| SHIP'S
LOG
We entered the Atlantic this morning and
surprisingly the winds and seas have calmed down. Frequently there
is strong wind transiting the Straits of Gibraltar because it acts
like a funnel squeezing the westerly winds from the Atlantic through
a relatively narrow opening.
We remain encouraged. For the most part, the
student's attitudes and moral is very good. There is still an
eagerness to learn, and as long as that attitude continues we are
more than willing to teach. Most of the students are trying to
finalize all their cruise training obligations that include a
series of check offs. In order to get something checked off, the
student must demonstrate and explain to a licensed officer what they
are doing. In the case of the 2nd class deck students, they may be
required to start adjust and operate an ARPA. An ARPA is an
automatic radar plotting aid, which is an enhancement to the radar
system. Engineer students may be required to start and operate the
emergency diesel generator. There are many of these check offs, which
are internationally mandated minimum standards, and which must be
completed before the end of cruise.
So as we come down to the end of cruise, the
pressure is on to get these things done.
The second class C company students are
conducting their flashlight exams. This is a stressful time for
those who have not been proactive in their training assignments.
4th class C company will be taking their
deck assessment today. Boy you can almost smell the brains smoking
onboard today.
Check out our Question and
Answer page.
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