Antarctica, Akademik Ioffe The Bridge

 

For the past week, I have spent a fair amount of time on the bridge but it is not until this trip that I get a more in depth understanding of it's operation.

Here new and old technology have been combined including a simple wooden steering block that reminds the crew of the ship's desired course. Even with all the technology, it is still the eyes and experience of the crew that provides for a smooth, safe and efficient operation.

 

We get a good explanation of the various control panels but I have a personal enlightenment when we arrive at the flag section of the bridge.

 

 

Flags are an important part of a ship's communication system and can also be used on a personal level. For example, did you know there was a dating flag? Not the same as the “I surrender”, white flag or the well known “Red” flag. No, this flag is white with a blue plus sign. 

It communicates “stop carrying out your intentions and wait for my signal”.

Oh, the headaches that could be avoided if we all had to use flags!

 

 

 

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