FTV February 1

As we make our final approach to Barbados the ship personnel are get ready to move into their berth.  There are four different lines, used to hold the ship to the pier, each playing an important role to stabilize the ship along the pier. The first are headlines, these lines protrude from the bow of the ship and extend forward. The next sets of lines are breast lines; these lines protrude from the bow and stern and extend horizontally form the ship. Next are spring lines, these lines extend from both the bow and stern of the ship towards the center. The last sets of lines are the stern lines, which extend from the stern and extern to the rear of the ship. The combination of these lines will resist the forces that act upon the ship stabilizing it while docked.

Mooring a vessel requires some coordination. The mooring lines need to be thrown to shore, but they are sometimes too heavy and awkward to be thrown easily, especially in the case of lines used on large ships. As a result, sailors use an attachment called a heaving line, a lightweight cord which can be tossed to shore. People on shore can use the heaving line to pull the mooring line over so that the boat can be moored in place. With a very large ship, a large crew on land may be involved to coordinate the mooring process.

Over the next few days the cadets will get to explore the beaches of this beautiful island. Check these websites out to learn more.  Barbados beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, in fact the beach at The Crane was rated "one of the ten best beaches in the world" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made from finely ground coral forming a clean fine grain. There are few beaches that are not fine sand. Natural sand dunes are not common but some exist in Long Bay on the south-west coast.

As a tropical island Barbados is home to many beautiful beaches. Barbados beaches are as diverse as the island and everyone has their favorite.

On the calmer west coast,   palms sway on white sandy shores while the azure waters lap gently at the shore. Relax onshore soaking up the rays or take a dip in the clear waters. Jetskiing, kayaking, catamaran cruises; swimming and snorkeling all await you.

Heading  south you'll continue to find flawless sandy Barbados beaches protected by coral reefs. The more lively surf in the south and south-east are ideal for a host of watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and boogie boarding. If you've never tried these before Barbados is the perfect place to start, hey you're on vacation after all!

Along the  east coast     the beaches are wide and wind-blown. Here the shore is pounded by the Atlantic making it a delight for the surfers who come from all over the world.

In the north  coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea reaching up to a hundred feet in height. But even here, you'll find the occasional sheltered cove. All along the Barbados shores large and small beaches are dotted with coral formations, the soft coral rocks weathered by the ocean surf, forming abstract sculptures pleasing to an artist's eye.