Members write..... Dear Editor,


I read with great sadness of the passing of John Gordon in the January 2012 On Watch and the obituary from his daughter, Rachel, in the February 2012 Edition.


I mention this because in June of 2009 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer that turned out to be quite aggressive.


Prior to this diagnosis, I would make a point to visit the doctor in February to have my PSA reading done. And every year the reading had been a boring 3.5.


In 2009, when I ought to have undertaken my routine visit for the PSA reading in February, I put it off because of more important family needs and decided to skip that year and follow up in February 2010.


Fortunately, in June 2009, I had some spare time on my hands, so decided to have the blood tests done – it took a mere half hour of my time.


The report the doctor received showed the PSA had more than doubled from the previous reading, and within a month I was in hospital (The Freemasons) and had my prostate removed.


The doctor told me that the cancer was not far from spreading to other parts of my body.


Following the surgery I was on three monthly checks for the first year, and thankfully everything was clear. I am now on six monthly check ups.


If I had left having my PSA read until the following year, things could and probably would have been far different.


So act now, DON’T put it off until tomorrow.


Because someday tomorrow will not be there Regards, Richard.


Left to right- Jason Halliday (ETO), Kristo Saric (ETO) Alex Blair (2/E) Lindsay Goodes (ETO), Kim Halliday (Assist C/E), Robert Snaddon (1/E), Greg Cook (ETO), Mark Green (ETO), Glen Mayes (ETO).


Thanks to Kim and members on Hermod for this contribution. All members are encouraged to air your views in On Watch


Hermod leaves the Aussie coast. Australian Marine Engineers and Electricians farewell Heerema vessel SSCV Hermod and her Dutch crew after the successful completion of the Rankin B project off Karratha Western Australia for Woodside. The Hermod is now heading back to Batam Indonesia to prepare for the next project, where the Australian crew will depart the vessel.


The Dutch and Australians working together during this project have created a strong safety and team building culture that has inspired us all, through various difficulties, to work as one.


The hard work of everyone has been invaluable in creating a harmonious working and living environment onboard the Hermod. Ultimately contributing to the success of Woodside’s Rankin B project.


The Australian Marine Engineers and Electricians from Total Marine Services (Programmed) presented a souvenir beach towel to each of the Dutch Engineers and Electrical Engineers of the Hermod, whom we all worked side by side with during the project. We hope they will get plenty of use at the pool? Your Aussie mates thank you and wish you one and all the best in the future.


On Watch March 2012 page 41


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