Students from the Marine Institute are participating in a floating classroom on board the schooner Ernestina-Morrissey.
The vessel is used to provide hands-on training for future mariners and is operated by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Master Mariner, Captain Kris Drodge of the School of Maritime Studies at the Marine Institute is on board along with ten Marine Institute students.
Master Mariner Captain Kris Drodge and some of his students with the Marine Institute (submitted)
He says the program started last year, with the intention of bringing the Morrissey back to her native Newfoundland at the end of her tall ship schedule.
He says the students on board range from nautical science and marine engineering to ocean mapping, and the marine environment. “It was all about giving them the marine experience of having a ship-board life for a limited amount of time on an historic vessel like the Morrissey.”
Students getting hands-on experience onboard the Ernestina-Morrissey (submitted)
The students caught up with the vessel in Montreal and are sailing onboard until they dock in Brigus around September 10th. The vessel will then sail to The Launch in Holyrood where it will be prepared for her return trip to Massachusetts for the winter.
Student Laurel Martin says she’s loving the experience.
She says the students are sectioned off into three watches, taking turns at the helm and the lookout, boat checks, mealtimes and class time.
