Who's Navigating? Getting started: a deck cadet's first experience on board
Deck cadet Raveen Chandran vividly remembers his first experience on board ship. Here, he recalls the warm welcome and friendship he received, and how the learning process gave him the confidence to pass on his knowledge to others.
It all started at home in the morning, carrying my two pieces of luggage, feeling a pinch of excitement deep within me. I was driven to the pier, where I met nine different people from various countries. As I walked up the gangway, many eyes were on me and I felt shy and nervous. I still remember how I almost got crushed by the ship’s lift because my luggage wouldn’t fit into the tiny space left.
The first problem I encountered was that I couldn’t find my cabin. That was the only time I saw the captain carrying my luggage to my cabin. I felt guilty, but at the same time, I had some hope that there was someone to guide me. It was a whole new feeling for me; I just couldn’t explain it in words. My plan was to read a book and remain in solitude, as I wasn’t comfortable talking to anyone yet.
"Just like that, I knew this trip was going to be good. Maintaining this attitude every day made it easier to befriend others."
Not long after, there was a loud knock on my door. Thinking I had made some mistake in the first few hours, I was surprised when the whole crew showed up at my cabin, encouraging me to play darts with them. At that moment, all my nervousness dissolved and I felt welcomed. Just like that, I knew this trip was going to be good. Maintaining this attitude every day made it easier to befriend others. Days and months passed, and my learning became more in-depth.
I thought I knew the basics of the COLREGS until the mate asked me what the mass of the striker in the ship's bell was. That was when my research deepened, and my drive to learn increased exponentially. Soon came cargo operations, where I was asked various questions every Sunday, from vague queries about LNG to detailed questions about compressors. I believe my technical skills improved significantly compared to the beginning, when I couldn’t even hold a spanner correctly or tighten bolts properly. It also enhanced my critical thinking skills as I was given mini-projects about lifeboat safety aspects on board.
I visited countries like Japan, China, Australia and my home country, Singapore. I’ve always heard that a cadet is the lowest rank and must find their own way to learn all the answers, but I was lucky to have a captain and a mate who kept me on my toes by asking questions and providing in-depth knowledge about both navigation and cargo work. The secret is to always ask; there’s never a stupid question on board.
It doesn’t end there! As part of The Nautical Institute, I’ve managed to attend conferences, build new networks and, of course, share my experiences with new cadets who have yet to go on board. I’m also currently the vice president of the maritime club at my school, which consists of maritime business and engineering students and deck cadets like myself. I keep myself busy revising the knowledge I gained on the first ship, sharing it with other deck cadets and attending meetings for the betterment of maritime students.
