Exploring the Amalfi Coast by Boat: An Unforgettable Adventure
Welcome back, dear followers! Last time, we took you on an unforgettable road trip along the stunning Amalfi Coast. This time, we decided to take to the sea and explore the coastline from a different perspective. And what an incredible experience it was!
The Amalfi Coast is always bustling with activity, both on land and at sea, but we have no regrets about choosing this adventure. The brilliant blue waters, towering cliffs, and charming villages perched on the hillsides offered a magical view that we couldn’t get enough of.
We felt incredibly fortunate to witness this from a beautiful boat, discovering hidden gems along the coastline—secret caves, secluded beaches, and more. Every moment on the water felt like living in a dream.
Did you know that the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site? Its unique beauty and rich history make it feel like stepping into another world. We hope our footage captures the enchantment we felt during this unforgettable journey!
New windex
Adding to our adventure, we also had to install a new windex on the boat. For those who might not know, a windex is a vital tool for sailors, acting as a wind direction indicator. Mounted at the top of the mast, it shows the direction from which the wind is blowing, helping us to adjust our sails for optimal efficiency and ensuring safer navigation, especially in changing weather conditions.
Conquering Fears and Gaining Skills: Our STCW Training
To prepare for the risks of life at sea, we enrolled in an STCW course with the KNRM, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution. STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, a globally recognized and essential training for anyone working on the water. The course is designed to enhance safety at sea, ensuring crew members can effectively handle emergencies.
We stayed on the SS Rotterdam, a former cruise ship, during our training. My nerves were at an all-time high because I have a deep fear of water. Before the course, we had to fill out a medical form listing any fears or anxieties. I checked every box: fear of water, fear of small spaces, anxiety—everything. This caused a bit of tension with my partner, as we worried I might be sent home. So, I filled out a new form without checking any boxes, but my anxiety remained high, especially for the water-related parts of the training.
The training covered essential ship safety, including firefighting and fire prevention. We learned to identify different types of fires and the appropriate extinguishers for each. Practical sessions allowed us to put out various types of fires and practice using breathing apparatus to navigate smoke-filled rooms using the Wall Search technique. This technique involves moving along walls to locate people or obstacles in low-visibility situations, a crucial skill for firefighters.
The next day, we tackled medical first aid. We began with theory, followed by practical exercises with a very convincing actress, which made the scenarios feel real.
On the third day, we faced Personal Survival Techniques, focusing on sea survival skills such as using life rafts and survival suits. This was the part I dreaded most. In an actual emergency, when a ship is sinking, you must activate and potentially flip over the life raft. We practiced this in a pool, but I couldn’t help imagining how much harder it would be in rough seas.
We also learned rescue techniques, including how to be hoisted by a helicopter. The procedure involves dropping the line into the water to discharge static electricity before securing yourself for the lift. We finished by practicing how to climb into a life raft under stormy conditions. It was challenging, but we all made it through, and I was proud of overcoming my fears.
On larger ships, lifeboats replace life rafts, and we got to try these out as well. We also practiced using a flare gun to attract attention during emergencies. This added a bit of excitement to the end of our training.
Stay tuned for more adventures, and let us know what you think of this vlog. Until next time!
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