Twenty Years Before the Antenna Mast

Trip: Eight

Call Sign:

Company: British India Co.

Specs: 11166 GRT

Rank: R/O

Joined: London 2/9/71

Departed: Liverpool 9/9/71

This was a single UK Coasting trip where I was only on board whilst the regular radio officer had some leave. A ship over 1800 tons could not sail without an R/O, even just around the coast, so I was his temporary relief. He would return when the ship did her next deep-sea voyage. I could have got to like this ship. It had a very comfortable bar and nice accommodation!

There was not a lot to do really, just take the weather forecasts and send and receive a few messages concerning arrival and departures, all cleared without trouble on MF via the UK coast stations. The ship was relatively old, and really did not need the services of an Electronics Officer. It was mostly all "handamatic" with very little electronics on board at all. And provided a nice quiet start to my marine electronics career.

These coasting voyages, lasting only a few days, or a couple of weeks at most, could also be a disadvantage. You never really "belonged", as everyone knew you would be leaving shortly. Sometimes quite a number of the crew would be only doing a coasting voyage whilst the regular crew got some leave. Even so we managed to have quite a good social life on board. Many wives would take the opportunity to sail around the coast with their husbands, which made for a very relaxed and convivial atmosphere aboard.