With the guidance of Captain Aquilino Perez, Jr., Bow Odyssey launched the lifeboat by free fall and the man overboard (MOB) boat by davit one November afternoon while at anchorage in Yantai, China.
A quarter of the crew made this possible: Chief Officer Eraño Nazar drove the lifeboat while Second Officer Dan Gozos maneuvered the MOB boat. Bosun Leonardo Ambrosio, Able Seman Rolly Jaena and Ordinary Seaman Kent Hortillosa provided the much-needed assistance. Third Officer Kevin Hechanova, Third Engineer Christian Ray Apoli, Able Seaman Gerome Bucu, Motorman John Padillo, Deck Boy Fel Rheiven Sula and Messboy Jonas boarded the lifeboa, while on the MOB boat were Apoli, Able Seaman Rolly Jaena and Messboy Andalis.
The Captain ensured the safety of the crew prior and throught the drill. Safety practices were observed and executed from launching until securing of the boats.
The sprinklers of the lifeboat, along with its equipment, were tested and checked. The MOB boat crew also grabbed the opportunity to repaint the ship’s draft marks as they maneuvered the boat around the ship.
The hands-on drill not only allowed the crew to be familiar with the life-saving equipment on board; it also provided them with a learning experience that beats lecture or reading material. Experience is the best teacher, indeed.
