Weekend at Sea
Below is a first hand account of a recent weekend training trip on-board MVS Appleby and is a good indicator of the fun you could be having if you join the Maritime Volunteer Service.
My first experience aboard MVS Appleby was exciting, enjoyable and highly informative. Arriving on a very chilly Friday evening, the first few minutes were spent lowering kit into the ship. We then boarded and were introduced to the skipper (Haydn) and crew, and then followed the ship’s tour; mess room, galley, quarters, heads, bridge, chart room, decks, a peek into the engine room and a safety briefing. Bunks were allocated, standing orders were read and watches established. Supper was served, and a passage plan was plotted for the following day.
After breakfast we slipped the berth and proceeded to Yarmouth where a berth had been previously organised. Throughout the weekend we were constantly being taught and shown the workings of the ship, particularly the bridge, chart room operations, deck workings and a more detailed tour of the engine room.
We all had time at the wheel during the passage and also acted as lookouts. We all performed Man Overboard manoeuvres both at the wheel and conning from the flying bridge.
Anchoring at Osborne Bay, the engineers kindly provided lunch and dinner was cooked by the watch after berthing at Yarmouth.
Those not on watch enjoyed a couple of hours ashore sampling the delights of Yarmouth’s hostelries and the local brews.
Sunday greeted us rather greyly, and after a good breakfast we slipped away to perform “coming alongside” manoeuvres again both at the wheel and conning from the flying bridge.
We then paid a brief visit to Cowes and the watch prepared a hearty lunch while others cleaned the ship.
Returning to Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon, we moored to our berth feeling an excellent time was has by all. Personally, I can’t wait to do it again!
Mike Gerschon, MVS City of London Unit