ICS Reliance - January 2019

On January 26th I boarded ICS Reliance at her South Wharf berth to perform a compass adjustment while she was on passage to Station Pier to bunker the cruise ship Pacific Jewel.

The ship's Master, Captain Ralph Theseira, watching as the Chief Officer, Zane, takes the ship off the berth.

The captain, Ralph - a friend of mine, let me drive the ship down the river and into the bay. Great fun as always.

Pacific Jewel in the Port Melbourne channel.

Following the ship to Station Pier.

An outbound container ship passing the breakwater.

Approaching the Jewel to commence bunkering.

Edgar Oldendorff - October 2018

On October 10th I joined mv Edgar Oldendorff at at Geelong, disembarking with the pilot that evening outside the heads.

photo from shipspotting.com

The Port Phillip Sea Pilot (L) and the ship's Master (R),

The Second Officer and helmsman.

The magnetic compass.

The forward mooring crew letting go.

Approaching the city of Geelong.

Arthur's Seat in the distance.

 

Buxcliff - April 2018

On 13th April 2018 I joined  mv Buxcliff, a 300m loa, 6628 teu containership, at Swanson Dock to perform a magnetic compass adjustment en route Sydney. We didn't sail until 1600 on the 14th after delays completing cargo and waiting for a brief abatement of high winds. The ship was very comfortable with a very hospitable crew though the weather was inclement with rough seas and the ship rolling heavily until the second afternoon, off the southern NSW coast. We berthed at Botany Bay, Sydney at 0300 on the 16th. and I flew home later that morning.

At West Swanson Dock, Melbourne.

The very comfortable Pilot's cabin allocated to me for my time aboard.

A long way down from the bridge wing to the wharf.

Other shipping in Swanson Dock on the 14th.

 

This ship on the other side of the dock, almost identical to Buxcliff, sailed just before us.

 

Port Phillip Sea Pilot Captain Marcus De Fina (pretending to be camera shy) and the Sri Lankan ship's Master.

Underway at last.

All fast at Botany Bay on the 16th.

Victorian Reliance - March 2018

I joined the Bass Strait cargo ferry Victorian Reliance on Thursday 29th. March at Webb Dock for an overnight crossing to Burnie, Tasmania, performing a compass adjustment in the bay, en route. The ship was very comfortable, it was a smooth crossing and I had a pleasant flight home the next morning.

Victorian Reliance's identical sistership at Burnie. I took this photo during a cruise aboard Aurora in 2015.

Sailing from No. 1 Webb Dock, Melbourne.

(L - R) The ship's 2nd Mate, Chief Officer, Helmsman and the Captain.

Crude oil tanker at Gellibrand.

Approaching the junction at the Port Melbourne channel.

I had this spacious Owner's cabin for my use on board.

Approaching Burnie the next morning.

It's been many years since I've been in a ship's vehicle deck. Waiting for the stern ramp to open so I can get the taxi to the airport.

Back in Melbourne.