June 15, 2011
It doesn't take long to get back in the underway routine. The cardio room and the cadet lounges surround the library on the third-deck and there are always people working out either on the cardio machines or doing exercise DVDs. Gosh, to have that much energy again! I have been true to my daily yoga, Pilates, and meditation. But, the six-deck climb up to my stateroom from the library is getting longer and steeper...
Today we came across a small 25 foot pleasure boat adrift. We tried hailing them on the normal radio frequencies, but without any response. So we circled around and came up within hailing distance. At first we didn't see any people onboard, but then we saw someone in the cockpit who was not moving. Finally, the blasts from the ship's horn got them up and moving. That's one wake up call they will not forget! I'm sure that all came as a relief to our rescue & assistance team who would have needed to go over to investigate. The pleasure boat indicated that they didn't require any assistance and so TSES returned to her course. Law of the sea, stop and give aid unless to do so would hazard your vessel. In my time in the CG I've seen merchant vessels render aid to others in the most trying of sea conditions and dangerous circumstances. That kind of story doesn’t make it on the evening news, besides they would never think of what they were doing as heroic – just doing their duty.
Later we did a ship's emergency drill followed by an abandon ship drill. These are required by the U.S. Coast Guard and are to be done on a set schedule. You do as you train and training gets you ready for the real thing and that always comes unannounced. I've been a member of rescue & assistance teams to other vessels in distress and been through several shipboard emergencies including fires and a helicopter crash on deck. Training and drilling make all the difference when the time comes.
For most of the afternoon and night we have been sailing the same course as a NATO squadron of destroyers and frigates along with the USS Mount Whitney. Kind of gives you a little insight of what it may have been like for merchantmen sailing in convoys under the protection of military escorts during the two World Wars. But, for Cap't Hugh Stephens, one of our deck instructors, he doesn't have to imagine - he remembers.
For the cadets on the 45 day cruise they are in their last week of training with finals exams starting over the weekend. Next stop Cobh, Ireland.
1 comment:
It's good to hear that you are teaching the cadets to look out for the safety and well being of those you encounter at sea. Kindness and concern for others are qualities often missing from the personalities of young people today. Thanks to the entire crew and staff of TS Empire State VI for the fine job you are all doing keeping our cadets safe and helping them grow into adulthood. Have fun in Ireland and everyone stay safe.
Post a Comment