Happy Birthday Brent

As Brent will be in Launceston for his birthday (this Tuesday) I organised a surprise birthday bash for him at the 3weeds in Rozelle. Even though the surprise was leaked he was still thrilled that so many people showed up to celebrate. Way too many beers were drunk for a school night!

Thanks to Jaime for organising this yummy gelato cake and to everyone for coming along. Brent also says a big thanks for the cool puffy jacket and all the other gifts.

How man seamen does is take to change a lightbulb? And other interesting shipping facts.

4!

Signatures from the duty deck officer, chief mate, and captain, and an IR to to do the changing - now that's OH&S gone crazy!

I also found out today that shipping pilots wear suits to work, which is weird since everyone else on board dresses more like this.

Update: for all those people that wonder what the hell Brent does out there for 6-8 weeks at a time... got browsing and found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Mate...excellent description (well in my landlubber opinion anyway)

Secret modeling career or doppelganger?

SPoT3

Brent started 2 weeks ago as 3rd mate on the Spirit of Tassie. On the upside, no more iron ore; 4 week swings; free trips to tassie; no more hanging out in port kembla; and to top it off, a pay rise! On the downside...can't think of one right now.

I visited last weekend and took this photo as they cruised into Darling Harbour, if you look really (really) hard you can see Brent on the bow.

Boys fishing trip

Last weekend Brent and Duncan organised a boys fishing trip on Sydney harbour. Only with a lack of available boys due to various Christmas commitments they were forced to allow a couple of yucky girls (namely Sarah and I) onboard to make the venture economical.

In all we caught 11 fish, Duncan bringing in the lion share with the lucky rod, 10 baby bream and one large unicorn fish - all inedible. Was a very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon though.

Here's evidence that we caught something...

One off handed comment and look what happens...

I quite like it!

Sing it from the rooftops

Brent passed his orals!

Covered in red dust

Last Friday I spent a night with the boy on board the Iron Chieftain. The Cheiftain carries coal to Whyalla and Iron Ore back up to the steel works in Port Kembla.

I had the grand tour of the ship and watched the iron ore falling onto the belts to be discharged. You can see the ore glistening in the air and everything is covered in a layer of red dust including us.

Living on board a ship is very comfortable, Brent has his own cabin, about the size of a small hotel room with his own bathroom, desk, lounge and bed. There is a lounge, bar, gym, pool and formal and informal dining rooms. The chef, Barb, prepared roast rack of lamb with orange glaze for dinner, they certainly don't go without!

Brent works the 4-8 shift. I spent the time watching DVD's in his cabin, and he spent the time in the tunnel helping with the discharge. I slept straight through his morning shift!

Felt like a total tourist but here are some photos I snapped while (hopefully) no one was watching...

In the Life Boat

Covered in Iron Ore

The Anchor Chain

Unloading the Ore