At 0700 EST, the T/S Empire State was approaching the channel markers outside of the Harbor at Willemstad, Curacao and located at 21 degrees and 21 minutes North Latitude and 074 degrees 26 minutes West Longitude. (She was steering various courses and speeds while piloting to enter port). The skies were partly cloudy with winds out of the east at 05 knots. Barometric pressure was 1014 millibars. The air temperature was 80 degrees and seawater was 71 degrees. Seas were calm.

CAPTAIN'S LOG:

Our arrival in beautiful Willemstad, Curacao was very smooth and professional. All of the cadets performed as if they are seasoned mariners though many had never handled lines before this morning. I love it when the plan comes together.

The pilot embarked at 0805 for the short trip through the narrow Willemstad channel. That was somewhat akin to driving the ship through the downtown streets, past the Dutch looking buildings. Imagine being in a 17,000 ton, 565 foot long ship in a tiny canal in Amsterdam and you will have some idea of the scene. The entrance to the harbor here is so narrow that it makes the Cape Cod Canal look positively wide in comparison. In fact, the new hotel on the Eastern corner of the Willemstad harbor has an insurance policy that covers it in case it is hit by a ship! Once inside the protected quay, we carefully maneuvered within throwing distance of the dock. Heaving lines shot out to workers who hauled our first mooring line to the cleat at 0857. The troops wasted no time and we rang up "Finished With Engines" a scant 21 minutes later.

We are moored in a wonderful location only a short walk to some of the best shopping and entertainment available in the Caribbean. Willemstad Harbor services even the largest mega passenger cruisers and this is peak tourist season. That fact is sure to increase tourist type opportunities for all and I would not be surprised to meet someone from home as we enjoy the city.

Willemstad also takes pride in having one of the finest Container Terminals in the Caribbean and those capabilities are obviously undergoing significant expansion even now. These people are intent on remaining competitive in the Global marketplace and their world-class facilities certainly reflect that goal. Curacao is also intent on keeping the place ship-shape and clean, too. Upon arrival, we were informed that vessels entering port must comply with strict international anti-pollution standards that are rigidly enforced. Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (MSEP) people are everywhere.

Willemstad is the capital of Curacao and one of the nicest cities in the Antilles. The city is designed to meet human needs rather than that of automobiles. Consequently, everything that one could want including duty free shopping, is contained within a small area that is closed to all but foot traffic. Nice...no dodging Main Street traffic here.

Well folks, today is going to be hectic. Cadets are more than anxious to see the world and I cannot blame them. Diving, dining, and dancing await. The current weather (for those who have interest): partly cloudy, 86 degrees Fahrenheit, no rain in sight. You understand- we cannot afford to waste even a minute. See you tomorrow with more "Tales from the Antilles."

Captain's Inspection, by 2/c Megan Kearns (Wareham, MA), and 3/c Angela Abbott (Sandwich,MA)

The weight has been lifted. Captain's inspection has come and gone. The preparation was long and tiresome, but we all passed and will be able to enjoy our first port of call. At 1900 yesterday, Captain Bushy and his staff inspected each berthing compartment. This thorough inspection included not only neatness of uniforms, but cleanliness of berthing areas, heads, and showers. The cadets worked all week scrubbing decks, toilets, and dusting overheads. All of their work paid off, however, with liberty being granted today as soon as Customs paperwork is complete.

Cadet thoughts for the day, by 2/c Katie Coan (Brimfield, MA)

Life aboard the TSES (shorthand for - Training Ship Empire State) is quite routine, even for a second class cadet like myself. I get up every morning at ten past seven, put my work clothes on and go eat breakfast in the messdeck. After a quick bite to eat, I go up to the forward weather deck for morning formation; an accountability muster which lasts about 20 minutes. Because I am a Marine Safety and Environmental major, the rest of my day is quite different from most cadets. I help instruct in the marine science labs. From 0800 until 1130 I help teach biology to a group of freshman in the labs. We break for lunch around 1130 and resume classes at 1230. After lunch I teach the same labs to a different group of freshman until about 1530. The labs include measuring seawater density, Earth Measures (where we use hand held GPS-Global Positioning System instruments),and a toxicity lab. (Note: Dr. Allan White and Asst. Professor Jim Hathaway of the Academy MSEP faculty are onboard teaching marine science and industrial safety to all new cadets and MSEP upperclass who signed up for the advanced version of that class.) 2/c Katie Coan, MSEP

ANSWERS FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 19

MATH:

Volume of the container

V = PI X 2h

V = 22/7 X 7 X 7 X 15

V = 2,310 cubic inches.

2310 cu in divided by 231 cu in per gal = 10 gallons

Cadet Dailey had better find a larger container or re-think his plan.

SCIENCE:

Ocean floor. Benthic creatures are bottom dwellers.

GEOGRAPHY:

The Dutch

HISTORY:

The Netherlands was awarded possession of Curacao in 1815.