Written by Engine Cadet Roderick Valientes
Throughout the annals of time, the vast oceanic expanse has beckoned and enticed humanity, captivating hearts and enticing adventurous spirits.
As a seafarer, the immersive experience of living and sailing upon the boundless blue seas has shaped my life beyond measure. I have been fortunate to experience the beauty and power of the ocean firsthand. The endless horizon, the salty breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull are all part of the attraction that draws me to the sea.
I have successfully completed my 12-month contract as an engine cadet, and I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with emotions.
This journey has been incredible, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and moments I will cherish for a lifetime. Looking back at my journey, I have realized that being part of the maritime industry is not just a job, it is a way of life.
This essay aims to delve into the mesmerizing journey of my life as a seafarer, highlighting the challenges I faced, the unparalleled beauty I witnessed, and the profound lessons I learned along the way.
During my time as an engine cadet, I gained valuable insights that will be helpful to anyone who wants to pursue a career in the maritime industry. Firstly, I came to appreciate the importance of teamwork.
As a part of the engine room team, I realized that every member had a specific role to play, and we had to work together to ensure that everything ran smoothly. This taught me the importance of cooperation, communication, and trust in achieving a common goal.
Secondly, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Working as an engine cadet can be quite tough. It requires long hours, hard work, and a lot of dedication. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I learned to push through the hard times and keep going.
I remember when we had to troubleshoot a problem in the engine room. It was a challenging task that required a lot of effort and patience, but we managed to find and fix the problem's root cause. This experience has shown me that with consistent effort and a resilient mindset, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.
Lastly, I learned the importance of safety in the maritime industry. Working on a ship can be dangerous, and safety must always come first. I learned to follow safety protocols, use safety equipment, and take every precaution to ensure that I and my team members are safe.
As a proactive measure, we had to conduct regular drills to ensure that we were prepared for emergencies. These drills helped us to identify any gaps in our emergency response plan and allowed us to make the necessary adjustments to improve our preparedness.
I vividly recall the moment when I received the email that my joining port was in the Big Apple - New York City. I was thrilled beyond measure to embark on this new adventure. From the moment I set foot on the deck of my first vessel, the allure of boundless horizons and the thrill of discovery became my constant companions.
As the ship embarked on its voyage, I began to forge a deep connection with the sea, feeling the gentle sway of the waves beneath my feet. I remember watching the sunset over the ocean, and the colors of the sky were breathtaking. The sky was painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, and the reflection on the water was a sight to behold. It was a moment I will never forget and marked the beginning of my life as a seafarer.
Embracing the call of the unknown, I realized that life as a seafarer would encompass an ever-evolving experience, an adventure filled with unpredictable encounters and uncharted territories.
My life as a seafarer is characterized by a ceaseless battle against the primal forces of nature. As an engine cadet, I faced many challenges at sea.
For example, there were moments when we had to endure sweltering heat that enveloped us for days on end. The sun beat relentlessly upon us, making it almost unbearable to be on deck and in the engine room during the daytime. We had to take extra precautions to stay hydrated and cool, drinking plenty of water and seeking cold areas whenever possible.
Despite the challenging conditions, we managed to pull through and complete our journey successfully. These experiences taught me the importance of unwavering determination and an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. They helped me develop resilience and forged my indomitable willpower, which will serve me well throughout my life as a seafarer.
Another challenge that I faced while at sea was the rough weather. The sight of towering waves and the sound of the wind howling through the rigging can be frightening, but precisely, these moments test our mettle as seafarers.
I remember one night when the wind whistled, the rain lashed the deck, and the waves crashed against the ship's hull. It was a moment that required all of my focus and concentration, and it taught me the importance of staying calm and focused in the face of danger.
These experiences have taught me that life as a seafarer is not for the faint of heart. It requires unwavering determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. But precisely, these qualities make the life of a seafarer so rewarding. The challenges that come with life at sea forge us into more assertive, capable individuals, and the rewards are immeasurable.
At the core of my seafaring life lies solitude, where I find solace and introspection amidst the immensity of the ocean. The ship becomes both sanctuary and companion, as my daily routines meld seamlessly with the eternal rhythm of the waves. In these tranquil moments, I discover a profound connection with myself and the world, fostering a deep sense of self-awareness and philosophical contemplation.
The solitude of the sea allows me to disconnect from the world's distractions and focus on what truly matters. It grants me the opportunity to reflect on my life, my values, and my purpose.
The sound of the waves, the gentle rocking of the ship, and the vast expanse of the ocean all work together to create a peaceful and meditative environment.
As a seafarer, I have had the unique opportunity to explore different parts of the world and experience diverse cultures. My trips to Canada and New York have been particularly enlightening, offering me distinct cultural experiences that have left a lasting impression.
Canada's natural beauty and welcoming people left me stunned. I could not get enough of the local cuisine, which was a delight for my taste buds. Exploring the country's cultural traditions and landmarks deepened my appreciation for its rich history.
In contrast, my time in New York was a vibrant and energetic experience. From the iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty to the city's diverse and dynamic culture, I was captivated by everything New York had to offer. The diverse culture of the city, coupled with its lively atmosphere, made my stay an unforgettable one. Trying out local delicacies, including the famous New York-style pizza, was an adventure. Visiting the city's museums and galleries gave me a glimpse into the art and culture that makes New York unique.
I have been fortunate to navigate the globe and experience the richness of different cultures. Every time I return to the ship from a port of call, I am struck by the unique opportunity seafaring offers to encounter diverse communities worldwide. The customs, traditions, and lifestyles of these far-flung communities offer a glimpse into a world beyond our own, and it is a privilege to be able to witness and learn from them.
As a seafarer, I share a profound responsibility as a guardian of the world's oceans. Witnessing the ecological beauty within marine ecosystems, I became acutely aware of the urgent need for environmental stewardship. The sight of marine life dancing in harmony and the majestic grace of whales embolden our commitment to conserving and protecting these vulnerable ecosystems.
As I have traveled to different parts of the world, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of pollution, overfishing, and climate change on our oceans.
It is our duty as seafarers to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations. We must advocate for sustainable practices, reduce our carbon footprint, and raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
My life as a seafarer has been a testament to the relentless spirit of exploration, a calling that reverberates within my heart. From the tempestuous waves that challenged me to the serenity of sunsets that brought solace, every moment paints a vivid portrait of a life well-lived.
Being a seafarer is not just about a job; it is a way of life that comes with great responsibility. As guardians of the ocean, we protect and preserve the world's most vital ecosystems. Also, the challenges that come with life at sea have forged us into stronger, more capable individuals and have inspired us to push ourselves to new heights.
The life of a seafarer is an extraordinary odyssey, a tale of bravery, solitude, and boundless wonder that will forever shape the person you are and the person you aspire to be. As I continue to navigate the vast ocean, I am reminded of the great seafarer Jacques Yves Cousteau's words: "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." The spell of the sea has captured my heart, and I will continue to embrace its call, for it is a journey that will forever shape my life and inspire the person I am to become.
