Making my way back Home!
Union training is complete and I have a certificate in hand!
The electronic navigation course went well! Our last practical assignment was to plan a voyage from San Francisco to Yokohama, Japan using waypoints via a computer program. After the route was entered into the computer, I had the opportunity of playing “ship” as we used the RADAR and ship simulator on the 4th floor as another classmate and I started the simulation from Oakland area, outbound for sea. The whole experience was not much different than operating a regular sized ship but only certain electronics as well as a steering stand and throttle could be utilized. No view outward except for the view on the computer told of where you were going, and it was a bit difficult maintaining course over the ground as I fought to keep the ship on track between bouys and other markers.
It was fun and Pete, the instructor was a great sport, even with the delays caused by appointments he was obligated to attend for physical training purposes. This caused the class to start at Eleven O’ clock in the morning rather than the traditional Eight O’ clock. The small class of seven was made up of mostly second mates and chief mates but we all had prior experience with bridge watch, but not necessarily electronic navigation experience. I made some new friends throughout this past week, as well as reunited with friends whom I’ve worked alongside on past voyages.
My trip back to Detroit seems to be on time. The flight back, tonight, has not been delayed considering the snow storm that blew across the upper Midwest, earlier today.
Hope all is well. Have a great day!
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