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May 23, 2002
Vessel Data
Status: Enroute to Brisbane, Australia from Auckland, New Zealand
Latitude: 30-57.6’S
Longitude: 165-25.9’E
Total Distance: 1330.1 miles
Gone: 634.3 miles
24 Hr. Dist.: 296.3 miles
To Go: 695.8 miles
Current Speed: 12.1 kts.
Engine Setting: 90 RPM’s Port engine
Weather:
 Air Temperature: 64°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: W 33 Knots
Clouds: Overcast
Sea Temperature: 68°F
Water Depth: 163 Meters
Sunrise: 0637
Sunset: 1738
Aboard the TSGB
Day 34
Daily Log:
 We left Auckland on Tuesday to cross the Tasman Sea between New Zealand and Australia. Unfortunately, we ran smack
into an approaching gale. It rained heavily for the first couple of days and, just like a roller coaster, the ship pitched up and down on 20-foot swells and rough seas.
Because of the required speed to arrive on time for the next port, we had to proceed at a medium-high RPM. This had the effect of driving us into the rough seas.
However, the ship was trimmed by the stern (deeper draft aft than forward), which prevented us from burying the bow
into the oncoming swells most of the time. This trim conditions tended to keep the ship a little dryer
(less spray) than if she had been on an even keel. Not all of the time though as you can see on this
picture. Times like this are a little tough on the bow lookout, but the cadets are resilient (just kidding – they are brought back to the bridge wing during times of rough weather).
Even though the weather made it a little uncomfortable doing everyday things, the ship’s routine of
classes, watches and day work continued. It is easy to take for granted doing simple things like
eating, typing, walking down stairs, showering, etc. when your world is stable and not moving. It’s a
little tougher at sea. You don’t realize how much unconscious muscle movement is necessary just to
maintain your balance all day. Crews become fatigued after significant periods of rough weather and
everyone can become a little irritable and cranky, especially when the sky is overcast day after day.
Fortunately for us, the gale moved on eastward, the wind abated and the sun began to peek through.
Even though the sea and swells are diminishing in height, they are now approaching from a different
direction – namely, the beam instead of the bow. Ships being longer than they are wide tend to offer
less resistance to the sea’s forces when they come from the sides. Thus, I am writing this prose as
we roll from side to side. It is hard to stay alongside the keyboard. I am really going to have to get a desk chair that doesn’t have any casters on it.
 With the sun shinny brilliantly today, we conducted our weekly emergency drill. Today’s topics were
emergency medical triage, moulage and ambulance extrication and transport. Doc Benedict, the ship’s physician, instructs the assembled CMA and Cal
Poly students in a show and tell practical demonstration. Some of the students assist the Doc as would-be victims of horrible, but simulated trauma
accidents. These Halloween reminiscent props are used to facilitate instruction of proper methods and techniques to medically manage
 complex situations. Besides , some of the kids like the opportunity of Oscar performance role-playing.
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