Boots on
the Deck
the Deck
Honing Skills
Projects are Plentiful
mast global
Building Seamanship Skills
Greetings from the Koha docked in Tauranga, New Zealand where it's Boots on the Deck!
Preparations are underway for the ship to return to Fiji in June for its 2024 medical mission and we are on board to support that work.
Toolbox
Each week, I oversee a team of students assigned to work on board with the crew. We start with a brief safety orientation, or toolbox as it's called here. This not only equips our students with the confidence to navigate the ship's environment but also fosters a profound understanding of the risks involved and how to manage them. It's all about simple self-awareness, from stepping high over sea door thresholds to staying hydrated and protecting against the intense Southern Hemisphere summer sun.
Preparations are underway for the ship to return to Fiji in June for its 2024 medical mission and we are on board to support that work.
Toolbox
Each week, I oversee a team of students assigned to work on board with the crew. We start with a brief safety orientation, or toolbox as it's called here. This not only equips our students with the confidence to navigate the ship's environment but also fosters a profound understanding of the risks involved and how to manage them. It's all about simple self-awareness, from stepping high over sea door thresholds to staying hydrated and protecting against the intense Southern Hemisphere summer sun.
Projects are Plentiful!
Projects are plentiful, from maintaining the ship's tenders to rust control and prevention for the anchor windlass. There are cranes to be serviced, the anchor chain wash system to be rebuilt, sea doors need to be removed, cleaned, and rebuilt and storage areas are undergoing a thoughtful reconfiguration to ensure maximum efficiency
Every student is unique, and I make it a point to ask about their previous experience and gauge where they feel most at home before assigning duties. Some have a keen eye for detail and are candidates for additional training to hone their basic seamanship skills, knowing that some will play a crucial role in the upcoming outreach to Fiji.
Deck Recruits
Beatrice and Aaron have also taken the opportunity to join me on deck for work duty! Beatrice was busy recently sanding one of the launch boats, used in Fiji to ferry patients from the islands to the ship for dental treatment, as well as sanding the brightwork (varnished woodwork) inside the ship ready for new varnish. Aaron has also been out on the deck doing rust removal and freshwater washdowns, and he's very adept with the pressure washer!
Beatrice and Aaron have also taken the opportunity to join me on deck for work duty! Beatrice was busy recently sanding one of the launch boats, used in Fiji to ferry patients from the islands to the ship for dental treatment, as well as sanding the brightwork (varnished woodwork) inside the ship ready for new varnish. Aaron has also been out on the deck doing rust removal and freshwater washdowns, and he's very adept with the pressure washer!
We are so grateful for your prayers and ongoing support while we are onboard ship. You are making a difference in the lives of isolated Fijian islanders that the Koha will reach during its 2024 medical mission!
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- Matthew
If you would like to receive our regular email updates which include family news, you can click the button below.
- Matthew
MV YWAM Koha docked in Port of Tauranga, New Zealand