Returning from 1st mission in GWX my observations

Paulverisor64 · 08-14-08, 05:10 AM

It has taken me a long time to get under way. Between basement flooding, vacations and a computer freeze issue I spent much time without any progress.

My 1st mission from Kiel was to patrol AN18 for at least 24 hours and return to base.

I guess my 1st observation was that besides the ships in the bay on the other side of the Kiel canal I did not see a single ship. I traveled all the way to AN18 and patroled for several days when I arrived there. The only thing I observed was heavy seas which didn't seem to let off.

The 1st question that comes to my mind is whether I have done things optimally to receive information of a ship or ships in the area. Excuse me for not knowing but does the Hydrophone only work when on surface or under water? When I'm on the surface I see the Hydrophone rotating as the sonar crew is automatically putting this to use. When I am submerged however is the only time I can inquire with the Hydrophone operator to do a sweep or pick other icons which are greyed out on the surface.

My other observation is that it was difficult to combat fatigue with the crew. I discovered that I needed to remove the Weapons officer right away from his alloted duties and rotate rest in and out between the officers. I also had difficulty keeping the U-boat moving as it was tough to have enough crew to keep it going. I ended up using the watch officer in the engine room and there was a lot of rotating in and out. I left the torpedo room completely unattended. With those type of adjustments I could stay ahead of fatigue.

Another thing I noticed was that the submerged time didn't last for very long. The battery would run low in very short order.

I also observed that even though there were bouts of bad weather there never was any rain. Does Silent Hunter not model patterns of rain?

Even with a lot of questions I have enjoyed the 1st patrol. I know that war hasn't broke out yet so I haven't been very much on edge. I should be able to return to port and receive my 2nd mission prior to the outbreak of the war.

08-14-08, 05:10 AM	#1
Paulverisor64 Seaman Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 38 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Returning from 1st mission in GWX my observations It has taken me a long time to get under way. Between basement flooding, vacations and a computer freeze issue I spent much time without any progress. My 1st mission from Kiel was to patrol AN18 for at least 24 hours and return to base. I guess my 1st observation was that besides the ships in the bay on the other side of the Kiel canal I did not see a single ship. I traveled all the way to AN18 and patroled for several days when I arrived there. The only thing I observed was heavy seas which didn't seem to let off. The 1st question that comes to my mind is whether I have done things optimally to receive information of a ship or ships in the area. Excuse me for not knowing but does the Hydrophone only work when on surface or under water? When I'm on the surface I see the Hydrophone rotating as the sonar crew is automatically putting this to use. When I am submerged however is the only time I can inquire with the Hydrophone operator to do a sweep or pick other icons which are greyed out on the surface. My other observation is that it was difficult to combat fatigue with the crew. I discovered that I needed to remove the Weapons officer right away from his alloted duties and rotate rest in and out between the officers. I also had difficulty keeping the U-boat moving as it was tough to have enough crew to keep it going. I ended up using the watch officer in the engine room and there was a lot of rotating in and out. I left the torpedo room completely unattended. With those type of adjustments I could stay ahead of fatigue. Another thing I noticed was that the submerged time didn't last for very long. The battery would run low in very short order. I also observed that even though there were bouts of bad weather there never was any rain. Does Silent Hunter not model patterns of rain? Even with a lot of questions I have enjoyed the 1st patrol. I know that war hasn't broke out yet so I haven't been very much on edge. I should be able to return to port and receive my 2nd mission prior to the outbreak of the war.