some exams and things

In phase 5 (of 7) at Warsash now, the tempo has increased a little and the work load is larger. We have had exams so far in Stability (86%), Celestial navigation (74%), Radar Plotting (Awaiting results) and an assignment for law and management (75%).

Despite going through school with a real dislike of maths, I now enjoy the mathematical subjects most of all. Celestial navigation is very satisfying once its conquered, as are sailings (plain, Mercator, parallel, great circle etc). My least favorite subject is Meteorology. I don't really see the relevance of much of the met syllabus. Although we do learn about climatology of the oceans, TRS's, ocean currents etc, we also spent time learning about weather phenomena only present over land (orographic cloud etc).

Law and Management is fun. The law part is interesting and the Management part quite funny at times. Although the underlying principles are important, and I am glad I have learnt them, the way in which management is presented is just plain amusing. The subject is mainly common sense that someone has taken the trouble to attach labels too (management styles all have various names). For example what I had always thought was called 'talking', is actually "the communication process" and involves a "sender" (the person talking) a "channel" (that's a piece of paper or an Email or even just 'air') a "receiver" (the other person) and "feedback" (such as the other person saying 'mmm, yeah', or nodding). Genius!
Seriously though, I have enjoyed that subject, the lecturer is more than happy to enter into discussion with us, and thankfully sports a sense of humour.

I will be going back to sea in July, for my last trip as a cadet. I am looking forward to this time next year, when I will be preparing for final exams and no doubt fretting about the "orals".

I have more exams ahead this phase, and also some short courses (Gmdss, fire fighting, first aid, etc) I'm not looking forward to the fire fighting, didn't really enjoy it last time. This time it will be hotter and longer and involve more shouting. I don't mind any of those things on their own, but all combined in the dark with a 'BA set' on makes for an unpleasant few days.

Still, its sunny by the coast and I'm off to a NaRaSt (navigation and radar simulator) lesson. All good fun!

Rob