day 5

Early start this morning. First job was to help with the loading of drums of aviation fuel. Some needed to be marked to remain on board to take to another stop. We got 7 lorry loads on today, with about 5 more to go tomorrow. I had to take a trip to Grimsby to launch the landing craft and also do some load test on the crane. Unfortunately, the part of the crane wasn't working so it will be fitted and tested tomorrow before taking it round to the ship in Immingham (approx 7 nM). This week will all be loadiing of cargo, it is interesting work because they're aren't many general cargo ships left in the world so it is good to have some experience in it.

Day 4

  Tween deck foreward hold

  Lower deck forward hold

  Aft hold

  Locker/changing room

  "Gym"

  Sauna

  Main Laundry Room

  A water tight door

  Mess

  Dishes room

  Galley

  Galley

  Laundry room No. 2

  My heads

Today was spent finishing unloading all the N. Sea gear and preparing the holds for loading to commence tomorrow.
  This afternoon, we replaced the wire on the main crane. I was part of the greasing team, greasing the new cable as it was wound onto the drum, all 300m of it!

day 3

Bit of a later start this morning, body clock is slowly adjusting. Continuing de Mobbing N. Sea equipment. A lot of up and downing ladders, painting, rigging various items onto and off cranes.

Loading will be commencing on Monday, we've got RIBs, landing craft, diggers, bulldozers, a lot of fuel, as well as 40 TONNES of alcohol.

The Captain has announced we will be having 2 BBQ nights a week (Wed and Sun), there is some perks of the job :)

It is a comfortable ship, in the evenings we dander over to the 'mission' and have a pint or 2 before turning in. I'm looking forward to getting underway and getting into full watches. ETD from Immingham is 12/11/11 and heading towards Portsmouth for a quick fuel stop before heading South.

some fotos, more to follow

  Bridge

  DP Operators Chair

  Main Deck

  My cabin (the cell)

Day 2 and other info

Work started this morning at 0700. After a tour of the deck and the other bits that weren't covered yesturday, myself, the other cadet and the 3rd officer untied all the lashings in the 3 cargo spaces. Meanwhile there were sub- contractors removing all the welded equipment from the decks.
   Food on board is great, with as much as you can manage ( a bit dangerous, I've had double portions of each meal today!)

Crew on board
Captain
1st Mate
2nd Officer
3rd Officer
Radio Operator
2x deck cadet
Chief Eng
2nd Eng
3rd Eng
4th Eng
eng Cadet
Electrician
Boatswain
Boatswains Mate
2 x Able Seamen
Motorman
Purser
Chef
2nd Chef
Steward
Doctor

Its quite an extensive crew, most ships do not sail with a radio operator anymore.

First day

After an early start this morning (0330), I have made my way to the Ernest Shackleton. The ship is pretty big, bridge is very comfortable and there is a few lounges etc. I've mainly been sorting out kit and unpacking my stuff into my cabin, a little 1 bedroom room (nicknamed the cell, due to no portholes). I shall upload photos tonight or tomorrow night. The crew has been very friendly and welcoming. Work starts at 0600 in the morning, unloading all the summer North Sea equipment and packing all the equipment for the journey South.

Just started reading the book South.

All Packed

Well, I'm all packed, transport booked and I'm ready to go. Flying from Belfast tomorrow morning to Leeds, then a couple of trains and a taxi to the ship.