The Road to Berth

Fifteen-year-old Vaska boards the rescue tug Kola with the goal of reaching Murmansk. He quickly admires the gruff boatswain Rosomakha, a mentor-in-the-making in his eyes. A playful rivalry erupts between Rosomakha and helmsman Marat Chepin, with Vaska siding with Rosomakha during a table football match. This early dynamic sets the tone for Vaska's eagerness to belong and learn on the ship.

Vaska's curiosity with machinery leads to a series of mishaps aboard the Kola, including flooding the first officer's cabin and an accidental fall overboard. Rosomakha acts quickly to pull him back from the sea, demonstrating his protective, mentor-like role. The captain considers removing him, but ultimately allows him to stay as an apprentice mechanic. The incident cements Vaska's resolve to learn from Rosomakha.

Following the rescue, the captain recognizes Vaska's potential and allows him to stay on as an apprentice mechanic. He begins learning alongside the seasoned crew, gradually earning their trust. Rosomakha becomes a mentor figure, shaping Vaska's understanding of seamanship and responsibility. The arrangement gives Vaska a personal stake in the mission and its dangers.

The Kola sets off toward the World War II–damaged ship Polotsk, intending to prepare it for towing back to Murmansk. The crew boards Polotsk to assess the damage, seal leaks, and ready it for towing. A looming storm tests their ability to keep the crippled vessel afloat as pumps fail and water pours in. The operation demands teamwork under extreme pressure.

During the salvage, Rosomakha grows close to Vaska and shares a pledge to introduce him to his son once they return to Murmansk. The quiet talk deepens trust between mentor and apprentice and gives Vaska a personal stake in the mission. The men brace for the worsening weather as the storm approaches.

A critical emergency comes in from the freighter Odessa, which is adrift and heading toward dangerous reefs. The captain makes the hard decision to abandon Polotsk to save Odessa, shifting the focus from salvage to a rescue operation. Rosomakha hesitates, torn by loyalty to his current crew and the duty to those in peril. The crew faces a choice with lives at stake and time running out.

During the heated debate about abandoning Polotsk, Vaska bluntly states, 'I wouldn’t want a father like that.' His simple, piercing line cuts through the argument and unsettles Rosomakha's conscience. The moment highlights the personal stakes behind leadership choices and the influence a young sailor has on an older mentor. The crew absorbs the truth in Vaska's words.

Moved by Vaska's remark, Rosomakha makes a decisive move and cuts the towline, steering the Kola toward Odessa. He prioritizes saving lives over salvaging Polotsk, risking the loss of the ship and possibly his own safety. The Kola accelerates toward the Odessa's location, embodying Rosomakha's selfless leadership. The team steels themselves for a dangerous rescue.

Meanwhile, the Polotsk succumbs to the brutal storm and breaks apart. The surviving crew members cling to the wreckage, fighting to stay alive as the sea rages around them. The disaster underscores the costs of the mission and the heavy price of difficult choices. The crew's resilience is tested to the limit as they endure exposure and cold.

The Kola reaches Odessa and mounts a coordinated rescue operation for those aboard the adrift freighter. Rosomakha takes a leading role in directing the effort and keeping the crew safe in a high-stakes environment. The tense rescue showcases his leadership and the crew's trust in his decisions. The urgency of the situation frames the final act of the voyage.

As the rescue unfolds, Rosomakha succumbs to his injuries, but not before ensuring the safety of those he saved. His final act epitomizes selflessness and cements his status as a hero in the eyes of Vaska and the rest of the crew. The loss hits the Kola crew hard, but their resolve remains intact. The memory of his sacrifice guides them forward.

The surviving Polotsk crew members cling to the wreck while the ocean rages around them, relying on each other for strength. The tragedy reinforces the gravity of the mission and the depth of Rosomakha’s sacrifice. Vaska processes the events with a new sense of responsibility and purpose. The Kola returns to port with a renewed determination to honor their fallen captain.

The story closes with the Kola crew reflecting on Rosomakha's legacy, a testament to courage, duty, and self-sacrifice. Vaska looks toward Murmansk with renewed resolve, inspired by the boatswain's example. The voyage is remembered not for the salvage success but for the heroism that saved lives and shaped a young sailor's future. The film ends on a note of resilience and remembrance.