NavList:

Bruce,

 

I have sailed with cadets, but they don't send them to these "preposition" ships too often as we don't move enough to warrant them, and ironically they can't get their celestial navigation projects done.  Interesting that the CM would sleep with you on the conn.  My captain wouldn't allow that at all, even if it was in the middle of the ocean.  I would love to have a cadet however, as I would try to teach them what they REALLY need to know to be a 3rd mate out here instead of all the school stuff they think that they need to know.  They would also be a wiz with the sextant when i was through with them.  lol.

 

When I used the Winlink system I started with PacTor 1 and then moved up to PacTor III over the course of about 2 years.  I just had to go through the frustration of each speed before I could justify the upgrades.  I suggest that II or III is the way to go as they are far more robust, especially during the nadir of the sunspot cycle that we are in.  There aren't enough stations here in Asia to warrant me to bring my ham gear out here, so i haven't used it in a few years now as I can't make a connnection.  The system is much easier to use in North America and Europe.

 

Christmas will be in South Korea which is better than sea, but still never as good as home.

 

Jeremy

 

Jeremy:

Thanks for all the information. You should get yourself a Cadet as they are cheap and handy. As a second year cadet, I used to do a lot of the first mate's navigation watches while he slept after working too much overtime.  As well, I did the payroll and spliced all the tuglines.

Do you use Pactor II or III for your HF email.

I hope you get to spend Christmas at home, or at least in port.

Cheers

Bruce Hamilton
Vancouver, BC
VE3 BRH