Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Leeward Rail


"The Leeward Rail"

Judging by the title of today’s blog, you might think that cadets are feeling a bit green with mal de mer.  Not the case!  Today on my way to lunch, I decided to take the long way up top to Boat Deck when what to my wondering eyes should appear but dozens of cadets with their phones to their ears!  Yes, indeed; we’re within cell phone service (mostly).  Good thing too, since our delayed email system has been getting cadets antsy for news from home.  (Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten an email back from your cadet yet – the delays seem to be unpredictable but eventually everything gets through!)

Cadets have wasted no time in all getting in synch with their class schedule and the arrival of Q’s.  Q’s – or quizzes – test each cadet on a specific area of knowledge.  Some Q’s might cover firefighting, or fastboat rescue, or perhaps shipboard lines and equipment.  Gleaning from their coursework, notes, library books, and asking the mates about their topics, students are finding in-depth answers to every real-life question such as….

--What two things would you normally secure in the event of a fire?

--What types of portables are found on this ship and where are they located?

--Name and explain the various methods by which fire spreads.

Things are starting to heat up here, and not just with classwork.  The further south we go the harder the goodship TSES needs to work to keep our climate controlled at a comfortable temperature.  The library is leading the unofficial “Coolest Spots on the TSES” poll at the moment, at a barely balmy 81°F.

Today’s shout out comes from Cadet Noah Collins, who would like to say hi to Grandma Bobbie: “I love you!” he says.

Until next time,
Books

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