Ep 8. Steam Ship Cleaner

In the episode "Steam Ship Cleaner" of season 3 of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe heads to New York to meet a group of workers who specialize in cleaning and maintaining steam ships. These massive vessels are relics of a bygone era, and the job of keeping them in working order falls to a dedicated team of specialists.

Rowe begins his day by donning a hard hat and boarding the SS United States, one of the largest and most iconic steam ships in American history. The ship hasn't sailed in decades, but the crew is still hard at work maintaining her systems and keeping her in top condition.

The first task for Rowe and his team is to clean out one of the ship's massive boilers. These boilers are responsible for generating the steam that powers the ship's engines, and they are an essential part of the vessel's propulsion system. However, they also collect a significant amount of dirt, grime, and debris over time, which can impede their performance and even cause them to fail.

To clean out the boiler, Rowe and the crew use a combination of high-pressure water and specialized tools to dislodge and remove the accumulated debris. The process is dirty and dangerous, with the risk of scalding from the hot water and exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos. However, the crew is well-trained and takes all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Next up, Rowe heads to the ship's engine room, where he meets one of the ship's chief engineers. This expert is responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's massive engines, which are among the largest and most complex ever built. Rowe learns how these engines work, and the incredible feats of engineering that went into creating them.

The crew also shows Rowe some of the specialized equipment they use to maintain the engines, including giant wrenches, custom-built tools, and an array of diagnostic equipment. They explain how they work together as a team to keep the engines running smoothly, and the incredible amount of knowledge and expertise required for the job.

Throughout the day, Rowe is impressed by the skill, dedication, and bravery of the ship's crew. They work in challenging conditions, often at great heights or in cramped spaces, and are constantly exposed to hazards and risks. However, they take pride in their work and in the rich legacy of the ships they maintain.

As the day comes to a close, Rowe reflects on the experience and the lessons he has learned. He marvels at the incredible complexity and beauty of the steam ships, and at the ingenuity and perseverance of the workers who keep them sailing. He realizes that these vessels are more than just relics of the past; they are living symbols of human achievement and innovation, and a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure.