Life As a Seafarer
Following their completion of the 6-month academic program at EMTI, Cadets will begin the onboard training process – the Cadetship period. The Maritime Academy arranges for Cadets to be interviewed by some of the industry’s leading shipping companies. While at sea, Cadets will undergo on-the-job training, where they will be assisting Senior Engineers who will provide guidance and instruction to the Cadets under practical circumstances faced onboard the ship. Cadets will be trained in watch keeping and will learn how to deal with emergencies and difficult situations. OOEW Cadets will be at sea for a period of 12 months following their graduation from EMTI, while ETO Cadets will be at sea for a period of 6 to 12 months. EMTI’s objective is to prepare Cadets for the lifestyle of a seafarer. Along with managing a vessel’s mechanical and electrical equipment, Marine Engineers must adapt to a unique daily regimen. Typically, Marine Engineers will be assigned to a cabin shared by 1 or 2 persons, provided with 3 meals a day and 2 coffee breaks, and required to work irregular hours on a need-based schedule. The Junior Engineer Officer will undertake additional responsibilities. He will be in charge of watch and therefore he must be alert at all times and prepared to take immediate action as needed. The Junior Engineer Officer will also be responsible for the maintenance of specific machinery and recordkeeping. Despite the demanding responsibilities, there are exciting moments for sightseeing in various ports and locations throughout the world, which only a lucky few have the opportunity to visit. Most ship crews consist of a diverse set of nationalities from Asia, Europe, South and North America. Marine Engineers will be expected to work as a team with crews from various backgrounds. Seafarers often develop friendships that last a lifetime. Upon the conclusion of the Cadetship period, a Cadet’s promotion is at the discretion of the hiring shipping company. Generally, when deciding on promotions, a shipping company considers the individual’s capabilities and the availability of positions.
