Topic: Questions about living at Nelles Block...

[jebo]

Arent Stewards on ship ALL the time? It would be pointless to get an apartment.

And my QL3 is in Borden for 12 weeks.

[airmich]

Everyone is onboard while the ship sails.  When the ship is alongside, everyone is onboard during the workday.  Outside of the workday (evenings, weekends and holidays), it is only the duty watch onboard.

As far as I know, you are not allowed to live onboard anymore in home port.  Therefore your choices are living in the shacks or finding a place of your own.  You have a couple different ways you can go about this.  You can start at the shacks until you get to know the area better and have time to look for a place, or even make friends and share a house.  You should also be getting a house hunting trip when you are posted out there, which would allow you time to look for something, and also save you the cost of putting your belongings in storage while you look for a place.  This, of course, will all be dependent on the sailing schedule of your ship too, as you might find yourself going to sea right away as soon as you get to the coast.

[jebo]

Hmm yah .. I dont think I get a house hunting trip. After basic I  do 3 weeks PRETC and then home for leave then back to Borden for 12 then off to Esquimalt for NETP.. ( btw , how long is that? ). And then... ? I guess I am on a ship.

[airmich]

I can't remember off-hand how long NETP is now, but they have just revamped it once again.  You'll be living at Nelles while you're on that anyway.  That will give you some time to look around the area for a place too, and get to know people in case you want to share.  Whichever, you've got a ways to go still until you're posted out there, and no guarantees that you'll be going West Coast anyway.

[jebo]

My Major told me that I am posted to Esquimalt..   

But yeh , thanks for the info.. really good!

[RowdyBowdy]

NETP is 5 weeks.

If you are 3's qualified you will have the choice of living on base (Bernay's) or getting your own apartment.  If you choose to get an apartment, they will give you some money to help pay part of the security deposit (which is peanuts) or if you buy a place they will pay for the lawyers fees, property taxes and home inspections (I think you have about two years after your posting to take advantage of that, I used it and it was a nice chunk of change saved).

[jebo]

Wow , NETP is only 5 weeks.. good to hear I thought it was about 12! Nelles block will do for myself for a little while I suppose. Im a young kid anyways. Ill be 3's qualified by the time I get there. Also its nice to see there are options.

[stoker34]

Hey!  I am in Esquimalt right now and guess what!  I got my own room at Bernay's block!  COOL!

[airmich]

Good news stoker, that's great!  Did they give it to you right away, or did you have to ask about it?

And welcome to the Best Coast. 

[stoker34]

My chief had to put his weight in the balance because at first, they said there was nothing left for me.  When I talked to my CPO1, he called the accomodation clerk and suddently, a single room was offered to me at Berney's Block!  Hahahaha!  As I am in imposed restriction, I guess this is why I got a single room.  I love it here but I feel alone as I don't know anybody here yet.  My ship, the Winnipeg, docked friday PM so monday morning, I will get on it and start working.  That way I will get to meet some people finally.

[Stacked]

Going to go ahead and ask a question here rather then starting something new.

After BMQ I plan on staying in the shacks for a while.  I'm starting to go through my things around my place now and figure out what I don't need to keep and what I would like to put in storage..

The problem I am running into is.. What will I have room for in the Shacks? I'm assuming I don't need to keep my bed.. What about my T.V and T.V stand? Computer Desk, etc?
I don't have anywhere to keep any of this, I need to clear out of my parents place completely.

I'm not too sure how the whole storage situation works.  My QL3 will be out west for 6 months (Sonar Op) and then I plan on requesting Halifax as a posting. (If I actually get there we will see).
Are they going to want to ship my belongings from Kingston to Esquimalt right away, or will my personal items more then likely stay in storage in Kingston until I am posted to a ship on either coast?

If anyone can give me an idea of how this works and what I should keep I would appreciate it.

Cheers.

[forumdood007]

I'm surprised nobody responded recently. Anyway, I spent 10 months at Nelles Block, 7 of which was my actual QL3 course. I had 2 roommates, we all got along. There is 1 closet per person which is quickly filled with your CF clothes and some civvy clothing. A TV is provided, free cable too. There is also a bar fridge. You are allowed to own a small microwave but no cooking is allowed, just reheating, popcorn etc. There are regular inspections by your trade staff as well as higher ranking staff. No booze in the block is allowed, you are punished severely if caught. "Roxy" the MP's drug dog makes random visits throughout the block. Be an adult, you are that as well as an employee of the CF. There is a bicycle room to store same. Parking is nearby and you must obtain a "general" parking pass. I LOVED Esquimalt/Victoria and was there from June to April. There is plenty to do, I joined the kayak club (through PSP), did some great scuba diving, hiking etc. Perfect place for the outdoor types and for some reason, there are no bugs in the Summer! If you want to drink, get laid and party, you can do that too but on your own time, off base. Victoria is about 3KM from the base, plenty of cabs and busses available. I thought the food at Nelles was very good although I was lucky I didn't have to pay for rations and quarters....married etc. I could go on and on but won't...hope this helps a bit.