Location: British Virgin Islands
It turns out Seamester isnt just sailing, diving, hiking, and exploring. We do actually have to study, and today was no exception. Before our exams of the day, we worked on getting our rescue diver certifications. We learned how to properly throw a flotation device while Aoife pretended to drown, which was much harder than it looks. After that, we all hopped in the water, and one at a time we saved Perry while he panicked and flailed around like a fish out of water. There wasnt much time between the rescue dives and lunch, but most people took that time to study. After lunch, it was time for the nav master exam. In nav master, we use a huge chart of the Chesapeake Bay (you cant call it a map), and because of the size of these charts, only 5 students could take the exam at a time due to limited space in the salon. I was in the second group to take the exam, which gave me a little more time to study and jump off the boat a few times. Before I knew it, it was my turn. We had an hour and a half to complete 5 questions. The questions are word problems that involve graphing, measuring, and a little math. It is very tedious and time-consuming. It may not be a skill Ill ever use; however, if I was placed in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay without a GPS, Id know my way around. Finishing the exam was a huge weight off our shoulders, but that feeling only lasted about five minutes because our oceanography quiz was next. We had a few minutes to go over our notes, then we got to work. After we finally finished our academics for the day, Lee and Alyssa made pasta and salad for dinner, which was a perfect way to end our long day.
-Chloe
Macklyn, if youre reading this, we miss you already!!