It turned out to be a very nice day, not to say a gorgeous day. While approaching the port, the visibility suddenly reduced but as it was close to the port, it did not last for a long time. The land warms up quicker than the sea and thus flog and haze burns off quite fast. And that meant that the guests would have a great day in Charlottetown. It might also mean that the captain is paying the price for it tonight because warmer air will this evening start to cool down over colder water and that creates condensation and vapor clouds.

Today my school class of sailors started practical tender driving lessons. For all seven of them it was the first time they touched the controls of a Tender. Thus far they had only been helpers during tender service but now they could have a go at it themselves. It is not much different from your first driving lesson, except there are two gas pedals as a tender has two engines.  I prefer to start them fresh, from zero so to say, because then I can teach them the basics without them having taken on bad routines from the more experienced Tender Drivers.  Such as using more power than needed.

Before you are allowed to become a Tender Driver, Holland America sets quite a high standard to start with. First of all only Sailors AB or higher can be a tender driver. (Higher ranks are Storekeeper, Quartermaster or Bo’sun). The lower rank of Sailor OS (Ordinary Sailor) cannot follow the course as we consider that a rank to have insufficient experience. Before you can make Sailor AB (Able Bodied Sailor) you have to have proficiency in lifeboat handling and operating. This is a certificate which can only be obtained during a seven day training course on the shore side and is also required for all (Hotel) Officers and Crew who might be selected as Lifeboat Commander.  When you are an established AB, then the company can apply for a C.O.C with the Flag state. In this case the Dutch Government as we fly the Dutch Flag.  If an AB has a C.O.C (Certificate of Competence) then he (we do not have female sailors yet) is also allowed to be helmsman and look-out on the bridge. Once all that is complied with we start considering a Sailor AB for Tender Operator.

As usual they start out with being a Tender helper so they get the feeling for the routine operation of a ships tender service. When the Bo ‘sun has formed a positive opinion about the sailor’s capability, then he goes on the list as a potential Tender Operator.  The tender operator course which Holland America has developed has to be & is approved by the Flag State again to ensure that what is taught is of a high enough standard so it will ensure the safety of the Tender and the Guests on board. This training course can be given on board by a Senior Officer with sufficient experience.  That is not always easy to comply with as some senior officers never come across a situation where the Tender Driver Course is needed to be given.  Or if there is one, then he/she might not be able to make time available to run a course as the deck officers are already standing 8 hour watches and there is only 10 hours in a day.  If the need is high, then I am normally approached, when I come for a visit. And I do not mind doing it as there is nothing nicer than messing around with Boats.

The harbor Hyppo is to the right. It is what the military call a “Duck”. In the background either the Maasdam or the Veendam.

So today, we sailed around the port of Charlotte town to get the first feeling of how to maneuver a tender. First steps are power and rudder control and to learn to use both in absolute minimum setting. The better control you have and the more time you have to make up your mind, the less chance of bumping into anything. And if you do bump into something, the tender –fender will prevent damage if you do not go too fast. Not much happens in Charlottetown in general, so what was afloat today came out to see us. USCG, Sport fishers and the local sightseeing Harbour tour: the Harbour Hyppo. This is an amphibious vehicle which does part city tour and part harbor tour. So today they had some extra excitement to add to their tour as we were all over the place and each time in their way. Or maybe they were in our way as the driver/skipper came close to include us in the tour.

And the Duck in the water. As this photo is dated, I know it is the ms Veendam with yours truly at the helm in 2007. (photo courtesy  Hippo tours in Charlotte town)

Tomorrow we are in Sydney and then it is the turn for the dining room stewards who are studying for the Lifeboat handler course, so we will lower a lifeboat which only has one engine.

Weather for tomorrow very nice (at least for the guests), 16oC / 61oF, partly cloudy and very little wind. I would not be amazed if the captain had to show off his whistle – button – pushing – skills again due to extreme low hanging clouds.