Merchant Navy College Assignment.

[eric fisher]

Ben, Notice at least one theme on this site... NOT one of us has ever regretted choosing the career of a seafarer. Albeit most of us are 'old codgers'. Good ships, Bad ships, Fair weather, Foul weather, Long voyages, Short voyages,Lousy pay, Lousy pay, Lousy food, good food. Didn't matter, it got in your blood. Still in mine, Don't ask how Ancient I am! Good luck, enjoy whatever comes your way. Cheers, Eric

[Captain Kong]

Quite right Eric,
It is Not a job, but a way of life.
Brian

[happy daze john in oz]

Ben if some one whispers in your ear that 'Mary' wants to see you beware. It will be Cappy attempting to get some wood preserver for her leg.,

[Ben Dennison]

Hello.

Thought i'd come and give you folks another little update. Currently coming to the end of my first phase at college and starting to prepare for my first sea phase. The first six months have been fun and i've certainly learnt a fair bit in short amount of time however now all i'm thinking about is getting to sea. Only so much of this career can be taught in a classroom so i'm raring to get on my first ship and see what this jobs all about.

Hope this update reaches you all in good health,

Ben.

[john walker]

Ben Good luck with your first ship, My first ship was one of the greatest times of my life. New adventures, new mates new countries in fact a hell of a lot to look forward to have fun and enjoy it. Keep us posted as to how you get on. You can only make us envious of your career.

[Ben Dennison]

Finished college today at 4 - phone call at 5 telling me my plane for Singapore leaves at 11am tomorrow (left me plenty of time to prepare there!). This sounds more like it!
Joining a newly built VLCC - GENER8 NAUTILUS is the vessel name, seems that i can't link the webpage for the ship.

[Lewis McColl]

Good luck and enjoy what will become one of life's memorable adventures. Just remember though always safety first as ships can be dangerous places.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Good luck Ben, hope you like it as much as we old codgers did and don't forget the golden rule

one hand for yourself and one hand for the ship = safety first

Also don't let anyone show you the golden rivet!!

[j.sabourn]

You"ll probably get a night in a hotel after travelling all that way. So hope you land in time for the happy hour. Singapore is a good place to join a ship, so hope you get a few nights there and are not just joining her on transit through the straits. Anyhow hope you have a long and healthy time in your chosen profession. All the best JS

[john walker]

If you do get a night in a hotel take plenty of money with you I was in Singapore last week it will cost about £7 for a pint of tiger in and around the tourist areas. There is very little of the old Singapore left. (That most on this site will remember) There are no seamen's bars on Anson road,no Bugis street no change alley, no Connell house. The Government have ripped the heart out of it and turned it into a rather sterile modern and rich city state great for shopping but in my mind characterless like a lot of modern day city's. There are a few good bars at Orchard Towers (Not that I am attempting to corrupt your morals) on Orchard Road that are a good night out. Every body should visit the Raffles Hotel and if they can afford it dine in the Tiffin room and if the can't try a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar. Any way whatever you do have fun and enjoy it.