A navigation deck student cadet is a trainee who is pursuing a career as a navigation officer onboard commercial ships. The student cadet is typically enrolled in a maritime training program and is gaining hands-on experience by serving onboard a commercial ship. The navigation deck student cadet is assigned to the navigation department of the ship, where they receive practical training in various navigation-related tasks and responsibilities. These tasks may include maintaining a proper look out, monitoring the ship’s position and movements, assisting in cargo operations, participating in safety drills, and maintaining navigational logs and records.
The navigation deck student cadet is supervised by experienced navigation officers, who guide and mentor them in the various tasks and responsibilities of navigation watchkeeping onboard commercial ships. The student cadet is expected to learn and develop their skills and knowledge in the field of navigation, including the use of navigational aids such as radar, GPS, and electronic charts. The student cadet is also expected to develop effective communication and teamwork skills, as they will be working closely with other members of the navigation department and other departments onboard the ship. The student cadet is encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from their experiences onboard the ship. The navigation deck student cadet program provides a valuable opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in navigation to gain practical experience and develop their skills and knowledge in the field. The program is designed to prepare the student cadet for a career as a navigation officer onboard commercial ships, where they will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
During their cadetship, navigation deck cadets are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of their activities and duties on board the ship. The record book is a critical document that serves as a record of the cadet’s training and experience, and is used to assess their progress and proficiency in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.
Here are some of the things that should be recorded in the record book of navigation deck cadets during their cadetship:
- Daily activities: The cadet should record their daily activities, including the tasks they performed and the equipment and machinery they worked with.
- Watchkeeping: The cadet should record their watchkeeping duties, including the times and durations of their watches, and any incidents or observations that occurred during their watch.
- Navigation: The cadet should record their involvement in navigation activities, including the use of navigational aids and the calculation of the ship’s position, speed, and heading.
- Safety inspections: The cadet should record their participation in safety inspections, including the inspections of life-saving and firefighting equipment.
- Cargo operations: If involved in cargo operations, the cadet should record their participation in loading, discharging, and securing cargo.
- Maintenance and repairs: The cadet should record their involvement in routine maintenance and repairs of the ship’s equipment and machinery.
- Training and education: The cadet should record their participation in training and educational activities, including any courses or seminars they attended.
The record book should be kept up-to-date and organized in a clear and concise manner. It is a critical document that will be used to assess the cadet’s progress and proficiency, and will be an important record of their training and experience. The cadet should ensure that the record book is reviewed regularly by their supervising officer and is signed off upon completion of their cadetship.
Navigation deck cadets are entry-level officers who are typically enrolled in a cadetship program on board commercial ships. The cadetship program is designed to provide cadets with practical training and experience in navigation, safety, and shipboard operations, and to prepare them for a career as a navigation officer. Navigation deck cadets are typically responsible for supporting the navigation team in the safe and efficient passage of the vessel. They may be involved in a range of tasks and duties, including navigation, watchkeeping, safety inspections, cargo operations, maintenance and repairs, and communication.
During their cadetship program, navigation deck cadets are trained and mentored by experienced navigation officers and crew members. They are provided with hands-on experience in navigation and watchkeeping, including the use of navigational aids such as radar, GPS, and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). They also learn how to calculate the ship’s position, speed, and heading using celestial navigation techniques. Navigation deck cadets may also be involved in safety inspections of the ship’s equipment and systems, including life-saving and firefighting equipment. They may participate in cargo operations, including the loading and unloading of cargo, and learn how to ensure that the cargo is stowed and secured properly.
In addition to their practical training, navigation deck cadets also receive classroom training in international regulations and ship-specific procedures related to navigation, safety, and shipboard operations. This training ensures that cadets have a thorough understanding of the principles and procedures involved in operating a commercial ship safely and efficiently. Overall, navigation deck cadets play an important role in the operation of commercial ships and are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient passage of the vessel. Their cadetship program provides them with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become competent navigation officers and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the ship.
As with any job, there are always challenges and risks involved. Here are some potential challenges and risks that navigation deck cadets may face onboard ships:
- Lack of experience: Navigation deck cadets are still in training and may not have as much experience as other crew members, which could lead to mistakes or errors in judgment.
- High stress and long working hours: Working onboard a ship can be demanding, with long working hours and high levels of stress. This can be especially challenging for navigation deck cadets who are still adjusting to the demands of the job.
- Exposure to hazardous conditions: Navigation deck cadets may be exposed to hazardous conditions while onboard, such as bad weather, heavy seas, and other potentially dangerous situations.
- Mental health concerns: The isolation and confinement of ship life can be challenging for some crew members, including navigation deck cadets. This can lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and homesickness.
- Physical health concerns: Navigation deck cadets may be at risk for physical health concerns such as seasickness, fatigue, and injuries while working onboard.
- Cultural and language barriers: Crew members onboard ships come from diverse backgrounds, and communication can sometimes be challenging due to cultural and language barriers. This can be particularly difficult for navigation deck cadets who are still developing their communication skills.
Overall, navigation deck cadets onboard ships face a range of challenges and risks. It is important for them to receive proper training and support to ensure their safety and well-being while onboard.
Prepared by MaritimEducation team.