26th March

When we left Colombo we already had our razor wire rigged on deck 3, this in anticipation of our entering the High Risk Area for pirate activity.  Matters have improved considerably since the ‘bad old days’, when dhows and their skiffs were prowling the seas in search of prey. The actions of military (naval) resources from several countries have slowly but surely decreased the attempted hijackings and now, the HRA has reduced in size.  It used to encompass the Indian Ocean, from the west coast of India, into the Gulfs of Oman, Aden and the East coast of Africa.  Now, most of our route to the Persian Gulf and Dubai, is a Voluntary Reporting Area and we enter the HRA for only 12 hours enroute to Dubai. Nevertheless, it is always prudent to be cautious, and following the naval recommendations, the razor wire and water-cannon are still rigged.

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We pass through the sector without incident thankfully and make our way towards the Straits of Hormuz, the stretch of water between Iran and Oman and one of the world’s most important areas of water.  It is a ‘chokepoint’, all traffic passing in or out of the Persian Gulf has to pass through it, particularly oil.  The navigable section for these monoliths is only 3 miles wide, they being constrained by their deep drafts and having to stay in deep water.

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While crossing the Indian Ocean, I found some tome to take some photographs around the ship and, as many of you had asked, I post them before moving onto a Dubai post.

Our Bridge

Our Bridge

...and Safety centre

…and Safety centre

My lovely Joystick

My lovely Joystick

...and Manual controls

…and Manual controls

Anchore secured for sea

Anchors secured for sea

The Engine Control room

The Engine Control room

Our tailors, busy

Our tailors, busy

The upholstery room

The upholstery room

anothe rphoto of the ECR

another photo of the ECR

The laundry

The laundry

Our 'I-95'

Our ‘I-95’

4 thoughts on “26th March”

  1. Captain Jonathon – interesting that you are in the HRA as only on Monday night (AEDT) Lois and I were talking about where Australian military assets and personnel were deployed. I remarked that we had naval vessels patrolling the Gulf and East African coast. We often have navy supplied footage aired on local TV where our ship has intercepted a boat with significant drug hauls resulting.

    The dangers are ever present and the Hollywood take on this was highlighted a few years back with “Captain Phillips!

    Great photos cataloging what must be a remarkable journey!

    Safe sailing.

    Regards

    Allan Gibson OAM

  2. Wonderful to read your blog and keep up with the journey. Especially liked the pic of the working areas in the ships. We feel as if we are still there with you and the precious crew when we read your blogs.

  3. It is just unreal the behind the scenes on a ship. We just go, hoping the cabin is nice, the food good, entertainment something we like.
    I for one know what you mean by I-95 I’m a east coast person

  4. Love seeing the photos of parts of the ship that passengers rarely get to see Thank you.

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