After all your hardwork to get onboard, here you are. Finally! You can finally call yourself a seaman. This is a crazy moment for you. Maybe you do not know completely what to expect once you go at this point. First time onboard a ship is the most critical part of your career.
Since this will be the foundation for all your experiences moving forward, do not just let this pass you by as if this nothing. Make this moment count and learn as much as you could. In this blog, we’re going to give you an idea on what to expect once you go onboard for the first time.
As first time onboard…
You will be first timer of everything. Yeah, you read that right. You will be embarking on a series of first time jobs onboard. Its like you’re a healthy handicap. You can’t do anything because you don’t know what and how to do it yet.
As a first timer onboard myself, these are the things I wish to share with you the moment you step onboard. Take note of these:
- There will be a safety familiarization for new crew like you. Once you get onboard, you will be instructed what time that safety familiarization will start.
- It is important to have a pocket notebook and ballpen with you.
- List down all words that are unfamiliar. Even the words that are familiar but you don’t completely understand.
- Do not hesitate to ask. Don’t pretend that you know everything because you don’t.
- Take note of the places you already been to. 100% you will be back there again.
- You will be provided checklists. Read and understand every item as you can. Ask if necessary.
- If allowed, bring your smartphone with you to take photographs of important equipment being familiarized.
In addition, read these two SOLAS manuals as soon as you can. These two manuals contain all instructions, location and methods on how to deal with emergencies, survival and fire fighting.
RELATED: Crew Change: Joining the Vessel
If you’re a deck hand, deck boy, deck cadet:
Normally, Chief Officer will arrange your work mostly with boatswain or bosun. He will be teaching you basic deck works, seamanship and maintenance on deck.
This will mostly be your routine the entire contract. Deck cadets normally have watch duties on bridge so that he or she will learn officer’s jobs.
If you’re an engine hand, engine boy, engine cadet:
You will mostly be supervised by your 2nd Engineer as he is the equivalent of Chief Officer in the Engine side.
Most of your work will be assisting in various works done by your engineers and/or engine ratings.
Take note that while your job doesn’t bare so much weight, it is important that you do your job well.
Period of adjustment
First time onboard ship is not an easy phase. Period of adjustment comes in. You need to condition your mind and body for the work ahead.
You will be missing home and all your loved ones and the things you love. You will completely miss it, for sure. But since you’re in this profession, you have to put that behind you and focus on what’s ahead.
Some days are really really tough. You will be scolded, mocked or even humiliated or insulted (at least from my experience). But hey, just don’t mind it. It is part of the journey.
As long as you grind, hustle, show interest and willingness to learn, then you will be fine.