Ship Simulator

English forum => Small talk => Topic started by: Ballast on November 15, 2008, 21:25:31

Title: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on November 15, 2008, 21:25:31
Hi all,

Just wanted to say hi. As some of you know im currently on board, we are now loading at the Tees (UK) for Ghent (Belgium). Just came back from our tour in the Baltic, visited some really nice ports in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Im almost at the half of my contract, on board now for 3.5 weeks or so and less than a month to go. Going home just in time for Christmas. Cant wait to get home and sail with the Jumbo Javelin  ;D

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5712.jpg)


Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: IRI5HJ4CK on November 15, 2008, 21:40:31
Hi Ballast!

Hope all is going well out there for you! must be quite tireing for you, I want to go into the Merchant Navy myself, and have a career at sea. Hope the rest of your journey goes well!

Jack :)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Captain Best on November 15, 2008, 21:57:43
im sure you are tired.

what port did you visit in Norway ;D

See you on Mp soon i hope ;)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: MrFlappy102 on November 15, 2008, 23:34:48
How was Finland? A girl I know is from there
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Nathan|C on November 16, 2008, 10:58:14
Hi Ballast,

Great to hear your doing ok, good luck with the rest of your "training" (If that's what it is.?)

I plan to join the Merchant Navy too..

Little Jumbo "Teaser";
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: RMSGreatBritain on November 16, 2008, 11:08:13
Hi Ballast, Nice to see you again, see you soon,

Kind regards,

RMsGreatBritain
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Carl ov plymouth on November 17, 2008, 12:39:40
hey ballast so glad ur ok, we've all missed ya and will be glad when you return just in time for christmas.

In the meantime take care and have a safe but happy time across to belgium
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on December 18, 2008, 13:46:41
Hi all,

Thanks for the kind messages  ;D

I got home yesterday from Finland, first by car to the airport then flyed from Turku-Helsinki-Amsterdam. Had a great time on board, visit some really nice places but nothing beats home  ;)

@ Nathan; thanks for the awesome screenshots.

@ Captain Best; we went to Heroya, i dont know if that's the name of the town or only the harbour. We went sight seeing in Puttersgrunn or something, only 10 minutes walking or so.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/faith-1.jpg)
The 'Dutch Faith' at the lock at Kiel, passing the Kielcanal enroute from Fawley, UK (known by the Solent players!!) to Naantali, Finland.


For the Solent players  :P

Freedom 90
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/freedom90.jpg)
Freedom 90's AIS info
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/freedom90ais.jpg)

The Red Eagle
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagle.jpg)

The Red Eagle approaching Cowes, seen by our electronic chart.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagleais.jpg)

The Red Eagle meeting the Red Falcon.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagleftredfalcon.jpg)

The Red Jet 4 meeting the Red Jet 1
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redjet41.jpg)


Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Nathan|C on December 18, 2008, 14:18:10
Great to have you back Ballast! Some awesome pictures there my friend!
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: saltydog on December 18, 2008, 14:21:02
I agree, very nice pics.. :D
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on December 18, 2008, 16:01:36
Thanks guys, more picture's  ;D

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5586.jpg)
Bridge.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5589.jpg)
Bridge console.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5590.jpg)
GMDSS corner for communication with Inmarsat C, MF radio, MF/HF DSC, satelite phone.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5591.jpg)
With all the computers on the bridge, they still found some space for the chart table with the old fashion paper charts.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5839.jpg)
Officer's messroom.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5842.jpg)
Cargo control room.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5843.jpg)
Cargo control panel, all hydraulic valves and pumps on deck are operated from here.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5844.jpg)
Ballast and tank heating control panel.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5846.jpg)
Control room for engine department.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5847.jpg)
Main engine topview.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5856.jpg)
Main engine bottom deck view.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5852.jpg)
Auxilery engines.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5849.jpg)

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5851.jpg)
Workshop for engine department.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5857.jpg)
Workshop for deck department.

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5914.jpg)
Inside the ship, the 'voith space'. it's between the deck and the cargo tanks. Went there several times for inspection and adjusting the valves of the heating system, no fun in crouching there!!  :P

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/IMG_5859.jpg)
Last not but least, the most important place on the ship. The galley. 7 day's a week the chief cook makes breakfast, lunch and dinner for 14 souls.



Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: RMSGreatBritain on December 18, 2008, 17:09:14
Welcome back Ballast, great pics!
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: IRI5HJ4CK on December 18, 2008, 17:31:36
Hi Ballast!

Great picture's! Hope everything is going well for you.

Jack :)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ncena1 on December 18, 2008, 17:36:41
hey, thx for that nice look inside that ships could be possible that i saw you in Kiel-canal hehe
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: jim.smith on December 18, 2008, 19:11:40
Hello Ballast
Really nice pictures,the galley was my domain when I was at sea Merry Xmas ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 02, 2009, 20:41:19
I'm currently on the Dutch Spirit, the sister ship of the Dutch Faith. Good ship with a happy crew, time flyes!

(http://i42.tinypic.com/24nmsme.jpg)
Went swimming in Teesbay. Survival suits come in pretty handy if you decide to go swimming in april!

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2ah9vgy.jpg)
Woooo!! Woooo!! All aboard, the float train  ;D

(http://i40.tinypic.com/vfcraf.jpg)


(http://i42.tinypic.com/35mqhoj.jpg)

(http://i43.tinypic.com/33ekfi1.jpg)
Got a visit from the RAF on our trip from the Tees to Antwerp.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/23vaiif.jpg)
Tees pilot

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2m4vzww.jpg)
In the end, it's just another day at the office.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Minime on May 02, 2009, 22:45:00
do you guys get to sail in mob boats? I got to when I was with an oil tanker in Norway. Nice pics btw, looks like you are having a great time there.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: TerryRussell on May 02, 2009, 23:55:44
Hi Ballast.

Are you coming to the Solent on this trip? If so, please give me an ETA and I'll see if I can get out to meet you.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Kapn Jonah on May 03, 2009, 04:07:52
By what i gather from his pics, he already went through the Solent.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: TerryRussell on May 03, 2009, 08:30:36
By what i gather from his pics, he already went through the Solent.

You need to look at the words as well.  :evil: That was a previous voyage, not the current one.  ;D
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Nathan|C on May 03, 2009, 09:17:30
Brilliant pictures Ballast, great to hear from you again and glad you're doing well :thumbs:

We can't wait until you get back  ;)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Shipaddict on May 03, 2009, 09:21:48
Hey Ballast! :)

Lovely pics there, glad you had fun swimming. :P

Good luck with the rest of your trip!
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: RMSGreatBritain on May 03, 2009, 10:58:00
Great Pics Ballast, cant wait for you to get back! :)

I hope your enjoying yourself, you like it! ;D have a nice time :thumbs:
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: TJK on May 03, 2009, 11:07:18
Hi all,

Thanks for the kind messages  ;D

I got home yesterday from Finland, first by car to the airport then flyed from Turku-Helsinki-Amsterdam. Had a great time on board, visit some really nice places but nothing beats home  ;)

@ Nathan; thanks for the awesome screenshots.

@ Captain Best; we went to Heroya,the name is HERØYA  i dont know if that's the name of the town or only the harbour. We went sight seeing in Puttersgrunn or something, only 10 minutes walking or so. The name are PORSGRUN and you have LANGESUND add ed by TJK

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/faith-1.jpg)
The 'Dutch Faith' at the lock at Kiel, passing the Kielcanal enroute from Fawley, UK (known by the Solent players!!) to Naantali, Finland.


For the Solent players  :P

Freedom 90
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/freedom90.jpg)
Freedom 90's AIS info
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/freedom90ais.jpg)

The Red Eagle
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagle.jpg)

The Red Eagle approaching Cowes, seen by our electronic chart.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagleais.jpg)

The Red Eagle meeting the Red Falcon.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redeagleftredfalcon.jpg)

The Red Jet 4 meeting the Red Jet 1
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/mennojan/redjet41.jpg)




This is the 3 towns nearest Herøya were you was
Herøya http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her%C3%B8ya
Porsgrunn http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsgrunn
Brevik  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevik
Langesund http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langesund
BDW Nice pictures, glad you shred it with us and welcome back soon
TJK
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 07, 2009, 19:15:52
Thank you for all your kind words  ;D Due my shortage of time i can spend on the internet, i'm not able to replay to every message personal but it's much appriciated!

We are still on the Tees, 3 weeks on board and we spend about 2 weeks here, mostly waiting  :-\ Tommorow we leave to Immingham on the Humber, after that back to the Tees to load for Antwerp. Not the most exotic trips, but it beats the alternative.


(http://i40.tinypic.com/2jcsm02.jpg)
A story about the old Dutch Spirit in a local news paper who made her 1000st trip to the Tees.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/10ro9ra.jpg)
The modern Dutch Spirit, also on the Tees. Currently making voyage number 988, a few more trips left before she can join the magic 1000 voyages club.


Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 07, 2009, 20:00:58
do you guys get to sail in mob boats? I got to when I was with an oil tanker in Norway. Nice pics btw, looks like you are having a great time there.

Yes, testing the MOB boat and free fall boat are one of the most populair jobs on the monthly job list :D

(http://i43.tinypic.com/wbc70g.jpg)
It's not exactly a fast rescue boat, but it sure is fun  ;D

Hi Ballast.

Are you coming to the Solent on this trip? If so, please give me an ETA and I'll see if I can get out to meet you.

Not sure if we visit the Solent this trip. We'll be happy if we get any trip :-\

Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Minime on May 07, 2009, 20:38:14
lol nice, gotta be lovin that job.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Shipaddict on May 07, 2009, 20:38:56
In case anyone hasn't noticed, we need to say a huge happy birthday to Ballast!

Happy Birthday Ballast!
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: IRI5HJ4CK on May 07, 2009, 20:40:07
Wow, Fantastic! I wish I were you  out there MJ! ;D :lol:

Hope all goes well for you. And, Happy Birthday!

(http://www.wondercliparts.com/birthday/graphics/birthday_graphics_33.gif)

Jack :)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Minime on May 07, 2009, 20:41:11
didn't notice your birthday, happy birthday and I hope you have a real good cook on board there.
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 16, 2009, 20:09:11
Thanks for the birthday wishes guys  :) Sure did had :P b-day party on board!


I'm currently in Stade, near Hamburg in Germany.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/33a8eua.jpg)
Taking over some spray in the German bight. Suprised to see how fast everybody gets used to nice weather. Plenty of rolling cans and other stuff that's not properly stowed  :P

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2i8k7wn.jpg)
Dirty jobs with Ballast Rowe  8)

(http://i41.tinypic.com/112h11k.jpg)
This is why i like sailing on the English coast  ;D

(http://i40.tinypic.com/34y223q.jpg)
Cover photo of my essay about voyage planning. How corny  :D

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2rww96t.jpg)
Easy life, seen from the aft mast.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/nthyg.jpg)
Sailing backwards on the river Tees.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2ppmuc8.jpg)
...everything you say can and will be used against you...  :-\



Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Captain Best on May 16, 2009, 23:14:22
Cool. were Mike Rowe there.

hoped you had a nice birthday, :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Kapn Jonah on May 17, 2009, 00:17:28
Happt belated birthday Ballast ;)
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Capt. Matt on May 17, 2009, 16:02:29
Happy Belated B day Ballast what do you do on the DUtch Spirit?
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 28, 2009, 18:23:43
hey, thx for that nice look inside that ships could be possible that i saw you in Kiel-canal hehe

You might get a second chance! currently awaiting cargo in the port of Rotterdam area. ETA Brunsbuttel somewhere the 30th, bound for Lithuania and Russia. You might be able to follow us on the many free AIS websites.

If you have time, can you make a picture?
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on May 29, 2009, 12:45:54
Some movies i've made during my trip on board the Dutch Spirit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdIYK6OXGKA
Pilot on board!  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF1XP9NiBUk
Helicopter drill off the UK coast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzeE4PeTHFw
Abandon ship drill, woohoo  :lol:
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: MrFlappy102 on May 29, 2009, 13:21:46
Very nice videos! Looks like yopur doing well!  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Nathan|C on May 29, 2009, 13:53:54
Brilliant videos Ballast  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: IRI5HJ4CK on May 31, 2009, 08:30:42
Cracking footage Ballast! :lol:

Very funny watching the crew "Walk the plank" :lol:

Jack ;D
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: capn_cal on June 01, 2009, 03:25:26
i hoppe your having fun ballast
Title: Re: Just to say Hi!
Post by: Ballast on June 26, 2009, 17:41:11
i`m flying this monday to Turku, Finland for another 2 months trip on board the Spirit. Next port of call after Naantali would be Le Havre, France according the crewing department.

Taa!!   ;D