Written by Deck Cadet Carl Phillip Domingo and Engine Cadet Francis Joseph Aurino
As we approached the port of Fujairah, memories of the last time we were here flooded back. It was the day we signed on our first vessel, Bow Lind. It was scorching hot that time. The sun beat down relentlessly, and the air was thick with humidity. But as cadets, we knew that life must go on. We were eager to start our journey and learn as much as we could about life at sea.
Despite the heat, the port was a hive of activity. Cranes lifted cargo hoses, provision stores and items to be landed. There were people taking cargo samples. The people inside the accommodation, especially those in the cargo control room, were too busy doing their thing. We watched in awe as they went about their tasks with ease, wondering what our own roles would be in this complex ecosystem.
As this was our first time as cadets, we had zero knowledge of what our duties would be onboard the vessel. But we knew that we were here to learn and to be of service to the experienced crew. We were excited about the challenges that lay ahead, even as we felt a twinge of nervousness about the unknown.
Seven months into this journey, we could say that the experience of being a cadet on board is both exhilarating and challenging. The moment we first stepped on deck, we were thrust into a world unlike any other. The ship was massive, and the sound of the engine and of the waves crashing against the hull was overwhelming.
The ship became our home, our workplace, and our classroom, all rolled into one.
There were days that were long and rigorous, with early morning wake-up calls and non-stop work until late into the night. We were responsible for a wide range of tasks, from tank cleaning and overhauling maintenance to navigation and safety drills. It was a demanding routine, but one that taught us discipline, hard work, and the importance of teamwork.
We also learned the importance of safety and its impact on our lives on board. Whether it was conducting drills for fire or abandon ship situations, or simply being vigilant while on watch, safety was always at the forefront of our minds. We were taught to be proactive and to be aware of our surroundings at all times, and to take precautions to prevent accidents from occurring.
We were amazed by how Odfjell provides the latest equipment and technology to ensure that we remain safe and compliant with the regulations at all times. We always practiced the strict policies in place to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment, showcasing and supporting our company’s commitments to sustainability.
But life at sea wasn’t all work and no play. We had our share of adventures and misadventures, from encountering sea creatures like dolphins and whales to weathering storms and rough seas. We also had the opportunity to explore new places and cultures during port calls, which broadened our horizons and gave us a deeper appreciation of the world around us. Our most unforgettable memories for us were our shore leave in Barcelona and our first time in the United States.
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned on board so far is the importance of adaptability. Life at sea is unpredictable, and things can change in an instant. We had to learn to adapt to new situations quickly and effectively, whether it was dealing with equipment malfunctions or working with a new crew member. We realized how much it shaped us into the people we are now. Our ongoing experience so far taught us resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work.
Being a cadet onboard a world-class chemical tanker is an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. It teaches us valuable skills, exposes us to new cultures and experiences, and provides us with a sense of belonging to a company that truly cares. It is an opportunity that should not be taken for granted, and one that can have a profound impact on our lives and careers.
