Well the weather looks like it’s going to have a large impact on how well things go on here right now.. We are weathered down again today and most likely tomorrow too, makes it a good time to arrange all the parts etc needed and get a list together so we can get the stuff ordered.. Who knows we may even get it!

Finding it harder to talk to Angel now than before as we are anchored further out of the field making it harder to get a signal Not only that but the Sat Comms are not doing too well either no TV most of the time and internet up and down like a YoYo..

Still finding myself doing long shifts but not as bad as before.. Also seem to be picking up more and more to do.. Hmm.. Heard two more Techs arriving to help out which is great, as I know one of them, could do with the help as the other guys are just here to look after the equipment (which is hired).

Well off to bed now, should have extra hands tomorrow.

Well was asked again about staying aboard and finally said yes, but only if made up (promoted) as basically I have been sorting all the stuff out as and when from day one, well all the techy stuff anyway lol. So seemed only normal to ask for some sort of remuneration for all the hard work I have been putting in.

Strangely enough we finally made it into the field however we are not allowed in now because the personnel are not cleared to come into the field (well most only a couple are ok, one being me) so we are sitting about waiting, truth told the weather is pretty bad anyway so we couldn’t have done much.

Still trying to work out what we need and what is missing too as a lot seems to have been ordered maybe.. but hasn’t arrived :S

Well the other vessel was away when I woke up this morning and it seems we should be leaving sometime tonight.. Had some more problems with the Carousel before finally managed to get everything sorted.. Should have the camera done tomorrow (only one mind as that was all that arrived on Saturday lol). Managed to chat to Angel for a little bit on the computer last night and will try again in a bit.. fingers crossed

Well after walking on deck yesterday and supplying a PSU to fix the Carousel it was all stop again for another fault (opps) anyway managed to get some more systems up and running and the cable is still being loaded on now so should be finished soon (with any luck). Found a couple of guitars earlier so might give them a bash later on, haven’t had a chance to play for awhile now and starting to feel a bit ashamed about it all truth be known (I really have been lax on the learning of late). Not heard anything from the other vessel i was supposed to be on, although I know they are having problems right now. Seems I have been sent to Coventry (ooerr). Anyway again knackered so off to bed night all

Arranged some cable runs with some of the other guys on here before the order from RS turned up so that we had the bits ready to go when the cameras and other bits and bobs arrived.. Sadly when they did arrive it was a bit of a letdown as some stuff was missing from the order.. I had to make do with what was laying around (me thinks this is going to be the norm?) Was asked if i want to come onto this vessel from now on rather the Barge I was aboard before.. Was honest and said you think about it and tell me I don’t want to say yes or no to something that is not really my decision at the end of the day (how I hate saying that phrase). Bit annoyed again finding myself doing an Equipment Supers job and getting paid less.. But hey that’s life I guess. Still no idea when away, was supposed to be today :S

So spent today sorting out cabling problems trying to get cameras up and running and generally trying anything possible to achieve what we can, with the wrong tools and little time we have managed a fair bit and the crew of the vessel have been mega helpful lending us stuff and helping us get kit running when in fact it should be heading back to factories for refitting/repair. Got a call in the afternoon saying that the only place I can order from is RS Components.. So I again spend a couple of hours making out yet ANOTHER list before 5pm for delivery tomorrow L Again another day of running about like a headless chicken.. SQUARK!

Seems that the order I put in the other day has been thrown back the supplier I assumed we still used is now not on the preferred list, I think this means they haven’t been paid truth be told, so now having to remake the order (this is turning into a bit of a joke now L ). On top of that I seem to be picking up a lot of other tasks now too L Oh well shouldn’t complain at least working now. Been asked to stay on for a couple more weeks (was only supposed to be here until tomorrow). Hmm.. Phone is not working too well here either with me having to take a wander to get it working. Been using the Kindle 2 a fair bit too and have to say very impressed so far makes it much easier to carry around a load of books and also able to just pick it up and read. Off to bed now as slightly knackered ..

We are due to take cable onboard shortly from another vessel so it’s all hands to deck trying to solve the problems with some of the systems.. So gear should arrive tomorrow too, which will be handy, but no news on anything else yet. Managed to get the server installed into the rack downstairs today and fiddled around with a lot of other bits and bobs. The food on here is fantastic as well, better than a restaurant in my opinion which is quite something for a boat. So what’s it like working offshore?

Well you are stuck offshore for weeks at a time working 12 hour shifts (or in my case 16 hour right now) the rooms change but mainly you have a bunk bed with shower and toilet in each room. This one is pretty good with TV, DVD player and radio too.. Another thing that is a nice addition is an internet connection in each room, albeit a slow one. The only problem I have right now is not enough time to use it L

So lets see.. Wired up a complete network..

Setup a load of PC’s..

Sorted out a printer..

Put together an order for a load of stuff needed..

Managed to find out what is missing (well that I know about lol) and order up bits to fix it..

Walked to tesco and phoned Angel.. BLOODY cold..

Off to bed now.. managed to get Internet in the Cabin (but very slow)..

So wander the hounds get a call from someone moaning on about their staff using eBay and ask me to sort it out so I say I will and head back home.. Get back to find out not going offshore on Thursday and I reply saying I’m not having much luck then.. Think about signing on and mention it in the email.. Sad I know.. Then get a call saying going somewhere else.. Cool..

I get a call from a client with a PC problem so arrange to go there and sort that out…

..then bombshell need to get packed and go.. NOW!

Manage to get to sort out the client then its raised voices as both myself and Angel get cheesed off with the way this has happened, but also relieved I have some work too!..

Taxi all the way to the Boat and Bosh here I am to sort out all the IT stuff.. Oh joy *sigh*