Day 8 started off a little differently than the others. There was no PT this morning, and instead, Cadet Candidates had the opportunity to attend a non-denonimational religious service, or continue to prep their rooms and uniforms. This was a nice break for the C/Cs after a long week off waking up and working hard at PT.

Today, 1st Company attended Pond Day, and 7th company completed their STCW Water Survival requirement. Additionally, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th companies had their company pictures today. Everyone loved the chance to show off their big smiles for the Orientation Blogger!!

Other companies spent time perfecting their drill movements, as today is one of the last chances to practice land-side skills before mini-cruise. All Cadet Candidates and Cadre attending Mini-Cruise embarked on the ship, and had a practice run of our fire and emergency, and abandon ship drills, before the Coast Guard inspects us and clears the ship to leave tomorrow.

The day ended with more company time and drill practice, along with plenty of preparation to move onto our training ship tomorrow. I personally am so excited for mini-cruise, and cannot wait to give Cadet Candidates the opportunity to be aboard the ship they will learn and grow from the rest of their academic careers at Mass Maritime!

“You can’t control the direction of the wind, but you can control the sails.” – Jimmy Dean