Japan to Darwin by small boat continued
Sea trials were carried out next to verify that everything was operating correctly. I cannot recall the type of material that the diesel fuels tanks were constructed with, maybe stainless steel but probably just plain sheet metal. The fresh water tanks were constructed with GRP and for weeks after there was a continuous flow of small fibers working their way through the system causing blockages.
One remarkable thing that immediately came to my notice was being able to see the sea water passing along the outside of the hull from inside the engine room! The GRP was thick but evidently what passed for the gel coat was partly transparent.
All must have checked out ok on sea trials, but as we loaded up ready to depart a small Typhon passed through which delayed us for a few days. When we eventually did sail it was out into a sea that was still stirred up from the Typhon.
We supposedly had sufficient fuel for the 3,000 odd mile run to Darwin, but at this stage I did not have an accurate daily fuel consumption figure, so I insisted on running the shaft generator until such time as I could figure out the fuel consumption. Doing this meant that once set the engine speed could not be changed despite the sea conditions.
The Captain was not perturbed with this arrangement,but the owner's son that travelled with us tried to argue about. He was overruled and after a day or so the weather settled down and it was no longer an issue. I cannot recall just how long it took for the voyage, but I think around 14 days.
After about 4 or 5 days out the bloody stern gland started leaking and no amount of coaching OR threats, improved it. The result was that I had to pump the engine room bilges every 4 hours around the clock. The accommodation was comfortable enough, but only 4 hours sleep at a time became a drag after a few days. Apart from that there were no other major problems. We stopped somewhere to change the engine oil and filter, and I leave it to you to imagine where the used oil went.
I cannot recall exactly where our course took us, except for a bit of concern in, I think, the Celebes Sea, when a small boat a long way off appeared to be chasing us. At that time there were known to be pirates around and we were unarmed. The boat could not catch up to us, if in fact they were even trying to, and eventually disappeared. The only other thing that sticks in my mind is that I had a can of Coke planted away in the refrigerator to celebrate crossing the equator. When the time came and I went to get it, it was gone! It turned out the owner's son had taken it!
Somewhere north of Darwin we established HF radio contact with Darwin, and I recall that hearing an Aussie voice reply to us was most welcome! Upon berthing in Darwin, we had to pass Customs etc. They were most interested in the ship's stores, as we had a couple of Japanese oyster technicians with us. It turned out that there were some cans of horsemeat amongst the dry stores, which they confiscated! I also had to make a declaration about remaining fuel on board, as evidently import tax had to be paid on it.
I guess that I can say that I enjoyed the trip, and that it was an experience not too many young blokes would have had the chance to do. Probably my only regret is not taking the owners up on their offer of a permanent job, but that is another story!
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