Ben Smalls Diary

My name is Ben Small. I live in Derby in England. Born in 1982 that makes me about twenty or nearly so. I hated school and that is all finished and sort of forgotten about- now lying at the back of my brain. Two years ago I decided to join the Merchant Navy and so now, after training at the Maritime School in Newcastle, I am ready to join my first ship as an Engineering Cadet. I am terrified!

To look at I am 'small' which does not help with my name. I have brown hair and blue eyes and have never been the object of a womans fantasy. Such is life and I leave home for my first voyage, not looking back and with no regrets - but frightened and worried all the same!

I have never kept a diary before. I always thought people that kept them are insecure and boring. Especially those that have many and always put something in every night. But, I have decided to try and keep one so that I can always remember my first trip to sea and what happened during my time away. If I don't survive, this will be a tribute to my last thoughts. Then again, maybe I will forget to fill it in after the first day, but whatever happens here goes!!

Engineering Cadet (First Tripper)
10th October 2002