Diary of a PMI/Workboat Academy Cadet

[Shellback]

I just renewed and my MMC still has my AB Sail listed on it. If you have it I guess you get to keep it.

Ya, I have mine on my MMC too...When did this change? I worked my ass off to get that one too..

[Ordinaryseaman]

Capt Fran- I read the page at the link to the CFR's. Looking at the last paragraph- it sounds like there may be new types of AB? AB Great Lake/Towing, Cargo-etc?

Or am I misreading (I'm tired!)

Thanks-Anthony

[Ordinaryseaman]

Whoops! I reread the CFR's today in class. Much more clear when you're wide awake

[danzante]

A fellow PMI student- in a another class (not a cadet) had a heart attack in the bathroom. All the cadets are hoping for a full recovery- and thinking of our fellow mariner.

I'm happy to say that the student was taken off the ventilator today and was conscious and in great spirits. The doctors are expecting him to make a full recovery and cite the early defibrillation (he received a shock from the PMI AED before the EMTs arrived) as the reason he is alive today.

AED on your boat? Know where it is and make sure the battery is charged. And do me another favor: pull it out occasionally during a drill and tell the rest of your crew about it.

[Ordinaryseaman]

That's- AWESOME! Glad he's okay. Hopefully he'll be back in GMDSS class soon

Definitely reinforces the importance of regular/realistic training. The more realistic-the better. As the saying goes "cry in training- laugh in battle"

Glad you were there Jill

[Ordinaryseaman]

Fellow sailors- I have a confession. I was a little... WORRIED today. Had two tests- knot tying for AB and a math proficiency exam for PMI.

I got 100% on the knots and splicing- though I'll confess there were a couple of knots I could have done better...

The math test.. well.. I didn't do THAT bad- but need to study my trigonometry. Today was the first time I've used a scientific calculator. Also first time doing trig calculations sine, cosine, tangent-etc. It's like anything else- proficiency comes from (proper) practice- and I need to do a little more.

If you're considering a career as a mate or engineer- study up on math before you get into school- it will help.

So... AB class- day 3!

As usual- lots info was presented. PMI does a good job of mixing new info with stuff you've already gone over. This keeps everything fresh in your mind.

They also do a lot exams- which aren't graded. Knowing you'll have to answer your questions in front of the class is a good motivator though- so we all study for them I've done pretty well on these- except when I fail to fully read the questions. USCG likes to ask tricky questions- so read the whole question- and your answer. If you have time- double check.

Today we had a deck general exam- questions included-

*Labeling a diagram of mooring lines..

*The different types of block and tackle- their names, mechanical advantage, etc...

*Vessel construction terms..

And more.

Then we studied a number of things-

*Ground tackle- anchors, chain, etc. Learned the proper names for anchor components, the colors for different shots of chain, using "scope" to determine the correct amount of chain to pay out... Also info on mooring the windlass/capstan/winch components, the chain locker... which reminds me-

Our instructor told us a story about how danzante made her fake out anchor chain coming into the chain locker. I haven't yet had the "opportunity" to do this-yet.

Also discussed-

Vessel handling characteristics for single and twin screw vessels, the effects of squat, cushion and suction... We got a mini lecture on the "Houston Chicken" which demonstrates these- and was universally enjoyed Gotta look up the video.. Then we were on to search and rescue maneuvering-Williamson Turn, Anderson Turn, plus several others- and their advantages/disadvantages.

Also went over OS and AB duties- both in general- and especially on the bridge. We had done some of this before- but a good refresher. We went over helm commands again- and I made a few distinctions/learned a few new things.

Next up- compass problems- determining and correcting compass error- deviation/variation- and had a practical exam on this. Who would have guessed that discussing dead men, virgins, elections, and whiskey could help you become an officer?

That was the end of the day for most. If you haven't taken these courses- it seems like a LOT of info for one day- and it is. The amazing thing is- I never post ALL of that we go over. There are always side discussions, people popping in to say hi, sea stories and what not.. If you focus, take good notes, and do your studying- it's not that bad. Then again- I'm not in celestial yet.

I've had several people ask me about the knots part. Our instructor gave us a Coast Guard handout explaining what you have to know.

There are 15 or 16 knots- of which the instructor picks 10- and you must get 7. The knots are below (I put a "*" next to the ones I got)

Clove hitch
Rolling hitch
Bowline*
Bowline on a bight*
French Bowline*
Figure 8 Knot*
Sheet Bend/Becket Bend*
Barrel Hitch
Stopper Hitch
Cat's Paw*
Round Turn and 2 Half Hitches*
Carrick Bend*
Timber Hitch
Square Knot*
Fisherman's Bend*

* I might be for getting one..

Note- the line used was short- made tying "different" You might want to practice..

Also- you have to do a splice in 3 strand line- either an eye splice- or short splice- within 15 minutes. I did an eye splice..

Then- after sweating through the math test- I was free to enjoy a warm Spring day in Seattle. It's a beautiful city- come visit us if you have the chance. Anthony

[RkyMtn Paul]

Anthony, What you are doing is awesome. Exposing a lot of newbies/lurkers on what is involved. Cheers. On my first merchant ship, the bowline was ingrained in me. Frontward, backward, upside down, under something that I couldn't even see it. Used that knot more than any other by far. And still use today, after 13 years on the beach. 'Texas Chicken' is a trip the first time you do it, especially when no one tells you about it. Flaking the chain on a small boat is a lot better and easier than slushing lines. Keep it up, and thank you.

[Ordinaryseaman]

Thanks Paul- that's my hope. When I was new- I knew zip- and probably annoyed the heck out of the Bosun, AB's and Mate- but I had no idea where to find info- until I discovered gcaptain- and a few books

So- it's day 4 of AB class. Pretty much the last day- we will do a little more tomorrow- but a lot of it will be the two 50 question tests- so I'll be up studying late.. I also have a meeting with Marjah tomorrow. All of the cadets are getting ready to ship out for their first sea phase- and we rach meet with Marjah to go over our training books one more time- plus make sure we don't have any un-answered questions. Speaking of Maryah- she pulled me aside today- and let me know I can wait on my BST (since mine is still valid)- and ship out soon! I still don't know exactly when- waiting on some paperwork.

We started out today with a non-graded navigation exam- to see where we are at. I did pretty well- though I sometimes have problems as the questions are presented in a different context than what we've done in class. You have to pay attention and think about some of them a bit...

Next up was emergency procedures. What to do in situations like-
*Collision
*Fire
Shifting of Cargo
*other emergency situations

We went over what a station bill and billet duties are, the alarm signals for the different emergencies, how to muster- and so forth. I mentioned that the general alarm and abandon ship signals are the reverse of what they are at NCL. Our instructor explained that she had been on a ship with non traditional signals as well- which was given an exemption due to their use of the PA system/intercom. I'm guessing it was the same deal for NCL.

We went over procedures for man overboard, fire, and helicopter rescue- as well as use of the breeches buoy- which I've yet to see in real life... One quick note- if evacuating a casualty from a ship to a helicopter- don't touch the winch wire from the helicoper- or.. you're in for a shock- lots of static!

Next up- info on certificate of inspection (COI). then- we discussedlifesaving equipment- PFD's, lifeboats/liferafts, Immersion (Gumby) suits- their care and proper usage, how to right a capsized liferaft (if you've never done this- it's one of the best parts of BST class!) and a bunch more- such as davits..

Did you know- the record for lifeboat survival? It's..... 133 days! Alone! At sea! A chinese sailor named Poon Lin had his ship torpedoed by a german U-Boat in world war 2. He survived by using the raft supplies- and fishing. After a storm caused him to lose his provisions- he survived by DRINKING FISH BLOOD! That's pretty impressive. Lin move to New York- where he lived until he passed away

Sarts (search and rescue transponders) Epirbs (Electronic Position Indicating radio Beacons) Racon beaconsand liferaft radios were next. We learned how to use them- their limitations, checking batteries, and where they are stored. We also went over emergency signals again. Our instructor prefers shooting a gun and flames on the ship- though I'm guessing she just finds them more fun

Firefighting! I've had to respond to a few small fires- and have narrowly missed several more on ships-so this was a welcome refresher. Did you knw- oxidation (which causes rust) is also the reaction behind fire? Same thing- just a faster/more violent reaction.

We went over-

*The 4 elements of a fire- take out one and the fire is done.. hey- that rhymes!We discussed-

*Tpes of fire- A, B, C, D, and..K (which is a B) and how to fight/not fight them.

*The "Fire" system- find, inform, restrict, and extinguish

* Different types of extinguishers/fixed suppression systems, using scba gear, and lastly- using oxygen and gas meters to test spaces.


CPR and 1st aid were next-

*CPR

*Differentt types of bleeding- and responses.

*Recognizing and treating shock

*Treating heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia- learned some new stuff here!

We next went into treating burns and setting splints.

The hardest thing today- and my favorite- was a case study on an engine room fire aboard a French polar vessel.

We split up into 2 teams- my team read the report and opined on what we felt the crew did well. The other team focused on what they did wrong- then we made recommendations for how it could have been prevented

Tomorrow we have the two tests plus some stuff on safe behaviour on a ship- good seamanship, preventing injuries, PPE-and.. not sure what else yet.


In this case- the crew responded well-- in general. But- the situation likely could have been prevented.. we learned a lot

Gotta run- studying to do.

Until next time-Anthony

[Ordinaryseaman]

Good morning everyone Had planned on posting last night- but wasn't able to. I share computers with my fellow guests here at the hostel- and wasn't able to find an open computer for hours

Anyhoo-

Passed my AB class!

The test was MUCH easier than the class-PMI over prepares you- and that's a good thing.

Advice as far as the test-

* Find and study the USCG test illustration guides- as some of them can be hard to decipher.

* Learn your different names of block and tackle- their mechanical advantage, how to compensate for friction...

* Study the questions online- as questions can be asked several ways- sometime you know the answer- but the WAY they ask throws you off..

*Read the whole question- sometimes it sounds like they are asking you one thing- but are in fact asking another

*If you know you have a weakness- say buoys- study that extra until you get it..

All in all- it was a good class- good instructor, pretty good study materials, practical exams to check progress.

If you take the class- and study at night- you'll pass.

Some recommendations- get a book that shows buoys in color. The study book shows them in black and white- and it helps many (including me) to see them in color. Barnes and Noble has a book on sailing with color illustrations- or you can get a copy of "Chart 1" or a light list.

Same thing for Rules of the Road. PMI will lend you a book for this though.

There's a good store here called Captain's Nautical Supply which has more good nautical books than I've seen- anywhere.

(PM me if you're taking the AB class/test and need help)

I got some good news- that I can wait on taking my BST (mine is still valid) and ship out soon. I'm meeting with my port captain Monday- for orientation, drug test, etc. If all goes well I'll be flying to San Francisco on Tuesday

It's sunny here- so I'm going to go explore the city. I haven't had much free time for several weeks so it's a welcome change!

Hope everyone has great weekend-Anthony

[Capt. Fran]

[QUOTE=Ordinaryseaman;29419] Some recommendations- get a book that shows buoys in color. The study book shows them in black and white- and it helps many (including me) to see them in color. Barnes and Noble has a book on sailing with color illustrations- or you can get a copy of "Chart 1" or a light list.

Same thing for Rules of the Road. PMI will lend you a book for this though.

*The 4 elements of a fire- take out one and the fire is done.. hey- that rhymes!We discussed-

*Tpes of fire- A, B, C, D, and..K (which is a B) and how to fight/not fight them.

Hey Anthony, big kudos on passing!

I wanted to comment on a few things, though. With regards to the black and white buoys and rules, I actually prefer that, because then I take colored pencils and fill in the colors myself. Helps me learn a little better than just looking at the colors. So if you are studying for an exam, purchase a pack of colored pencils.

Secondly, because I am total firefighting geek, I need to comment on Class K fires in case folks here haven't heard of it before.

Class K is called such because it is on land a special class for Kitchen grease fires. The reason it was separated out (although the USCG doesn't recognize it yet) is because you fight a grease fire completely different than you would a Class B fire. You can put diesel out with water and foam, but you better not run into your galley with a fire hose unless you have some serious, serious advanced training. Imagine a deep fat fryer fire, you add water and now what? You've overfilled the fryer and you are now spreading the burning grease all over the place. Fun.
Therefore, Class K's are primarily extinguished with Wet Chemicals, which many of you may have installed in your galley in a fixed system, such a Range Guard, etc. Very similar in make-up to dry chems that are in your portable fire extinguishers, but stored in a liquid form. They extinguish fires by interrupting the chain reaction and through a process called soponification, in which the grease solidifies and turns to fat. (Think Fight Club)
Well, that was probably more than you wanted to know, but I have firefighting OCD. Must. Talk. About. Fire.

[seadawg]

hey anthony,

just a thought..if you haven't already..you might want to start a digital marine library??

Bowditch 9 http://www.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/St...S/APN/pub9.zip

Coast Pilot 7 http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/n...ed-reduced.pdf

Light List 6 http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/Ligh...0List%20V6.pdf

Buoy Pages http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/Ligh...N%20Plates.pdf

Rules http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/mwv_f...s/navrules.pdf

Chart #1 http://www.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/St...rt1/chart1.zip

much much more at these links:

NOAA http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/s...hartspubs.html

NGA http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/marit...ront_door=true

USCG http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules.htm

**meant to add this as well..good array of calculators**

http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/marit...c24fd73927a759



BTW..BEST LUCK..doubt you will need it though!!

[Ordinaryseaman]

[QUOTE=Capt. Fran;29435]

Some recommendations- get a book that shows buoys in color. The study book shows them in black and white- and it helps many (including me) to see them in color. Barnes and Noble has a book on sailing with color illustrations- or you can get a copy of "Chart 1" or a light list.

Same thing for Rules of the Road. PMI will lend you a book for this though.




Hey Anthony, big kudos on passing!

I wanted to comment on a few things, though. With regards to the black and white buoys and rules, I actually prefer that, because then I take colored pencils and fill in the colors myself. Helps me learn a little better than just looking at the colors. So if you are studying for an exam, purchase a pack of colored pencils.

Secondly, because I am total firefighting geek, I need to comment on Class K fires in case folks here haven't heard of it before.

Class K is called such because it is on land a special class for Kitchen grease fires. The reason it was separated out (although the USCG doesn't recognize it yet) is because you fight a grease fire completely different than you would a Class B fire. You can put diesel out with water and foam, but you better not run into your galley with a fire hose unless you have some serious, serious advanced training. Imagine a deep fat fryer fire, you add water and now what? You've overfilled the fryer and you are now spreading the burning grease all over the place. Fun.
Therefore, Class K's are primarily extinguished with Wet Chemicals, which many of you may have installed in your galley in a fixed system, such a Range Guard, etc. Very similar in make-up to dry chems that are in your portable fire extinguishers, but stored in a liquid form. They extinguish fires by interrupting the chain reaction and through a process called soponification, in which the grease solidifies and turns to fat. (Think Fight Club)
Well, that was probably more than you wanted to know, but I have firefighting OCD. Must. Talk. About. Fire.

Thanks Captain Fran :-)

I think you brought up some good points-

the colored pencil thing is smart- especially since the tests don't show colors.

Also- thanks for for the info on class k fires. I try to summarize to keep my posts short(er) and forgot that many haven't heard of NFPA class K. Glad you distinguished and and suggested means of fighting. I've worked in several galleys aboard ships- we usually just put a lid over small grease fires- but also had fire blankets and fixed wet chem systems.

Which leads to a story.. someone accidentally activated a wet chem system in the galley of one of our cruise ships! Right before meal service too!

Luckily- I wasn't aboard that cruise- I hear they were cleaning up for a LONG time!

[Ordinaryseaman]

Seadawg- thanks for the well wishes- and the links

I had a few of those- but not most- and they are much appreciated. I will email them to the other cadets as well

[Shellback]

Whoops! I reread the CFR's today in class. Much more clear when you're wide awake

From now on when I have a discussion with an evaluator, I will be sure to ask if they got a good nights sleep first before I try to argue my point, thanks Anthony!

[rjbpilot]

Holy Crap, Anthony-----how do you find time to type all this stuff every night. Aren't you getting carpal tunnel syndrome yet!?

[Ordinaryseaman]

Holy Crap, Anthony-----how do you find time to type all this stuff every night. Aren't you getting carpal tunnel syndrome yet!?

Haha! Not yet-knock on wood

Seriously? One word- discipline. I committed myself to doing this daily. So- unless I don't have an internet connection, or have to work a 16 hour day- I write every school day.

The great thing from my perspective is that it benefits me tremendously. By writing- I'm reviewing everything I've learned in that day- and it solidifies what I'm learning in my mind. Plus- I like to write!

And- As an added bonus- I occasionally get to help someone- so it's a win- win for me.

Met with my port captain today- and will be flying off to California for work manana. Hoping I can get a signal at the port- no aircard.

Until Next time-smooth sailng everyone.

Anthony

[rjbpilot]

That is great Anthony. You are focused like a laser........you will make an excellent Deck Officer and Captain. Keep enjoying your endeavor.

[Ordinaryseaman]

It's the first day of my first seaphase! I had to fly out early- so I slept at the airport. Didn't want to take any chances

I flew from Seattle to Oakland California this moning. My first impression? It's a lot warmer here! Which is a plus

Harley was nice enough to have someone waiting for me at the airport- and he had already arranged for a shuttle to take me to Starlight Marine's facility in Alameda.

Actually- I thought EVERYTHING went amazingly smoothly. We've all been on ships where the first day was a mess- not here.

The folks at the office were great

An hour after arrival- I was on my new boat- the "Z3" which is a dual zpod tractor tug. It's a nice boat- the crew obviously works to keep her clean and painted.

Right now there are two captains, and engineer, and myself. Everyone is polite, professional- and seems happy to be here. That's a BIG relief to me..

After getting unpacked I did some painting- then we were off to do ship assist for three ships. Joining us were two cadets from Cal Maritime. We all observed from the bridge and the captains were great about explaining things/answering questions.


Our first ship was the Matson Kauai- and everything went smoothly. I was amazed at how quickly everything went. And- we had a great view of the ship- and downtown San Francisco.

We had two more ships- then headed back to port. Everything went very smoothly- it was agood day!

Captain Mike served a great chicken dish- and refused to let me do any dishes. (I couldn't believe it!)

The captains were also nice enough to let me use their internet- I don't get a signal here.

Gotta run- grab some sleep- may have to be up in a few hours..will write more soon

Anthony

[leekyleek]

Would you recommend the Mitags\PMI route to a person with no prior maritime experience?

What type of work do you expect once you finish the program, And what type of earnings can be expected.

Also what type of wages can you expect as a Mitags\PMI cadet?

And would you choose this route as opposed to going to a Academy specially if you have half of a degree already earned. But you are 24 and cant afford to spend 4 years not making money.

Is it possible to get a commission in the Navy with the license received through PMI\Mitags.

Sorry one last question ... Can you upgrade the limited license to unlimited in the future?

[Ordinaryseaman]

LeekyLeek-

Hi-

Absolutely-

The program I'm in is designed for those with no experience!

When you graduate- you can work as a mate- on vessels 1600 tons or smaller- cruiseships, tugs, OSV's- lots of stuff.

Pay? Depends on what you do, where you do it, and for whom...

I've known mates making anywhere from $240 a day to $500 a day.

I think the academies are a great option- and you come out with a degree.

You don't get a degree through PMI- but then again- you don't need one. You simply need a Coast Guard license.

I'm 29- I considered the academies- but am in the same boat as you- I wanted/needed to make money sooner. If I were 18- I would likely go to an academy- or the Job Corps AB program. Being 29- I felt PMI was the best fit for me.

I have no idea about the question regarding a commission- but I'll vet Jeffrox and many others here could help.

Absolutely- many people start out with a lower tonnage license- and work there way up. There are several good threads on this in the forum.

Hope I've been of some help.

If you have more questions- you can PM "danzante". Jill works at PMI and will answer your questions honestly- without trying to "sell" you on the program.

Have a blessed day-Anthony

[Ordinaryseaman]

Aloha!

Sorry for the delay in posting. My former captain left- I now have a new one. Nice guy- CMA graduate- but he hasn't let me use the internet. Luckily- I found a Kinko's a few miles walk away- so I'll be posting a couple times a week. Will try to figure out a more affordable way so I can afford to post daily.

Doing good here.

I was told it would be a minimum of a month before the captains here let me work on deck- but I was lucky enough to make it in 3 days. Some of the tug crews don't have very high expectations for cadets- and were surprised to see me working hard all day long.

I don't have a minimum number or required hours. I decided i would work at least as long of a shift as everyone else- and I think it's gone a long way to win people's confidence here. I kept getting up before everyone else- and having fruit, cereal, etc. out for breakfast. The guys here couldn't believe it. I learned to do this from Marjah (thanks) at PMI. They OVER- prepare you- so you can hit the ground running once you're on the boats..

I'm working like crazy- and learning a lot. You learn to take naps wherever you can- because the schedule can change fast. If you don't sleep when things are slow- and you get a call- you may not sleep for a while!

I've been on 2 boats- both z-drive "tractor tugs" owned by Harley Marines "Starlight" division. The Z3 and Z4 are identical- and both very nice inside and out. Both sport dual caterpillar engines and Ulstein Z drives. And- they are freshly painted- they look good!

I'm also happy as this is the first time I've EVER gotten my own stateroom!

What do we do? Basically- we help large (up to 1000 foot) ships onto and off the docks in Oakland and the surrounding areas. Usually we work in concert with one other tug- although sometimes there will be 3 of us in total.

We approach the ships.. they drop a line down to me.. I tie their line onto our towing line- and they haul it back up onto their ship.

Once secured we follow the commands of the pilot aboard the vessel.

I don't have a fixed schedule- I've worked between 13 and 20 hours a day since getting here- and I LOVE it

The guys are great- and happy to teach me.

My highlight so far- I was lucky enough to drive the tug "Z4" back from Pittsburg CA to Alameda CA. It was cool! I got to see CMA, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge- and I steered the tug under the Oakland Bay Bridge.

I've never steered anywhere with so much traffic- there were dozens of sailboats, other tugs, container ships, and high speed ferries all around. I was a little nervous- but had the captain in the wheelhouse in case I need help.

The company pulled me off my regular boat the "Z3" just so i could get some extra training. This is a major advatage, in my eyes, to the program. It was a real confidence booster.


Last night we were assisting a cargo ship off the dock- when we got a call that a cargo container had fallen into the water...

We sailed out looking for it but couldn't find it.

Turns out it sank in the channel It is now marked with a buoy- I'm curious to see how they get it out ....

Gotta run- long walk back to the dock.

Will post again as soon as I'm able.

Smooth sailing-Anthony

[10talents]

Anthony good to hear you are enjoying the gig. I also enjoy reading about it. Might be a good idea to not post your daily working hours.

[Tugted]

So you are working on a tug with 2 wheelhouse people & an engineer?? Did they take the deckhand off to give you a spot or are they running around with a 3 man crew working long hours?? Why not throw the heaving line up to the ship??

[Jolly Tar]

Might be a good idea to not post your daily working hours.

Why not? If he's not steering his workday isn't regulated is it?

[Jolly Tar]

Might be a good idea to not post your daily working hours.

Why not? If he's not steering his workday isn't regulated is it?