For the record....I've never been to the principals office. I graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with not one demerit to my name. My shipmates assure me that this a rite of passage....that everyone gets one or they just aren't salty. I think they are just saying that so I don't start roaming the passageways at night looking for a fire axe. I almost cried....but then I didn't....because at the end of the day there is still 'NO crying on tankers'!