Floating Museum - The MV Cape Don

24 Images

The MV Cape Don was built at the Newcastle State Dockyards in N.S.W. and was completed in January 1963. It is one of a unique class of ships that was purpose-built to service navigational aids and mainly serviced the Western Australian coast. To meet these tasks, she was built as a mini-liner, with the lavish passenger accommodation necessary to carry officials, technicians, relief lighthouse crews and their families, sometimes for quite prolonged periods.
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2 June 2018 — 4:38pm

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The M V Cape Don is a floating museum docked in Waverton on Sydney Harbour.Photo: Steven Siewert

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Rusted windows show the damage that the ocean elements inflict on ships of all kinds.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The ship's engine room.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The ship's keeper Daniel Callender on the gangway for the start of the tour.Photo: Steven Siewert

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A sign showing recommended pressures inside the engine room.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The M V Cape Don is a floating museum docked in Waverton on Sydney Harbour.Photo: Steven Siewert

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Daniel Callender inspecting the engine room.Photo: Steven Siewert

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A registration plate in the engine room.Photo: Steven Siewert

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As the ship's keeper, Daniel is required to keep the ship maintained.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The Bridge Engine Order stands ready.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The ship's keeper Daniel Callender in the ship's bar.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The living quarters which features an ornament steering wheel.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The M V Cape Don is a floating museum docked in Waverton on Sydney Harbour.Photo: Steven Siewert

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Daniel on the stern.Photo: Steven Siewert

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A portrait of the MV Cape Done in the living quarters.Photo: Steven Siewert

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Daniel stands in one of the narrow corridors.Photo: Steven Siewert

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A British flag found on board.Photo: Steven Siewert

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A chalkboard for recording important soundings.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The ship's keeper Daniel Callender boards the MV Cape Don.Photo: Steven Siewert

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Daniel heads to the upper deck to continue his inspection.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The faucet with various light fittings in the living quarters is still in very good condition.Photo: Steven Siewert

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MV Cape Don is one of a unique class of ships that was purpose-built to service navigational aids (including manned lighthouses), primarily along the Western Australian coast.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The mess hall of the MV Cape Don.Photo: Steven Siewert

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The MV Cape Don was built at the Newcastle State Dockyards in N.S.W and was completed in January of 1963.Photo: Steven Siewert