I wouldnt worry about the time you spend on Patrol Creddly as it soons flys by believe me.
As for the bad news bit I can speak from experience there and say they will not tell you that anyone has popped there clogs until you are back alongside.
Also they will not fly you off the boat unless it is a life threatning situation.
We had the Chief of the MCC (Revenge Stbd) flown off as he had appendicitis in Mid patrol,but that is the only time I have heard of anyone get taken off during patrol time.
Also think of all the fun you will have when you go home by not being able to sleep as it is to quiet and your body not realising what day and night is meant to be after 3 months of watchkeeping without a day off.(Apparently I was told that it takes 6 months to pyschologically get over a 3 month patrol,but there you are 3 months after your last patrol back on board !! )
And the smell of your clothes and the colour of your skin when you are on the train home and people looking at you all funny as you are pissed after 2 pints.
Also on your birthday on patrol you will get more than your 3 cans from all your mates and spend the next 3 days with the hangover from hell,and then you have to your Part 3 walkthrough with an officer and have to remember every single valve and what it does and what every switchboard controls and when you go back aft amongst all the hairy arsed stokers they will welcome you with open arms (And a bit more !!)
And when you have passed your Part 3 and have proudly pinned those Dolphins on your Chest you can come back on here and tell us it was all a piece of piss !!
PS Hope this doesnt put you off ???
Then again it might have changed since my day,but I doubt it :mrgreen: