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Thread: Examination. Masters and Mates

  1. #11
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Thanks for further very interesting responses to my post. Must say that I did not truly realize the extent of and reliance on GPS systems. All so very different to my experiences some 60 years ago and must say that I am astonished that the demise of traditional navigation has been so thorough.
    I still treasure my old Nicholls and other nav. books including a Nautical Almanac and worn out copy of Burtons Tables and with these I endeavour to keep my ageing brain tuned in to working up position lines etc etc. and I cannot really grasp what problems must arise if GPS etc was suddenly not available . The stuff of nightmares.
    I like the sound of Michael Palins book " Erebus" and will try to get a hold of it. Another very interesting ( and very Readable) book is "Sextant" by David Barrie in which he illustrates the great difficulties of global maritime exploration as encountered by many of the early explorers and even later by some of the 19th century seamen . All commonly without the means to calculate accurate longitude.

    Pete.

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  3. #12
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Perhaps my most prized navigational possession - after my sextant - is a 2nd edition of "Wrinkles in Practical Navigation" by Capt Leckie, dating from the mid 1930s and which I acquired second hand. Now that is quite possibly the definitive tome with regard to traditional navigation (celestial and otherwise) but unfortunately it's content is way beyond the overwhelming majority of modern day bridge watchkeepers.

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  5. #13
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    My Granddaughter bought me an old copy [1922 ] of Browns Practical pocket book for Merchant Seamen by J. McKERRELL it's an amazing little book that has everything a seaman would want to know. It's a little bit water stained on the edges, I like to think it has been to sea.
    Cheers Des
    Last edited by Des Taff Jenkins; 27th July 2019 at 01:36 AM.

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  7. #14
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Like so many things of the past the sextant and many other useful items have been consigned to history.
    Modern world is so different to that maybe we knew, it is called progress but at a cost.
    Usually a human cost in the demise of working conditions and levels of employment.
    Modern ships with only one on the bridge, no chart table, no need for the things we knew.
    Now all automated and you just hope the computer does not spit the dummy.
    Happy daze John in Oz.

    Life is too short to blend in.

    John Strange R737787
    World Traveller

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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Another example of why i would not ever take a holiday on the modern pigeon lofts, kt


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49137520
    R689823

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  11. #16
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Hot all like that KT,
    they were all bevied on free ale.,

    I have Never seen any problems in 20 years of cruising.
    I have Never been on one of those shopping trolly style ships.
    Just go on smaller ships, we see the same people every year when we join our ship in the States, everyone enjoys it and return year after year,
    I have just done three months on a world cruise on Holland America`s AMSTERDAM. British Master and a mix of British / Dutch Mates and Engineers so in safe and experienced hands, The Third Mate was from Fleetwood and drinks in the same pub as I do., and it was perfect, , we knew half the passengers, just like going home. with the welcomes.

    So please do not think they are all like that,
    Choose ypour ship and company wisely and it is the very Best vacation anyone could have.
    I am cruising the Pacific again next March.
    Cheers
    Brian

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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    I accept what you say Brian, i think the cruise scene is getting more and more competitive , new ships being launched every week, and bigger and bigger, and so they have to market cheaper and cheaper, and then thats the type you are going to get on board. I think its at saturation point, today, in the Radio Times they are offering cruises, buy one, get one free, just like a supermarket, kt
    R689823

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  14. #18
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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    It is estimated that there are about 125 new cruise ships being built or designed.
    Some will be replacements for aging ones.

    But as Brian said, choose the company carefully, where it is going and when and you will never have a better time.

    We did 14 nights to Norway on a 3,250 passenger ship, one of the very best we have done. Good crew, and a good mix of passengers from about 15 different countries., great ports of call and no problems.
    Those who travelled did so to see Norway this way, not for a booze up.

    We did one to the Medi a few years ago with a lot of stiff upper lips Poms, not the best o sail with.y
    Happy daze John in Oz.

    Life is too short to blend in.

    John Strange R737787
    World Traveller

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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    I suspect that sextants, Nories (or Burton's) tables, almanacs etc are redundant.

    The whole world is besotted with technology and basic skills are being forgotten.

    If for some reason it all stops working we're in the xxxx .

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    Default Re: Examination. Masters and Mates

    Des Taff Jenkins.
    Another coincidence.
    My partner recently bought me the same title, to read on holiday. Memories of, “Standby.. .. .. .. hup!” came flooding back.
    Ahh those halcyon days, when the master, Second Mate, Third Mate and accompanying Apprentices all gathered on the bridge for, sun mer alt, and, sun mer pass.
    Was the weather ever overcast??? 🤔🤔🥴🥴⚓️⚓️
    AR

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