So from Stornoway, we continued to Kirkwall, our third port in the itinerary. The trip between these two ports brought a bit of excitement, especially because we had to pass through the Pentland Firth – a place well known for its strong tidal currents and challenging navigation.
We went through the Pentland Firth just before my watch ended at 4 AM yesterday. The current was around 3 knots at the time, giving us a good push and noticeably increasing our speed. It was still manageable, but this area is not always this forgiving.
Pentland Firth is one of the most powerful tidal streams in the world. In certain areas, the current can reach up to 12 knots, especially during spring tides. These strong currents can create overfalls, eddies, and whirlpools that make navigation extremely tricky and potentially dangerous — even for large ships. Timing is critical when transiting through here, and that’s why the captain was at the bridge to personally oversee the passage.
Yesterday, I got to drive the lifeboat again as part of our regular drills. It was a bit windy and the waves were about half a meter high, so maneuvering back to the block was slightly challenging — but that’s exactly why we train.
Regular lifeboat training really helps build confidence among the crew. The more we practice, the more prepared we become for any real-life emergency.
Yesterday, a waiter from the restaurant team was with me in the lifeboat. He’s more used to serving food than handling boats, but he did well and was eager to learn. It was great to see someone stepping outside their usual duties and trying something new. With more training, I’m sure he’ll become just as confident in lifeboat operations as he is in the dining room.
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
During my watch on the bridge, the view was amazing as always. I managed to capture a photo of one of the wind turbines standing proudly onshore, surrounded by rolling green hills and farm buildings.
We left port at 4:30 PM to begin our journey back to Southampton. The sun was still shining as we slowly pulled away from the dock. Everything went smoothly, with the ship gently gliding out of the harbor.
Right now, we’re sailing through the North Minch and later today we’ll be in the Sea of the Hebrides. Just like our last time here three days ago, it’s so peaceful – no fishing boats or any other ships around.
Seafarer and Family Man
I'm Dexter— a seafarer by profession, a traveler by passion, and a homebody by choice.
