We advanced the clocks this morning, which made it difficult for some this morning. That said we still have a busy day planned. Some senior cadets will be in the classroom preparing for their license exams. Other cadets will be throughout the Bear learning the skills they will need to take with them later in their careers.

At 1000 this morning we conducted a Man Overboard Drill. These drills are important to practice in the event of a person falling overboard. The goal of this drill is speed to limit the time a person (dummy in the case) spends in the water. Once the signal is sounded the fast rescue boat is lowered and the ship conducts a very quick turn, this maneuver is known as the Williamson Turn. While this is happening cadets and crew head up on deck to be on the lookout for said dummy. Once the dummy is retrieved the fast rescue boat heads back to the ship where the medical team is standing by to provide aid.

Rescue boat in the distance

Cadets practicing medical aid

Up in the simulator cadets were busy navigating themselves through the Puget Sound, this was made more difficult since the instructors had turned the lights off. With it darkened in space it made it more realistic when they were going through the simulation. The objective was to sail their vessel passed another simulated ship that was having engine issues. This allows the cadets to learn without putting themselves or their ship at risk.

Cadets navigating in dark

Cadets working in engine room

In the engine room the cadets were busy working on the main engines, this time they were working on Bambi, the port side main engine. They were replacing the injectors on it. To ensure no fuel oil is spilled, a container was placed under the injector to catch any leaking fluid. Once contained they dumped it into a waste oil tank so it can be disposed of properly. Other engine cadets were busy wiping residual oils off the machinery or taking readings of the gauges.

We are about 2 weeks away from home. Everyone is looking forward to being near Catalina and even though we won’t be able to get off the ship, the fact that we will have some nice views again will make it worth it.

ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Located in Vallejo, California, the campus offers undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in engineering, transportation, international relations, business, and global logistics. Cal Maritime also offers a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number of extended learning programs and courses.