Written by Deck Cadet Ellen Joy Hilario
Photos by Chief Engineer Roy Laraya
It was December 9, Saturday, the day after Ordinary Seaman Mc Rhoyete Tabilla, Deck Cadet Ellen Joy Hilario, Engine Cadet Evelyn Bacaling, Wiper Albert Asuncion and Fitter Jerome Daguro boarded Bow Cecil. Third Officer Wellrich Posoc facilitated a familiarization session for the newly-boarded crew, focusing on the ship’s safety and firefighting equipment, safety protocols, and emergency procedures onboard.
The session was followed by a man overboard drill in the afternoon, where Tabilla, Bacaling, Hilario joined other volunteers Mess Man Christopher John Catapat and Deck Cadet Bannachael Berces. Before commencing the drill, officers and crew onboard secured the safety of the five volunteers by checking and testing all needed equipment and providing instructions to the volunteers on the correct procedures for safely lowering the rescue boat in the event of a man overboard emergency requiring recovery of persons from the water.
OS Tabilla wore an immersion suit, while the other four donned life jackets. As they got ready to jump from the five-meter freeboard into the sea, excitement and anticipation grew. Despite being nervous because of the height, the five volunteers plunged into the sea in a specific sequence: Catapat jumped first, followed by Tabilla, Berces, Bacaling and Hilario. They may have been hesitant in the beginning, but they quickly adapted to the situation and enthusiastically embraced the execution by carrying out the drill protocol.
Chief Engineer Roy Laraya, along with other officers and crew, were on deck the entire exercise to guarantee the volunteers’ safety. Meanwhile, Captain Luisito Cantona, Posoc and Fourth Engineer Joevenil Jayobo were in the rescue boat, providing guidance and securing the safety of the volunteers.
Following the drill, Cantona led another practical exercise where he taught the crew how to maneuver a rescue boat, showing valuable knowledge on how to effectively respond to and manage a man overboard situation and recovery.
The entire experience was a unique blend of learning and enjoyment, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the crew and strengthening crucial skills that will contribute to their growth as future officers of Odfjell.
