As of 0800, the Patriot State was at anchor in the harbor of Caldera, Costa Rica.

Captain's Log:

The first day of liberty in a foreign port is always full of excitement. To the different sights, smells, money, languages and faces, add the mystery of a port that no one on board has ever visited.

Although Costa Rica has become a very popular destination for cruise ships and tourists, this will be the first time the Massachusetts Maritime Academy will call in Caldera. In fact, its very popularity is why we have to anchor out in the harbor and ferry the cadets and crew ashore in motor whaleboats. While passenger ships usually stay in port only a few hours, giving the tourists a taste of the port and then turning the dock space over to another ship. Patriot State will stay in a port three days to allow everyone to experience the culture and get a rest from the heavy work schedule on board the training ship.

Once the "hook" is dropped in the anchorage, a parade of local officials comes aboard. Customs, immigration, agriculture and other officers are escorted up to the Captain's stateroom to review the Ship's documents. After an hour of introductions, handshaking, stamping papers,and drinking coffee the ship is "cleared" and liberty is granted for the cadets, officers, and crew.

Cadets in Division 3 must stay aboard for the next 24 hours as they stand engine room watch, post the anchor watch, perform maintenance and fill the role of shipboard fire department and emergency response team. By midnight tonight, they will anxiously await the return of the first liberty parties...the freshmen cadets.They will listen intently to the tales of exotic places and exciting adventures, making a mental checklist of places they will want to visit tomorrow when their turn comes...and noting the places they will avoid as a result of a tale of woe from some "youngie" who learned a life's lesson the hard way. The first year cadets, known as fourth class or "youngies", have "Cinderella" liberty and must return to the ship by midnight tonight. Sophomores (third classmen) have earned the right to stay out 'till 0100 (1AM), and juniors are due back by 0200 (2AM). The lucky senior cadets on their final sea term and within 5 months of graduation and the "real world", have overnight liberty and need only return for their tour of duty.

Tomorrow, it starts all over again, with Division 3 getting their first crack at the treasures of Costa Rica and Division one cadets looking longingly through the portholes.