Someone might have triggered the distress button on the status of Filipino seafarers today. It is alarming to see continuous drop of deployment of seafarers overseas according to POEA data. While the country produces close to 30,000 graduates a year, not all of them can board a ship. One of them? Get ahead quick and learn the tips aspiring seafarers must remember.
This profession has been a laughing stock to all courses before. Somewhat a landing site to all those academically slow or dumb. Until they earn more than all those who laugh at them.
So before you engage your life to be like us, consider this things as a reminder to you: aspiring seafarer.
Be ready to compete
Prepare to get ahead with your colleagues starting day 1. Try to aim for that pilot class or alpha class, etc. By doing so, it will increase your chances to take up written examination from various companies that visits your school.
If you can’t do that, then you will be competing for a much larger crowd. Graduates of last year, the year before that, and the year before that. Returnee seafarers, old seafarers are even competing with you.
If you pass that, then the chance of getting you onboard is one step closer. There are still plenty of steps to take, remember that.
Be fit, avoid vices
Pre-employment medical exams for sea-based employees are brutal. It is never easy or lax. It is comprehensive. Even your butt is explored.
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So to better prepare yourself with that, be fit. Maintain a healthy lifestyle in this increasingly unhealthy world. In addition, if you don’t have vices, then maybe you can save up a little. Prepare it for your uncertain future.
Be great in dealing with people
If you are shy, afraid to talk and to mingle with people or sensitive, then drop this foolishness. Stop and choose another profession. This isn’t for you. It is advisable that you are good in dealing with different kind of people.
Over the course of your schooling up to you board the ship, you will meet hundreds of people. Some of them you desperately need, some are just companion.
As seafarers, we eat insults like breakfast. We laugh when we get scolded because, after all, we make mistakes. We consider all these as part of our jobs. Period.
Be financially prepared
This is not just for you, but for your parents or whoever sponsors you. One whole year of this course can cost around Php 50,000 up to Php 100,000. Think of it.
Then, a whole new set of money for training, board and lodging during the application around Metro Manila, Cebu or Davao.
Be ready to endure the worst
Last in the list of our tips for aspiring seafarers must remember is to be prepared for the worst. If after 5 years you are nowhere near your goal, then consider a new career.
Perseverance can be a game changer in this profession. If ever you get tired, just let it rest and do not quit!
On the bright side, if you do get that spot onboard, then be ready to face the worst weather, the worst colleague, etc. Seafarers are known for their sacrifices. Now its your time to endure what we have endured in our entire seafaring career.
Be prepared for this:
Additional tips to aspiring seafarers
First, never ever, forget God. Ask for his help and divine intercession. All of us did. So do you. Ask for his blessings and guidance. Never forget to thank Him to all He did to your life, good or bad.
Second, never transact with illegitimate people. There are a lot of people taking advantage of your situation by promising something to your interest. When you encounter this, take a step back, take a deep breath and never commit on the spot. Research and gather feedbacks first.
Lastly, use the power of internet in all your actions. It is better that we are driven by data and information rather than mere speculations.
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