mv Astrantia - 14th June 2016

I boarded the wood-chip carrier mv Astrantia at Corio Quay, Geelong, to perform an adjustment after we sailed at 12 noon. The pilot, Captain David Burns, is a good friend of mine and invited me to return to Melbourne with him while he piloted the car carrier mv Poseidon Leader inbound to 2 West Webb Dock. Consequently, we transferred to that ship outside the heads at 1745 and I had the pleasure of watching David's highly skilled ship handling (he's now the longest serving Port Phillip Sea Pilot) as he manouvred the ship into her constricted berth. A most enjoyable day out.

The ship at Corio Quay, Geelong, on 14th. June 2016.

The friendly and hospitable Korean ship's Master.

The ship's Master and the Port Phillip Sea Pilot, Captain David Burns.

This wharf at Corio Quay was where I joined my first ship as a crew member, mv Iron Whyalla, in December 1972.

Other shipping in the South Channel as we approach Port Phillip heads.

The ship we returned to Melbourne aboard.

mv African Rook - 14th May 2016

I joined this 12 month old ship in Geelong. She is Indian-crewed, very clean and well maintained and has delicious food! We sailed at 1630h and I disembarked with the pilot outside the heads at 2100h. A lovely sunny and mild Saturday afternoon to be on the bay.

Tugs making fast.

 

Lifting off the berth - the ship's Captain (L) and the Port Phillip Sea Pilot - Captain Ronnie Jones (R).

 

Oil tankers at the Shell Refinery.

The tugs heading back into Geelong.

Other shipping at Corio Quay.

Sunset in the Geelong channel.

mv CMA CGM Jade - 31st March 2016

I boarded CMA CGM Jade at Swanson Dock, Melbourne on 30th. March to prepare for a compass adjustment on departure the next morning. I stayed on board in a spare cabin until the ship sailed at 0400 and disembarked with the pilot off Queenscliff at 0830.

CMA CGM Jade at 3 West Swanson Dock on 30/3

Other ships at Swanson Dock.

Tasty Burmese food on board

mv ICS Allegience - 14th March 2016

I joined the bunker ship ICS Allegiance at 0600 on March 14th at her berth at 33 South Wharf in order to perform a magnetic compass adjustment after she finished refuelling Diamond Princess (one of my favourite ships) at Station Pier. It was a very interesting day watching the operation from on board the bunker ship.

Approaching Diamond Princess at Outer West Station Pier.

(L-R) The First Mate,Michael Carswell, the ship's Master, Captain Daniel Gadd and the attending Port Phillip Sea Pilot, Captain David Porrett.

Bunkering underway.

The captain manoeuvring the ship so the deck crew can release the mooring lines.

Containership Maersk Garonne sailed from Swanson Dock while I was performing the compass adjustment off Appleton Dock.

Berthing back at 33 South Wharf.