In 1997 I sailed as AB on the Noble Star through SIU, it was a double tween decker with cranes and sticks. It was the best voyage of my life, plenty of time in port and a great crew. Not to mention the seamanship skills I learned, sluicing wires, rewireing crescent davits, etc. We sayed at least 3 days in a port, the c/m was great in that he scheduled you in port where you would get 24 hours off at least once while in port. Pay was lousy, but I got to see post communist poland, lithuania, Ivory Coast, Liberia, etc. If you can find a cargo ship, I say go for it!!!
I sailed cadet on a couple of break bulkers, the MONTANA and the LESLIE LYKES back in the 70’s. Can’t say enough about the experiences. Both on and off the ships.
[QUOTE=jolly;20876]If you will have my advice:
JOIN THE CRUISER.
For all above said you are right.
On cruiser at least you have women of all nations, and good pay.
I am on conatiner vsl, was on ro-ro b4, and you have all the same Beaurocratic nonsense and paperwork you mentioned, and same legal responsibility on safety and polution.
No spare time. Actully no shore leave (no time), No women.
JOIN THE CRUISER![/QUOTE]
You are right, jolly. There are hundreds of women of all nationalities.
Please advise who we’ve got to contact.
Been on Bulk carriers from cadet to Captain, until most recently.
If the money is not the object, the bulkers are more less the easiest ship for work and shore leave.
But, one thing you have to remember, unlike any other carriers, there very tricky things.
Especially, draft reading, cargo amount calculations, damage reports, making proper remarks on
cargo work papers & time sheets.
If you miss putting certain remarks on those papers, captain wil not like you.
Ask captain(or CM if he’s knowledgable) before you sign any papers !!
Hi
I like this forum postings.
For someone who is new to bulk carrier operation here is a website explaining so many topics related with daily bulk carrier
jobs at sea and during cargo handling operation in ports.
<a href=“http://www.bulkcarrierguide.com/”>Purpose and general use of Seagoing bulk carriers - Bulk carrier guide.com</a
Don’t forget that the entire american fleet on the Great Lakes consists of self unloading bulkers!
I did a trip with liberty a few years ago. Not a bad gig. You go to the armpit of the world but you do get some port time. However now I work on coast wise tankers and rather stay put then go foreign again.
but what are the duties of an engine cadet on a capesize bulker? going for 6 months first time, how deep in sht am I ? 
[QUOTE=Bosstin;53379]but what are the duties of an engine cadet on a capesize bulker? going for 6 months first time, how deep in sht am I ? :D[/QUOTE]
As a cadet? It all depends on the Chief. You will probably do more day work if it is your first ship. Maybe some watch keeping with the 2nd. A cadet has no real duties, other than what he gets from the Chief and the First; and what he (the Cadet) wants to take on. Be careful with thinking you are in deep sht, though. Enjoy the experience.