Good evening Jake
It is 2300 hrs (or 11.00 pm) and I am just typing this to you before I go up to the Bridge to have a last check on the time of arrival at our next port, San Juan in Puerto Rico .
With regards to your questions, here we go……..
How and where did my career start - My father was very keen that I should join the army and I was equally keen that I wasn’t going to join the army - so I decided to go to sea instead. I went first of all to a Nautical College in Scotland , and from there I joined my first chip as a Deck cadet.
What knowledge is required in navigating - It helps if you have a mathematical mind because there is a lot of math and formulae involved. You have to learn about celestial and terrestrial navigation, and it very satisfying to be able to put it into practice.
What is your favourite part of the job - without a doubt it is maneuvering the ship when we are approaching or leaving the pier.
What type of guests do you meet on board - Most of our guests are retired, and so they are free to undertake some fairly long cruises. We are just finishing a cruise which will have lasted for 82 days. All of our guests are extremely pleasant and interesting people.
What are the trickiest waters to navigate - parts of the Amazon are very tricky because there is a very strong current flowing in and out, and there is not always a lot of water beneath the ship.
Where has being on the sea taken you - I have literally been around the world, but not so frequently in the Pacific. As far as port entries are concerned, two of the most spectacular ports to look at when you are approaching are Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro ..
What are some of the privileges in terms of handling the vessel - Being a Captain is the greatest job on earth, especially on a cruise ship. There are many different aspects to the job such as safety, the operation of the ship in technical and social terms, you are always meeting new friends, but the best part of the job is the maneuvering of the ship. It is always challenging but always gives you a great sense of satisfaction when it goes exactly the way you want it to.
Facts about Regent Seven Seas Cruises - RSSC is in the luxury sector of the market place with about 4 other companies. In modern day terms the ships are of a medium size, they carry only a small number of guests (490 or 700), and the ships are extremely well fitted out with nice large suites. Above all else though, the crews are very friendly and there is a fantastic atmosphere on our ships.
Your grandmother talks very highly of you Jake, and you sound like a very enterprising young man, so keep up the good work. I look forward to having you on the Bridge of my ship one day.
Best Regards
