Date: 07/19/2011
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Weather: Sunny and Hot
Title: Day 2 of STCW-95 Course, Water Survival Practical

Yesterday we had the theory portion of water survival and social responsibility. Today we completed the practical portion of the course. The practical took place at the Swimmers Hall of Fame down next to the Bahia Mar Marina a couple of blocks off the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the youngsters. After all, I was in my element.

The training first included a swim with lifejacket on across the pool and back. This wasn't a race, but I won. Next we had to don the cold water survival suit and swim around the pool for about 20 minutes. Then we had to each simulate an abandon ship order by jumping off a 10 foot high platform. (Gina, the Brazilian lady, had a real hard time with this but she finally took the step off.)

Last of all we had to inflate the life raft and practice flipping it over to the upright position and getting into it. Nothing too hard, mostly fun stuff.