Today, we visited Bernard Schulte Shipmanagement Training Center (or BSM). Unlike the other ship management companies we have visited, BSM was more of a school specifically for this industry. Through the tour of the building, I observed that simulators are extremely valuable in teaching. BSM used simulations for almost everything, from the management of gas ships to breaching and avoiding collisions. Simulations such as these are very important because it is necessary for the students to see firsthand what will happen as a result of the decisions they make. They are more apt to remember what happens as a result of a specific source of action if they see it as opposed to simply being told what will happen. In the bridge room, we got to see students in a live simulation. While we were observing this, they breached and ran into a sandbar, then to make matters worse got side-swept by another ship! Apparently, it is harder than it looks, but that is why the simulations and practice are so important. When asked about how they get the simulations, they said that most of them are made specifically for the training center by a third-party tech/application company. Some of us made the comparison that some of Wargaming’s games are very similar to these simulations and that could be an unlikely partnership to improve the reality of the simulations. 

Another thing the students learn here is the different regulations of seas all over the world. For example, how international water regulations are different from specific countries’ regulations, and how the regulations differ from country to country. 

We also learned that the engines and generators are very important because a blackout, especially in bad weather, is one of the worst things that can happen to a vessel. Engineering, with a mechanical focus, is in charge of the control and oversight of the engines. 

One thing I noticed during the tour is that they emphasize respect for the sea, more than I have observed in the States. This makes sense because Cyrpus is an island, so everyone feels more of a connection to the water, but it is still an interesting cultural difference. 

After BSM Training Center, we went to the Omodos Village in the Troodos Mountains. Because of their high elevation, the temperature is much cooler than at sea level, and snow forms on some parts during certain times of the year. As a result, one can ski in the snowy mountains, and swim at the warm beaches on the same day, which is something very unique to Cyprus. 

Here, we had one of my favorite meals on the trip. Some of the highlights were sesame and honey halloumi, and homemade break with tzatziki and chickpea dips. The atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect for our last day, as it embodied the small Greek village feeling. After lunch, we had time to walk around the village. These few hours made it even more difficult to say goodbye to Cyprus. The Omodos village was one of my favorite parts of the island we visited, it was perfectly quaint, yet cultural and lively at the same time. If you ever find yourself in Cyprus, do not miss this perfect hidden gem.