This voyage along the Northern Sea Route turned out to be difficult for Captain Gleb Volnov. He is worried about the crew - cadets who are going to sea for the first time. He is also worried about the mechanic Bitov, the father of his deceased friend. He went to sea after a long break: no one wanted to risk taking a sick old man on board. Gleb is also going through a personal drama. His new friend Captain Levin introduced Gleb to his old friend Agniya. But Gleb insulted Agniya with his indifference and realized too late what she means to him.