"Full Ahead" - the Bridge. Part 2

This is the second part of the MV Doulos bridge.  Read Part 1 if you missed it.  I have had many memories and stories about my former workplace from helmsman throwing up into a bucket (or over the side, "yucks"), to new helmsman steering the ship in a snake-like path.  I'll post those stories up in another time.

As I've mentioned before, the Doulos bridge is very old.  Most of the fittings and style were left 'as-is' from the Medina and the newer bits were added along the way.  At times when I walked her passage ways and working areas, I inadvertently felt whether she could still hold.  But the Doulos was strong!  Well, reporting for duty means entering from the boat deck into the Deck Office.

Deck department office. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

I would have to walk past the office and climb up a short flight of stairs and passing the captain's cabin, I come to another stairwell which lead me to the bridge.  If it's in a day watch, you would hear the usual conversation between deck watchmen and the officer on duty.  Quite the opposite, the night watches were a little 'toned down'.  You'd hear the radar and radio units quite clearly with the 'whirring' of electrical fans in the background - plus some chattering by those on duty.

www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

A scenario of what watch-keeping looks like.  Two 'look-outs' alternate being on the helm every hour for the duration of the watch under the supervision of a duty officer. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

Notice in the picture above, prior to the conversion of the ship's electrical power from DC to AC systems, the bulkhead behind the helmsman position is still lined with electrical cables.  These would be discarded during the major electrical project to upgrade the vessel in accordance to the maritime rules and regulations.

 Behind the helm position is the chart room. Another radar unit and other essential navigation equipment are located here.  Not forgetting the all-important coffee machine. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

 Look at those wires - most of it has been there since the 'Roma' and the 'Franca C'   www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

Another view of the wiring and cables aboard the MV Doulos.  To my left is a Marconi Radio Beacon Locator. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

Here's what the Doulos bridge looked like after the electrical conversion project a few months after I had left the ship.

 The chart room looks more 'sharper' now.    - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

 Equipped with computerised Chart plotter. What a change from my earlier days. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

The wires and cables are out of sight!   - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

Look at those gauges on the top bulkhead. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.com

My former cabin, near the "No Entry" sign, the cabin with the porthole.  I was a Deck Cadet then.  Provided by www.ssmaritime.net

"Piloting" the ship, (a term commonly used by professional mariners) from this vantage point was quite steep learning experience for me.  I have served under a number of Chief Officers, 2nd Mates and two Masters (captains).  From coffee-making, polishing the brass wares, sweeping the decks to supervision of new helmsman, 'shooting' the stars and downright navigational duties.  I felt I was part of her history and pitching to high seas.  When I first came aboard, It took me three months to get over my seasickness - then I was enjoying riding the waves as she went, be it under the heat or in the driving rain outside.  More stories coming up!  Look ahead.  Something is on the horizon.  Feel free to leave comments and let's enjoy sharing.

- www.doulos1914.blogspot.com