“Advocacy focusing on mentoring and training is one of the ways we promote safety culture on board," shared Captain Luisito Cantona, who oversaw the training. A leader who is very keen on cultivating leaders capable of improving team performance among his people, the Master used the opportunity to foster collaboration between cadets and officers.
Deck Cadet Zayber Araya and Third Officer Mark Nilo Pardillo led the training on the operation of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), after being guided by Chief Officer Glenn Perido in preparing the training aids for discussion.
"Our onboard trainings are not confined to the regular seafarer duties and our safety policy. We also address the soft skills that form the foundations of a good leader: self-discipline, self-reliance, decisiveness and working under pressure."
Chief Officer Glenn Perido
"As Chief Officer, it is also part of my duty to provide guidance to cadets and other crewmembers. I look after the neophytes whenever they are performing an assigned task, whether they are doing a maintenance job while we are at sea, or helping with cargo operations at port," shared Perido.
Araya discussed everything about the AED, from its operation to the precautions in using it. Pardillo shared additional information from the maker about the equipment.
"Delivering a presentation about something that is already known by almost everyone on board, in a way that will still capture their attention, made this task more exciting. And I am glad that we pulled it off!” Pardillo said.
“The time we spent gathering data paid off when we saw from our comrade's eyes that they learned something from the presentation that would help them, and could maybe save a life."
Third Officer Mark Nilo Pardillo
Araya was particularly appreciative of all the trainings they have taken on board: "I believe that investing time for training never goes to waste. Keeping our eyes open in search for knowledge also raises our situational awareness, and improves our ability to respond to life-threatening situations."
Deck Cadet Joemarc Almirez discussed the types and usage of fire extinguishers. Under the supervision of Third Officer Ivan Dominic Gargantiel, he explained how the fire extuingisher system works.
“Knowledge is power and it will always be the best key to unlock every possibility. The training had been a great addition to my knowledge. It helped me become more confident in handling anything that happens on board,” shared Almirez.
The training also included a practical activity where Cadets and Boys took turns in demonstrating the operation of the fire extinguisher.
“Being able to use a fire extinguisher in front of my colleagues, while explaining the process, helped develop my self-esteem," Deck Boy Willard Bulos said of the experience.
For Engine Boy Richard Heriales, this is a way of giving back: "To express my ideas and share them with my colleagues is a great honor for me as new in the industry. Somehow, it is also my way of giving back to them and thanking them for all their help and guidance."
Afterwards, Gargantiel, together with Second Officer Anreb Zedric Genandoy, demonstrated the refilling of dry powder into the fire extinguisher.
Gargantiel explains the value of having regular drills on board: “I believe that there are two ways in which a person can learn. First, study and do research, to gain theoretical knowledge. Second, learn things by doing. In learning things by doing, knowledge is gained through experience. By doing a task repetitively, the body gets accustomed to it, and the skill gets stored in the reflexes. That reflex can save lives during an emergency.”
For Engine Cadet Joa Kim Clint Antoyo, this is an important step in his career. “Participating in training, drills and schooling is a way for me to build my foundation towards becoming an Engineer," he said.
Developing the safety culture and cultivating situational awareness through training are among the top priorities on board Bow Saga. Train, train, re-train and retain is our mantra, and our way of achieving our world-class ambitions.
Zayber Araya
Deck Cadet, Bow Saga
