Having been at it for 10 years in total I had finally completed my studies, at least for now. The universal day in Finland was that on the last day of May all schools closed for summer and students got their end of semester reports. I had been doing my Captains ticket for past 2 years now but the overall "process" started in 1984 when I joined Åbo Navigations Institut's general ratings course.
We all gathered at the Åbo Navigations Institut (Aboa Mare today) up on the "hill" and gathered in the big center lobby with all classes mingling together. There all Classes were divided up after the opening speech by the headmaster. Then certificates were given to each and everyone that had earned them (there was a few that had dropped out or needed more experience to get their competence), I was among our class one of the few that had the requisite experience to get the Master's COC on this very day!
The mood was very festive and also some stipends were given out. I was the 2nd student of my class deemed to be conscientious so I got a small monetary stipend to that effort. If I recall correctly it was 500 Finnish marks which works out to about a 100 euros, not much today, back in 1996 it would amount to a night out, still, a nice sign of appreciation. After having dispensed all formalities we got a glass of champagne for having graduated as Master Mariners and our headmaster told us "any ship, any trade" applies. Yes, today one might need a few additional certs for the sort of the ship (tanker, passenger vessel).
It was time to leave so we got our certificates and left the school, it was a sunny day and the birch trees had broken out fresh leaves, the air smelled fresh of the coming summer and life felt good. Few of us decided to go for a few celebratory drinks at the now defunct "Börs terrace" or familiarly called the "bush" because the terrace was in a back enclosure of the hotel and had a few trees growing up there among the tables. I recall we all sat there among the university graduates in their white hats and us with our fresh Captains tickets, sun was shining down from a clear sky through the branches. Couldn't stay for long as I needed to get home to my parents to give them the good news.
At home I was gifted the "American Practical Navigator" by Nathaniel Bowditch as well as another glass of champagne. Big tomes to read when I'll get retired. It was time to celebrate and pack my luggage as in few days I was off to Hong Kong to sign on the Columbus Caravelle as Chief officer. My new chapter in life had began.
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