As we glide through the Pacific we are met with smooth seas and beautiful weather. The cadets have finally gotten their sea legs and now are in the full swing of things. Throughout the Bear there was a lot going on, day work, classwork, and all sorts of other activities.

On the Helo Deck the cadet leadership were pinned with an outline of the Golden Bear. This is to signify their commitment to the ship and their shipmates.

Down in the classroom deck the cadets were busy at work learning some of the practical skills they will need to have when in the merchant fleet. One of these is basic first aid training. Due to the nature of being on a ship you could be thousands of miles away from help and these basic first aid skills could save someone’s life. The class goes over CPR, the proper use of an AED, burns, and how to stop a bleed. Having taken the class, you will learn a lot and have some hands-on training that will be important in the event of an emergency. Other cadets were busy learning how to plot and read charts. Even though technology shows that vessels will go away from paper charts, it is still important to know how to read and use these charts.

Down in the engine room the cadets were busy at work. Some were mopping the deck to ensure there was no residual oils. Others were down near the port engine checking to make sure it was running correctly. The heat in the space makes it a difficult environment to work in, but a lot of the cadets down there seem to enjoy the work.

As our day at sea ends, we look forward to the BBQ this Sunday and our tropical destination in the future. We plan to sail around the islands, enjoy the stunning views, and learn about some of the places we sail past. Everyone seems to be in a good mood and is excited to be on the Bear.