I am reaching out for some guidance as I approach a pivotal point in my maritime career. I am currently a cadet; I ave been immersed in theoretical and practical training. As I near graduation; the prospect of transitioning from an academic setting to onboard experience is both exciting and daunting.
What were your initial onboard roles like; and how did you adjust to the daily routines and responsibilities? Any surprises or challenges I should prepare for?
How crucial is networking within the industry; and what are the best ways to establish connections early in my career? Any tips on maintaining professional relationships?
The maritime industry is known for its demanding work schedules. How do you manage the balance between work and personal well-being, especially when it comes to long deployments?
Are there specific certifications or additional training you found beneficial for career progression? How should I prioritize these as I begin my professional journey?
I found that the maritime college gave me a pretty good idea of the very basics of the job. I knew how to perform the navigational tasks required to be a good watchstander and wasn’t afraid to put my hands on and use the equipment I was expected to while on the bridge.
That said, there were lots of gaps that needed to be filled in simply because, well… certain things could not be replicated on a training ship. For starters, cargo watches aren’t a thing there and can only really be discussed in theory unless you sailed as a cadet observer. Watches at sea were not really replicated well to match actual watches aboard merchant ships because the bridge was overmanned and duties spread out, so you didn’t get a feel for having ALL the bridge resources at YOUR fingertips. You had radar observers, cadet instructors of the watch, JCWOs and multiple lookouts to manage in addition to a helmsman. Part of your grade was how well you utilized each member of the watch team — but what the hell good is that unless you’re in the Navy? You aren’t doing any of the plotting, communication or maneuvering yourself, so what good is that watch experience, really? Going to my first ship it was nice, albeit a bit of a shock initially to have the bridge to myself. (On that ship the AB was on deck working during the morning watch unless you needed them on the bridge for traffic/low viz, so the bridge was entirely mine alone.)
So — all that said, I knew my job at a very basic level, but filling in the little gaps was the last bit of work needed to polish off the finished product.
— I was a junior officer in charge of people who had been in this business and doing the job longer than I had been alive. Knowing when to listen and when to speak/give orders or overrule someone was a crucial skill to develop.
— Be prepared to make mistakes, some will likely make you ashamed of yourself, but you gotta own them and move on. Just check the box and don’t let it happen again. Everyone makes them, even the Master. Own it, admit to it and move on. Someday you’ll use that experience to give sound advice to a cadet/fresh graduate like yourself and be able to help them develop their own skills.
— Never be afraid to admit you don’t know something or need help/are in doubt. If you’re not sure if you’re in doubt, you are and should call for help. I’ve never EVER gotten shit on for calling for help. It’s a bond of trust that will actually let your supervisors sleep easier knowing you won’t be scared to reach out. It’s better to call for something simple than to wing it and potentially create a problem.
— Being nervous is healthy. Anyone who says they were not nervous taking their first watch on their first ship is full of crap. Don’t feel like less of a professional because you’re anxious/nervous about your first watch or tie up. Just watch out for your people and their safety and communicate what’s going on clearly and concisely and over time you’ll ease into the duties comfortably.
I’m sure I’m forgetting some things and sure others here will have even more to say/add. It’s exciting to leap from school to the real deal — I kinda miss the “newness” of it all, to be honest.
Hopefully you have cadet shipped on a working ship? If not, it’s a steep learning curve.
Understand that you will make a lot of mistakes. Don’t make the same mistakes twice, don’t try and cover up your mistakes, and DON’T pretend to know more than you do.
You will need some thick skin also.
I agree 100% with New3M — you have two ears and one mouth for a reason…listen, learn, and apply.
For the past couple years, I’ve had a new 3M on every work tour. The ones that make it are hard working, honest young professionals that are not trying to be something they’re not. Everyone on the ship knows you don’t know what you’re doing. Most will be helpful. When I started out, I spent my off-watch time (unpaid) learning from the experienced crew.
Your best network at the moment is your class mates. Stay in touch with them. Some people network, and some don’t. It’s always worked for me, but what license you hold is more valuable than networking. The longer you sail, the more valuable you are, as in any industry.
Understand you are coming into the industry with a “bag of tools”. Meaning you know how to use a piece of equipment or tool to accomplish a task but you know nothing yet.
My advice is like others have said, keep your head down, ask lots of questions, see if you can shadow a hawsepiper (they can teach you things school didn’t), realize you’re viewed generally as a know it all or arrogant by default (because you’re coming from a school and those before you ruined it for ya), knowing that can help you in the beginning. Find your own routine, show up early and stay late. But remember to get your sleep too. If something is going on that you can learn from. Stay up past your watch or go on early in other words.
This in a nutshell. The one thing I cannot let go as a captain is someone attempting to cover up or shift blame for their mistakes. It is true. Everyone makes them. It is what you do after the fact that matters, because if you attempt to lie or not take personal responsibility for your actions, we are effectively done as professional peers at that point. You must be capable of admitting your faults so that you can learn from them and hopefully not repeat them. You cannot do this if you never see yourself as the problem and I cannot trust you if you are incapable of this skill.
Don’t lie - ever. Call the Captain when in doubt - always. Call the mate when in doubt always. No one expects you to know everyting - yet. Be early for watch, be early for dinner relief. Be around - be on deck - pay attention
There are no “keys to the sea chest”. Don’t go looking for 100 feet of shoreline. Don’t go to the boiler room for a bucket of steam. Don’t ask for the “relative bearing grease”. (And I’m spoiling some senior officer’s fun, I know)
Very true from a CE’s perspective too or for that matter any professional occupation whether doctor, scientist or politician. Being able to admit mistakes and learn from them takes courage but also separates the wheat from the chaff.
The best was after a trip or three and the old timers (including Masters and CE) got to talking and telling you the mistakes they made in much less forgiving times. You quickly realize no one was born on the throne they seemingly occupy when you’re new.
Also, an officer once told me that if the old timers bust your balls and give you a hard time about things you did, they actually give a shit. If they wanted you gone they’d just allow you to keep working on your own noose.
