A Day in My Life as an Engine Cadet (with Insights into Deck Cadet Routines)
One of the most unforgettable moments during my time as an Engine Cadet was the day we set sail from the port of Antwerp to the port of Rotterdam. This relatively short trip involved complex procedures and coordination between the bridge, engine room, and Captain—all of which made the voyage successful.
In addition to my engine room duties, I had the opportunity to observe the routines of Deck Cadets and officers, gaining a deeper understanding of how all departments work together.
Pre-Departure: The Captain’s Leadership and Preparations with the OOW
The day began early as we prepared to depart from Antwerp. The anticipation built as we awaited the pilot's arrival. The pilot, specially trained in navigating the waters around the port, would guide us out of Antwerp’s complex waterways.
At this point, I witnessed Captain Oliver Tongol overseeing the entire operation. As the ultimate authority on the ship, he coordinated with both the deck officers and the engine team to ensure everything was in order. His role is essential not only for the safe navigation of the ship but also for managing the crew and ensuring that all systems function properly.
As an Engine Cadet, I found it fascinating how the Captain’s knowledge spans every aspect of ship operations, from navigation to the technical workings of the engine room. On the bridge, the Officer of the Watch (OOW) during this shift was the Third Officer Krypton Roy Sudario.
Under the Captain’s supervision, he conducted the pre-departure preparations. I had the opportunity to observe closely as the OOW tested the ship’s navigational systems, including the radar, GPS, and electronic chart display (ECDIS).
The Captain checked in to ensure everything was functioning properly and gave his final approval before departure. We also tested the steering gears to ensure the ship could respond smoothly to directional commands—a critical check, as any malfunction could lead to serious navigational issues, especially in narrow or busy waterways.
The Captain reviewed the upcoming route, briefed the crew on key points, and discussed potential challenges, such as passing through locks and coordinating with pilots along the way.
Navigating Locks and Changing Pilots: A Critical Phase
As we left Antwerp and sailed toward Rotterdam, the next major challenge was passing through several locks. These locks are an integral part of the journey, especially for vessels navigating waterways with changing tidal levels.
The process of entering and exiting locks requires precision and timing, and here is where the Captain’s experience and leadership really came into play.
While the Deck Cadets and officers were responsible for handling the mooring lines and ensuring the ship was properly secured within the lock chambers, the Captain maintained close communication with the pilots and bridge team. His ability to oversee the complex coordination between the bridge, pilots, and engine room during these maneuvers was impressive.
As the ship entered each lock, the engine team had to make small adjustments to the engine’s speed and power to ensure we didn’t overrun the lock gates. Passing through the locks also required us to change pilots twice. Each pilot change involved a careful handover process.
The outgoing pilot briefed the Captain on any particularities of the waterway we had just navigated, while the new pilot provided fresh instructions for the next leg of the journey. During these transitions, I saw firsthand how the Captain remained calm and authoritative, managing the coordination between the bridge, engine room, and pilots.
The locks are narrow, and the ship must be carefully maneuvered through them. The Captain’s expertise in handling these tight spaces was evident, as he gave precise commands to the bridge team, ensuring the vessel remained steady. Meanwhile, the engine room team remained on high alert, ready to adjust the power levels as needed to maintain control of the ship.
Arrival at Rotterdam
As we approached the port of Rotterdam, the ship entered the final phase of the journey. The Captain took full command of the docking, directing the OOW, deck crew, and engine room team as we prepared to bring the vessel into port.
As the ship approached the berth, the Captain coordinated closely with the pilot and the bridge officers, guiding the ship into its final position. The deck crew was busy with mooring duties, ensuring that the lines were properly secured to the dock. Once we were securely docked, the Captain gave the all-clear, and the engines were turned off.
At that moment, a sense of accomplishment was felt across the crew. The voyage, though short, was complex, with multiple stages of navigation, lock passage, and pilot changes. Under the Captain’s leadership, every department—from the bridge to the engine room—played a crucial role in ensuring the journey was successful.
Reflection on the Experience: Learning from the Captain and Crew
The entire experience was incredibly enriching for me as an Engine Cadet. Observing the Captain’s leadership gave me insight into the level of responsibility and expertise required to manage a ship effectively.
From overseeing navigational preparations to guiding the ship through challenging waters, his role was central to ensuring smooth operations. Additionally, I gained more understanding of the teamwork required among the deck officers, deck crew, and engine room staff.
Whether it was handling the engine systems or securing the vessel at berth, every task contributed to the safe and efficient completion of the voyage.
For me, this day was not just about learning; it was also about understanding how every department and crew member, under the Captain’s guidance, must work in perfect harmony to achieve a common goal.
This experience strengthened my passion for maritime life and my commitment to learning and growing in my role as an Engine Cadet.
