10 Important Jobs that Deck Cadet must do onboard the ship (Part 1)

Summary

The video provides an insightful guide for maritime cadets, outlining the key tasks and responsibilities they will encounter on board. It emphasizes that while theoretical knowledge from books is important, practical experience is essential for mastering seamanship. Cadets assist deck officers with daily operations, including maintenance, painting, and seamanship training. They also participate in watchkeeping, security procedures, handling life-saving and firefighting equipment, and learning navigational duties. The video highlights the progression from assisting ratings to taking active roles in bridge operations, preparing cadets for their future as competent deck officers and ship captains.

Takeaways

• ⚓ The cadet position marks the beginning of a maritime career, preparing for future roles as an officer or ship captain.
• 📚 Theoretical knowledge from maritime books is important but practical, hands-on experience is crucial for learning on board.
• 🛠️ Cadets assist the bosun with deck maintenance, including tasks like chipping, grinding, painting, and seamanship exercises.
• ⏱️ Daily routines for cadets involve group work and contributing to the vessel's seaworthiness through practical tasks.
• 🛡️ Cadets are assigned ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) watch duties, controlling access and monitoring personnel on board.
• 📋 Cadets must maintain accurate logs, report suspicious activities, and notify the duty officer of authorized and unauthorized personnel.
• ⚓ Cadets assist in mooring operations, ensuring lines are properly adjusted under supervision.
• 🧯 Participation in LSA (life-saving appliances) and FFA (firefighting equipment) checks helps cadets understand safety equipment usage and maintenance.
• 🚢 During maneuvering operations like berthing, unberthing, and anchoring, cadets assist ratings and gradually support deck officers on the bridge.
• 🧭 Watchkeeping is a critical responsibility; cadets start as lookouts, learn to operate navigational equipment, and observe bridge procedures.
• 👥 Collaboration and group learning are emphasized, as practical exposure develops the skills necessary for future deck officer responsibilities.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a cadet on a ship?

The primary role of a cadet is to assist deck officers in day-to-day operations while gaining practical experience and familiarizing themselves with shipboard duties.

Why is practical experience important for cadets, compared to studying maritime books?

Practical experience allows cadets to learn actual tasks and responsibilities on board, which cannot be fully conveyed through books. Hands-on exposure ensures they develop necessary skills for future roles as officers.

What is bosun work, and how does it involve cadets?

Bosun work involves deck maintenance tasks such as chipping, grinding, painting, and other seamanship duties. Cadets assist the bosun, which helps them develop essential practical skills.

What are the responsibilities of a cadet during a security (ISPS) watch?

During ISPS watch, cadets control and monitor personnel entry and exit, apply security procedures, keep logs with ship IDs, notify the duty officer of authorized personnel, and report any suspicious activities or items.

What are LSA and FFA, and what role do cadets have with them?

LSA stands for life-saving appliances and FFA stands for firefighting equipment. Cadets assist by checking expiry dates, inspecting for defects, learning the repair processes, and learning how to operate the equipment.

How do cadets participate in ship maneuvering operations?

Cadets assist ratings during physical tasks such as berthing, unberthing, and anchoring. As they gain experience, they may help deck officers relay orders and observe bridge operations.

What is the first job a cadet might perform on the bridge?

Initially, cadets are posted as lookouts to assist the officer on watch, observe bridge operations, and gradually learn to operate navigational equipment.

Why is seamanship training important for cadets?

Seamanship training builds practical skills that are crucial for performing deck duties effectively. It ensures cadets understand vessel maintenance, safety procedures, and operational responsibilities for future officer roles.

What does familiarization with watchkeeping involve?

Familiarization with watchkeeping involves learning to monitor ship operations, applying call signs, navigation procedures, assisting officers, and eventually taking responsibility for safe vessel operation during assigned watches.

How does assisting officers on the bridge prepare cadets for their future roles?

Assisting officers allows cadets to understand operational procedures, navigation practices, and decision-making processes. This hands-on experience prepares them for independent duties as future deck officers.

What tasks contribute to making the vessel seaworthy that cadets may perform?

Tasks include deck maintenance, painting, grinding, chipping, checking safety equipment, inspecting life-saving appliances, firefighting equipment, and assisting in mooring operations.