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May 25, 2002
Vessel Data
Status: Enroute to Brisbane, Australia from Auckland, New Zealand
Latitude: 27-36.4’S
Longitude: 155-43.2’E
Total Distance: 1330.1 miles
Gone: 1183.2 miles
24 Hr. Dist.: 251.9 miles
To Go: 147.7 miles
Current Speed: 10.1 kts.
Engine Setting: 65 RPM’s Stbd engine
 Weather:
Air Temperature: 71°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: SW12 Knots
Clouds: Overcast
Sea Temperature: 73°F
Water Depth: 1763 Meters
Sunrise: 0612
Sunset: 1656
Aboard the TSGB
Day 35
Daily Log:
The gale force weather has abated in the last two days. We lost a little time due to the rough seas but we have now slowed speed sufficiently to run with just one main engine. Even though we have
encountered some rain today, the forecast is for clear weather tomorrow as we arrive in Brisbane.
Today’s topic is Bridge and Engine Control monitoring equipment. The following picture panels are
illustrative of the types of equipment used to control the vessel from the Bridge and the power plant from the Engine Operating Station (EOS).
 The Bridge is equipped with an Electronic Chart Display (ECD), which combines a computer electronic chart
display with inputs from the ship’s GPS position as well as targets being tracked on radar. The TSGB is represented by the center of the small green circle as she moves along
her course line represented by the red line extending to the Australian coastline.
 Another device of immeasurable utility is marine radar. This shows the new 3cm radar installed last year which
replaced an aging 60s vintage set. The new Sperry unit incorporates the newest technology, and like anything computer (especially with a trackball), the cadets take
easily to its operation. Radar is essential in permitting the ship to operate safely at night in periods of restricted visibility.
Cadet Velasco steers the ship from the Sperry steering stand, while Cadet Kahm consults one of the six Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver displays.
The main Bridge console contains the main engine control telegraph as well as engine monitoring systems and emergency, ventilation and fire pump control systems.
 Incorporating every bit as much control technology as the Bridge (much more actually), the EOS is the central brain
center to control the ship’s main machinery spaces. Computer monitoring and control systems dominate the essential ingredients necessary to efficiently manage
the main propulsion engines as well as the Ship Service Diesel Generators (SSDGs); not to mention the host of auxiliary systems necessary to keep a modern
vessel moving, lit, cool, watered and heated.
 Cadet Maher is seen at the central main engine control display. Right next to it is the main engine throttle
control station. Notice the telegraph handles exactly like you saw previously on the Bridge control console. This is how the Bridge relays or “telegraphs” desired
maneuvering orders to the engine room.
 Directly behind the main engine control console Cadet Benson, the cruise Corp Commander, is seen standing
next to the main electrical distribution panel. This is the panel that accepts the electrical energy being produced by the SSDGs and distributes it to the vast array of
electrical systems throughout the entire vessel – from lights, to power outlets in cabins, to ovens in the galley to the anchor windlass.
We’ll write again soon with our down-under experience in Australia.
Captain
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