Back in early July, I bought a new Jay Flight 22 ft travel trailer...Due to circumstances that I did not have control of I wasn't able to take it on Shake Down until this past Monday, August, 22, 2011.
After all system checks, taking on a full load of potable water, reports to the Chief Engineer and pilot house, the special sea and anchor detail was set and lines were cast off and we pulled away from home pier at 1434.
Engine speeds were tested at turns for one third and two thirds.
There were no noticeable vibrations, hawing or pitching. At times the port steering gear seem to vibrate mostly on a starboard turn...
Arrived at anchorage for system check at 1505. Filed paperwork and was granted permission to berth 22 in the Maple quadrant.
After tying up and rigging shore power, the engines were put on cold iron and system check would now be conducted.....
The reefer which had already been previously lit off and set at max low was indicating 33 degrees in the main reefer and 0 degrees in the freeze locker. These setting were monitored every hour and adjustment made with the controls to secure an optimum storage temperature.....in this case 38 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees...by the following day optimum settings had been achieved.
After everything was secure and all systems in use running normal..the XO wanted to go ashore for dinner as it was running late and the galley had been secured until 0600. Attempting to do this is was brought to my attention that the vibration in the port steering gear was in fact a problem that needed to be addressed; however the SIMA (Ships Intermediate Maintenance Activity) had been secured and wouldn't be open until 0700.
Due to climate change and temperature drop the sound and security watch was notified to secure the AC&R and lite off the heating system...due to the fact that the equipment was new and had not been previously used, it emitted fumes that actuated the fire alarm system which had to be put temporally in standby. It was ordered to set condition Xray from Yoke in order to ventilate the space. Exhaust fans were activated and intake portals were open in order to evacuate the space of the fumes...
0930 Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011
At SIMA for diagnosis and/or repair of vibration in the Port Steering gear. Order was written up and not being able to obtain a priority sitrep, I was transported back to the unit and was notified that I would be contacted when diagnosis/repair was effected.
1530 received a communication that the main bearing in the gear was defective and would have to be replace and work would continue immediately. The repair facility sent a courier to pick me up and I signed all necessary paperwork and reclaimed the main prime mover and returned to the unit.
Being late the XO decided to spend the night ashore. Found that the main computer would not receive in our location it was decided to take the main liberty launch to a location better adaped to get a signal. Communications was acheived and after retrieving messages and sending some returned to the ship. It was close to taps so secured for the night and turned in.
The hot water system was tested but had to make announcements that water conservation was in order and water hours showers were in effect. You had the option of going ashore for a luxuary shower. Holding tanks were tested and now all systems had been verified as operational.
The ship was ready for it's Maiden Voyage.
1300, August 26, 2011
Pulled along the garbage barge and purged the holding tanks.
Retuned to home port, off loaded supplies and had the crew pull a sweep down and taking trash to the pier. Prepared the vessle for cold iron and took to sea anchorage where it will be berthed until the next underway event.
Tom Miller, CO and log entry clerk.
