SKS Demini

I boarded a brand new Norwegian tanker, SKS Demini, at Gellibrand Pier on 22nd January 2013 to prepare for a compass adjustment next day when the ship would return to the anchorage. As departure was set for 0400 the following morning, the ship's captain kindly provided me with a cabin to sleep in on board that night. We left the berth at 0430 on the 23rd. and I performed the compass swing en-route to an anchorage far down the bay. After the pilot anchored the ship at 0730, we both left via pilot launch and returned to Williamstown, Melbourne.

SKS Demini arriving at Gellibrand Pier 22nd. January 2013.

A helicopter carrier under construction for RAN.

Heading to the anchorage.

Dawn light at the anchorage in Port Phillip Bay.

Diamond Princess, Iron Monarch - Westernport

By virtue of me being a compass adjuster, my very good friend, Port Phillip Sea Pilot Captain Charles Griffiths was able to take me aboard Diamond Princess with him as an observer while he piloted her into Westernport and anchored her off Cowes and then piloted her back out to Bass Strait that night.
The next day I accompanied him while he piloted BHP's Iron Monarch from the Hastings steel terminal to sea.

Diamond Princess - 1st January 2010

Heading out to Diamond Princess in Bass Strait, aboard the Westernport pilot launch on 1st. January 2010.

Charles piloting Diamond Princess to the Cowes anchorage.

Preparing for tendering operations.

Cowes pier from the ship's starboard bridge wing.

(L-R) The ship's Captain and Staff Captain.

The crew pool and jacuzzi.

Disembarking the ship by pilot launch at 0100 on 02/01/10.

Iron Monarch - 2nd January 2010

Sailing from the Hastings terminal.

The ship's Captain at the bridge wing controls.

The starboard pilot ladder rigged ready for our disembarkation.

Sailing down Westernport Bay.

The pilot launch approaching to take us off.

The ship from the pilot launch.