Indian Ocean - Captain’s Talk

Captain Mueller delivered a couple of interesting lectures this week. The first was an overview of the instruments and controls on the bridge.  

The second, held today, was a two hour slide presentation describing the ship‘s workings. 

Of particular interest was a description of the system for roll stabilization. Two large  “dorsal” fins are extended out the sides of the ship, and are actively driven to minimize roll. The fins remain out for most of the time the ship is at sea. 

The effect of wind on a cruise ship is considerable. It is a testament to the skills of the crew that we seldom think about it. But wind remains the one variable that the captain and crew constantly monitor. The wind, acting on the exposed surface area above the water, can create forces that are tough for the ship‘s motors and ballast systems to react to. At open sea, there is generally time to react, usually with a quick course change. Entering or leaving a port, tugboats are on standby, if wind is expected. 

Our journey continues.