Who's Navigating? A deck cadet’s view of life at sea

Brazilian deck cadet and Nautical Institute Younger Member Ambassador Luciana Bezerra discusses her path to her current position, shares her future plans and explains why she uses manual charts to back up electronic navigation methods

Why did you decide to pursue a career at sea?

I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps, who both worked in the industry. They used to take me to maritime events when I was growing up to show me how things worked. I loved it then and now I am at sea myself, I still do!

What do you find most interesting or challenging about your current role?

I find my career very dynamic and enjoy the privileges of having beautiful views during voyages and getting to know people from many different nationalities. I also enjoy learning lots of new skills and operations. The most challenging aspect for me is having to spend a lot of time away from my family.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Ten?

In five years’ time, I see myself working offshore, continuing to travel the world and develop my seafarer skills. In ten years, however, I can see myself moving to a shore-based position, as I will want to stay closer to my family and not travel quite so much after I become a parent myself.

What are some of your preferred visual navigation techniques and why?

Whenever I am navigating, I use my charts to mark and track what I see outside the vessel. I look out for visual references in the vicinity and then cross check them with my radar. This makes it easier for me to see how my vessel is responding. If any of my electronic equipment then stops working, I still have the chart references to help me with my navigation.