Day 2 personal proficiency and responsibility

Today was a mixture of industry guidance and excellent help with regards to preparing a CV with Maritime experience offering templates and almost paint by numbers help to put a cv together, followed by help with finding reference material for the PPR exam which is an online exam at the cost if 39 Gbp offered by the mca marine and coastal agency I think who are a force not to mess with.

PPR exam basically tests your knowledge about the ability to find out about information, guidance and compulsory notices issued for seafarers. Things such as having the Ensign (Union Jack) at half mast on day x to mark respect for WW1 servicemen. It's making us realise that there is an obligation to appreciate and understand the notices issued by mca. Ignoring statutory notices may mean jail too!

Both tutors are great and so far all tutors have been  amazing. Went for a lunchtime run without injury and took a few jokes about my age during the day, other than that, all good. Had a social 2 pints between 10 and 11 and slept well :-)

Day 1 - Induction - Professional Yachtmaster Ocean

It was a day of presentations today to give us an overview of what is to come and to allow us to get to know some of the staff a bit more.
We are a crew of 5.  2 girls, 3 boys.  I am probably 15 years older than all the others :-) suppose that is a good thing.  We were taken through the material very professionally and it was a lot to take in, but importantly, all the practical stuff is pretty much sorted.  I have a locker, I went back to Southampton to get some more clothes and my running shoes and made it back here for about 8.  I missed dinner and so am off to see what I can find now, but in essence, the canteen is very nice, food is good and healthy.  I've got my motorbike and my bicycle here so I can get around whilst on shore.

We were told today that the self study days should be used for study as there is a lot to learn.  There are not too many of them anyway! Still I will be working hard and cramming in all the knowledge so I can use those days where possible as days off.

They do offer guests B&B for £30 per person or £40 per person in the nicer non-bunk bed rooms.

Sorry no pictures today, weather was rubbish this afternoon and I had to cycle in the rain to get back here for 8.  I've not really started reading yet, I have masses to read.  Just going to head to the communal area to see if there is any food available and see if my fellow crew members are around :-)

I've rushed this blog a little but I promise it will get more exciting :-)

All for now,

Stu

1st night in Cowes

Well, rush rush rush, I got my motorbike, myself and a lot if stuff here to Cowes but  did not bring running shoes so I guess I'm heading back to Southampton tomorrow night :-) Anyway, I met my room mate. A very nice chap 23 yrs old. I only managed to get the 9pm ferry so only just hitting the pillow now at 00:38. 9am tomorrow to meet the rest of the crew. So far so good :-)