After tossing that toga hat up in the air, smiles and congratulatory messages, comes a very uncomfortable avenue for some, what should a cadet do after graduation? This, my friends are realities that always bites our newly graduate cadets.
The system that we have here does not truly make the profession attractive (only the salary). If you don’t have that backer to back you up, or that referral to a company, you’re on your own buddy.
On top of that, you will be joining a list of maritime cadets graduated before you who, until now, did not board yet and the list keeps bigger and bigger every end of the school year. If you don’t have the focus, if you’re weak, lazy, pessimistic then this course is definitely not for you.
What should a cadet do after graduation?
So, first things first, he or she must process and acquire very basic documents like a passport, or a seaman’s book. This is the most basic. He or she then does not focus on this two. There are plenty of things do be done. For your guidance, a deck cadet should do this training:
Please take note that some principal requires additional training requirements to those new entrant to the company. As of the moment, a deck cadet should accomplish the Basic Training, Seafarer with Designated Security Duties (SDSD), Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boat (PSCRB) and Deck Watchkeeping.
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As for engine cadets, this should be your guide:
Same as the note above, some principals require new entrants to have additional training especially if you will be joining Oil, Gas, Crude, LPG Tankers. They have different standards of their own. Do not worry, you will be advised to get one if you need to.
Other important documents…
Other documents that you need to take is the Yellow Fever vaccine, which in my time costs P 1,000 at Bureau of Quarantine with a lifetime validity. PSA Birth Certificate (to be used in Passport processing and seaman’s book), NBI Clearance (for seaman’s book issuance). For US Visa, you can not get this without any endorsement from a company or principal.
If possible, take all the training and documents in your home province to minimize the cost. Grab or apply available shipping applications on line.
Cadets should take advantage of this digital age, using social media and the Internet to gather information, tips and guidelines. Do not also forget to get SRN (Seafarer Registration Number) via MISMO since the MARINA Office is now going paperless.
All transaction now is via online so it is important to get acquainted with them as soon as possible.
Other entry level position..
Now that the global seafarer market competition is very tight, other position has been opened up to start a maritime career.
Engine/deck boy, messman, GP among others are available in certain shipping agencies.
Just always remember that different positions onboard needs a different kind of certificate. This is due to the amendments in the STCW convention in 2010.
Summary of documents to get:
Passport: Click here.
Seaman’s Book: Click here.
Training Centers & Shipping Agencies: Click here.
All these undertakings need effort, time and money. These three will take a toll on our maritime graduates. He or she will also endure countless rejections, disapproval, doubts and exhaustion.
This is part of the process. However, these struggles should not be a reason to give up but a fuel to spur forward.