Every year, 1000’s of merchant navy cadets passed out from maritime academy of each county, Next, is boarding a ship. Mostly likely ask the question, what are things to learn on my first week onboard? and how working onboard feels like while at sea.
As we always share marine insights, to the young professionals, on this article, we will share with you 5 main things as on-signer or cadets who joined onboard a vessel need to learn withing a week.
Ship Familiarization
It’s very important learn the ship layout: deck and engine compartments, emergency exits. Ask questions to those crew you meet onboard, pay respect to each person onboard. Take notes of every item shown to you. Also, don’t wander blindly and don’t show you know it all, even if you have been to other similar ship before.
Safety Equipment and location of Muster Station
Know where to go in case of any emergency alarm sound onboard. Also, as per normal safety at sea roles, drills most be conducted with 24 hrs of new joiners. Need to know where to muster during drills alarms.
Locate your lifejacket, immersion suit, position on your cabin and department where you to work (Engine or Deck). Also, location of lifeboat, rescue boat, firefighting equipment’s. Learn more on Deck and engine Cadet duties and responsibilities
shipboard Daily Routine and Chain of Command
First impression maters a lot, show up at work early. Be present on the tools box meeting. Know whom to report to. Note down your daily routine timing, job required to be done, and Chain of Commands.
shipboard Watchkeeping Basics
Whether deck or engine, understand your watch duties. Be alert, proactive, and NEVER leave your post without permission or replacement.
Filling Logbooks and Documentation
As a cadet, learn how to fill up logbooks, checklists. Also, need to start your Training Record Book. Log your hours and tasks. It will matter when you’re applying for your COC license later.
Conclusion
Try to write down everything you learn while onboard, when you sign-off, try to go through them again. The sea won’t remind you in future.
Save the above list. Share it with a cadet you know. Drop a comment below, if you have any question, also, can share your first week onboard experience.
