The afternoon was spent snorkelling which was fun: we saw many fish. After
dinner I was out on deck writing postcards and I desired to know the name of a
watch. This I walked outside along the deck to the bridge, poked my head in,
and asked the question. Benito was standing watch and he answered, with some
input from the captain, who explained that terms like the "dogwatch" are
solely used in the navy and that in the merchant marine such terms are not
used. He said that it was called the "junior" watch: since the captain is
usually awake from eight till twelve, it is an opportune time to advise or
oversee the most junior officer. I chatted with Benito some, who suggested
that I stay on bridge as we were about to depart (at about nine in the
evening). Anchor was drawn up and we departed. LORAN is no longer used (it's
obsolete: even at sea) and they use GPS. Their radar, GPS, and steering are
all linked on a video display which shows the radar returns, course, speed,
and bearing. It will also show course, speed, and bearing of selected targets
on the display. Waypoints may be programmed and the autopilot will steer the
ship to each waypoint. Wow. Just like airplanes (except with land plotted
using radar returns). The I finished writing my postcards - aftr an hour on
the bridge. (The helmsman was Mr. Calderon) (The captain Cpt. Hinojosa)
November 4, 2002, 6:45 pm