arrrr 'n' arrrrr

Basic fire fighting theory today, we learnt about different classes of fire from A through to F (not including E - that's a category Americans give to electrical fires(which don't happen because its the wire/insulation/plastic that's burning and not the electricity!))
There are different methods for putting out each category of fire including cooling, smothering and removing the fuel (E.g shutting off the gas supply if its on fire). This is because all fires require air, fuel and heat in order to burn. So if you can remove one of those you have no fire. Of course that's easier said than done in many cases as fire is rather warm and produces smoke and toxins. We were shown all the different types of extinguisher and how to use them, then we were told that most ships will have dry powder (almost useless according to our instructor) and water (no good for fires near live electrical equipment and also sometimes ineffective due to surface tension - it wont soak into the centre of a burning mattress.) Water also posses a problem as if too much is used it can effect the stability of the ship. There have been cases of ships sinking in harbor when the shoreside fire fighters have used water a little too enthusiastically and filled the ship! In the true spirit of teaching here we were told yet more gruesome stories of deaths at sea.

Tomorrow we are doing the practical fire fighting exercise. We will be donning breathing apparatus (which we were shown today) and conducting a search of two decks of the simulator for casualties. We will be doing this in groups of four, I am hoping to be designated the team leader as there are a few of my fellow cadets I would enjoy yelling at should they make a mistake. It will be amusing to see how many of them struggle when faced with real fire and realistic casualties in the pitch black searing heat - I expect they will wish they had paid more attention in the theory classes or at least turned up on time. A little off topic now but I feel like a bit of a rant, I have been amazed at how many cadets are lapse about their time keeping/ appearance/ politeness towards adults etc. I have not yet been on a ship but would imagine that being late for a watch does not make you very popular with the chap your relieving. I have been presuming they will only do it once! Appearance is often reminiscent of a 13 year old kid at school (ties loose barely reaching below their breast pocket, shirt un-tucked and buttons undone, un-polished shoes and all to often an air of "uh?!" about them.) Rant over.

I forgot to add above - we will also be putting out a fire tomorrow, with a hose I'd imagine.

One more quick rant then I'm done. I heard today from my company they will not allow me to join the RNR, I'm a little upset and surprised, they evidently need persuading. I shall continue to try.