So the Chief correctly predicted that changing the lockset in my door would get me volunteered to be in charge of changing any more that came up. Today when I went to get my daywork assignment it was a number of odd jobs throughout the ship from plumbing to electrical to locksets. It was fun to get into so many different systems across the whole boat.
One of my myriad tasks was fixing the heat in the Cook's room. That's one of the first rules of sailing I've learned: Keep the cook happy. Apparently the heating unit in the room he is staying in was changed out when the boat went to the shipyard, but hadn't been used since its been back. So it was staying around 63 degrees in his room. All in all it was a good day, and I got to mess with and learn some new things. I like that part of engineering, with pretty frequently new challenges and lots of different disciplines. Marine Engineering is very much a "make it work" trade. The solution doesn't have to be elegant or perfect, so long as it gets us down the line to the next port (preferably on schedule).
Towards the end I took a break to watch the ship transit through the locks. While we went through the McArthur Lock we saw the Speer and the Gott come by the other way through the Poe lock, which is as big a ship as can fit through, so it was cool to see that as well. I'm heading to bed right as we're passing Whitefish Point, and I'll sleep as we cross Superior on our way to Marquette tomorrow. Maybe I'll find some WiFi there so I can post these entries even.
I'm sure you are glad to finally be out of a class room and are enjoying the hands-on stage of your learning experience. I hope things go well for you on your new journey through life!
Happy sailing (but keep your life vest handy!)
"The solution doesn't have to be elegant or perfect, so long as it gets us down the line to the next port (preferably on schedule)"
(preferably without blowing up)