Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening all,
Hope you're all keeping well!
For those of you who remember me, I thought I'd drop in and let you know how I'm progressing in the Merchant Navy. It's been quite a long time since I've posted on these forums and I do feel like I owe it to you all to let you know how I'm getting on, as Ship Simulator, without doubt, helped to push me in the right direction.
It's 6 months now until I will hopefully have an OOW ticket in my hand. The past few years have gone unbelievably quickly
. I only need a few more weeks of sea time now to obtain the 12 months required, although I will be at sea until Mid-March to gain some extra sea time. After that, I'll be off for a month and will be preparing for the written exams in that time, and then, the orals...(Cue the dramatic music). For the written's I have 4 weeks of preparation in May, and then the same for the orals.
It's quite difficult to put into words how much you learn over what feel like 3 very short years. It doesn't feel like long ago at all since I was sat rather cluelessly on the bridge in the corner feeling very out of place amongst all the gold braid and years of experience which many Officers and Masters have
...however, you do realise as you near the end that the severity of the learning curve really is quite steep, but that with the interest in what you do, you achieve that as you go through every day without even noticing it.
I have to admit, the end has come very quickly and in some respects it is slightly daunting to think that I will hopefully possess a ticket aged 19. However, I have NEVER once looked back on my decision to go to sea, and I hope the fact I started earlier than most will mean that I will have many fulfilling years at sea, and hopefully in not too many years time, a Master's position. One thing which I decided a long time ago, without doubt, is that I will aim for a command one day; there is nothing more fulfilling than standing on the wing looking down the side of the ship and being able to put her to sea. I was very lucky to have one particular Captain who was very trusting, yet to this day I don't know why he gave me the opportunity to handle the ship, as apparently it wasn't the norm for him at all. Regardless, once you have that wish and then a taster for a command, believe me, it doesn't go away!
Before I finish up, I'd seriously like to thank you all for the few years of fun that I had on here. Although many may not believe me, I personally hold Ship Simulator very accountable for giving me a great deal of understanding of Ship Handling. Of course, you cannot replicate the "elements" in the game, but you can replicate the basic principles of ship handling, and without doubt it has helped me. Not only that, but the community here were fantastic, and helped to build up my "general" knowledge about the career before I set foot into it.
For those of you who are considering a career at sea - I registered on these forums in 2008, having received Ship Simulator 2006 as a Christmas present in 2007. In 6 years I went from sitting on it as a 12 year old pressing buttons and hoping for something to move, to being on the verge of being solely responsible for any ship, of any tonnage, anywhere in the world. So for those of you who feel it is not achievable; It is, and any weaknesses you may have with regards to your studies at school are most certainly conquerable. I was absolutely terrible at maths (And I mean TERRIBLE), and even though it is the principle subject of navigation & stability, I have eventually been able to understand it and pass it. If I can, anyone can
.
For those of you who are still around - It'd be nice to meet up on Ship Simulator 08 MP at some point. I'll be back home on the 18th for 2 weeks, and It'd be great to sail with you all again.
Take care,
Kind Regards,
Jack.
