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
posted by Rob @ 9:54 am
4 comments
4 Comments:
Hey Rob, Great Blog man. I have just recently been acepted by Sealion Shipping and the SSTG for training as an Engineering officer cadet and it is really a great insight into life at warsash reading your blog. Good luck for your final exams. Cheers Nick
Hey Nick, I've a couple of friend work for Sealion, as deck cadets, they seem to really enjoy their sea phases. They have been in the north sea, and more lately operating off Egypt I think. When are you starting at Warsash then? SSTG, good company, you'l be well paid there! Good luck...!
Rob
Yer - great blog.
Good to see ya back again.
Yes Maths can be great navigating - much better than school - eh what.
Don't forget your celestial navigation - try to use it reasonably frequently - otherwise you'll loose it - and at the end of the day there is no real substitute for it.
Tech stuff is fine but the sun and the stars will ALWAYS be there - if not - none of us will be.
Stick at it Laddie - You still show the signs of a first class cadet - Just like they all were in my day.
Good luck.
Shipmaster (Ret'd).
I agree entirely - so I do.
Indeed, I do declare it was not just a great blog, it was in fact, a blog of excellence.
Just what was needed in fact.
Don't fret about the orals - just do what you have to do (and you know what that is) and you will pass.
And don't be afraid to demonstrate that personality of yours - the one that came through on your blog, because that is exceptionally important as well.
Going back over it all, I can only make the following criticism.
Your captions were excellent, except for one. Yachty was just bordering on the "Personal" a bit, as can be seen from the comments perhaps. That might have been a minor glitch but there again, - perhaps not.
In my mind another major hurdle which lies ahead is that Summer Ball at Warsash.
You need a "Study Guide" to assist you prepare for that hurdle.
The best that comes to mind, is a 2CD package entitled "The Definitive Patsy Cline" (1935 - 1963). It contains 40 tracks in total, each as significant as the rest.Here are a few "samples" to download & listen too:-
1. I fall to pieces.
2. She Got you.
3. Three cigarettes, in an ash tray.
4. A church, a courtroom, then goodbye.
Despite the passage of time - it's great music - but you have to listen to it closely, as you do with the lyrics, and of course - it must be Patsy Cline, no one else.
It's what you're likely to be up against - just like every other Mercantile Mariner.
However in your case - that "personality" is I suggest, very very much on your side - so you stand a good chance of being one of the lucky ones.
Capt. j. (ret'd)
(PS) Advanced Fire Fighting - well youre not supposed to enjoy it, but you will be absolutely elated - to have done it.
Post a Comment
<< Home