Riau Archipelago, Matak Sea Onboard Drilling Vessel Frontier Dutchess

19 September 2007 – 13 November 2007

Was suppose to do my 2^nd trip back to Japan onboard Hakuryu 5 but failure to secure a visa on time for the flight departure and crew change date all because of a new policy system implemented by the Japanese Govt and the visa application here which before takes about three days to clear now takes about 10 days to a month.

Well the boss then make a switch instead of Japan, now I’ll be flying in to Jakarta for the night and early morning catching the early charted domestic flight Fokker 50 a three hours flight to Matak & Natuna a Riau Archipelago island under the sun.

This was the trip which I had the chance to see from the very beginning stage of Drilling a hole for exploration to the end of putting down a subsea xmas tree for well completion job.

My Japan Trip 18 July 2007 – 17 August 2007

It was truly an eye opening 1^st trip offshore fun lay back introduction trip to offshore life. Had the chance to work with 2 supervisors and 2 pilot techno on my 1^st hitch there in Japan. All treated me well with all the proper human being characteristic of “treat others how you like others to treat you” – with respect. …

Finished my 1st 4 weeks hitch offshore by mid of August and going back home for a full 4 weeks time off spending quality time with wifey and attending Atan’s wedding, stopping by for a days trip around Tokyo with Gee my home town buddy living in Tokyo to show me around. Had to say good bye to the Mount Fuji trip since my visa will expire on the day I fly back hurmm.

All went well with this 1^st trip will always be hoping for the next adventure in the near future and was ever willing to fly back to Japan again for the next crew change..