LIFE ON A CADET SHIP

Evening Star, Issue 17954, 27 April 1922, Page 4

LIFE ON A CADET SHIP

FUTURE OFFICERS A.S CREW. When square-rigged and other sailing vessels were on the seas, training ships were common, but now that ropes and spars have given way to steam and steel tamers they are not so frequently met with. There are some steamers, however, which train youths for the mercantile itiariiM while trading from country to country. One of these is the Federal Steam Navigation Company’s steamer Devon, which arrived at Melbourne on April 5 from Now York via Auckland and Wellington. .Aboard her are twenty-three youths, public school boys mainly, whoso ages range from sixteen to eighteen years, and Whose early training was received at Pang bourne College, near London. They fire indentured to the company, and will qualify for certificates. Among their duties on the Devon are cleaning ship and chipping iron and painting. They take part in the discharge of cargo, and when at sea a cadet is always on the bridge with the officer on duty, where ho learns the intricacies of s-un, stellar, and lunar navigation. Ho also tidies hia “trick" at the wheel, and "stands to" for lookout duty. The cadets are instructed in navigation, signalling, and first aid. Onto a week they arc taken through the engine-room. Wireless telegraphy is also included in their studies.

The cadets find time for recreation, and the Devon has an excellent jazz band. The Originator of the scheme was Sir T. Devitt, of the ship owning firm of Dovitt and Moore. For many years the largo sailing ships of tho line carried apprentice*, or midshipmen, instead of ordinary seamen, The last to do bo was the Port Jackson, which was sunk by tho ei.emy ia the English Channel during the war. Theoretical training h given at the Pangbourne CMlege, and ia followed by a year’® sea training in tho barquentinerigged sailing ship St. George, which makes voyages between Devonport and Las Palmas. The St. George was previously under the command of Oaptam J. Hamilton Blair, who was second in command to Captain J. K. Davis, in the Antarctic expedition in the Aurora. In tho trips to Las Palmas the cadets practically work and manage the ship. 1 All duties of the ordinary seaman and the A.B, aio performed by the boys,