The first group of cadets arrived aboard the Mir sailing ship on April 15, 2018. The FSUE “Rosmorport” frigate will soon start its training voyage.

A total of 132 cadets will take part in the voyage. Among them there are young men and girls of Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, the Moscow State Academy of Water Transport and the Volga State University of Water Transport.

A solemn embarkation ceremony has been held in Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping before the start of navigational training.

Deputy Director of the FSUE “Rosmorport” North-Western Basin Branch Aleksandr Strelnikov, chairman of the St Petersburg Committee for Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations Renata Abdulina, Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping Rector Sergei Baryshnikov, representatives of the St Petersburg Administration, the maritime public and relatives have arrived to welcome cadets and see them off.

As usual the dress parade has opened the event to the sounds of the national anthem and dressing by the colors of the Russian Federation and St Petersburg, the color of Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping.

In his greetings message Aleksandr Strelnikov congratulated cadets on the commencement of sea passage. He expressed confidence that cadets would honorably represent Russia abroad, carry out their tasks and solidify their theoretical knowledge in practice.

The honorable guests addressed cadets and the sailing ship’s crew members before navigation training and wished them the successful voyage and traditional “fair winds and following seas”.

Then Father Viktor, a clergyman of the Smolny Cathedral – the church of all educational institutions of St Petersburg, bestowed a blessing upon the cadets and gave them the icon of Faithful St Prince Vladimir from the Smolny Cathedral. The icon will be aboard the frigate throughout the entire journey.

During the training, the cadets will pass thousands of nautical miles, take power of endurance, gain experience and get hold of secrets of the work with sails. Future sailors will comply with a severe routine and consistent discipline aboard the ship.

The first shift of cadets will be trained for two months in the following specialties: marine navigation, the operation of ship power plants and ship electric equipment and automation aids. In addition, cadets will study rigging and be trained to work with sails.

Upon completion of the voyage the cadets will receive a document confirming their sea-going service. The knowledge and skills acquired during the voyage, sea hardening, the skill to work and live by laws of the ship’s crew will become the most valuable achievements for cadets.

During the first voyage, the bark will visit the ports of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and France. Moreover, the Mir sailing ship will take part in the festivities in the seaport of Hamburg devoted to Victory Day.