Daily Journal For Deck Cadet Download
Amber Monton
While still in a maritime college, a deck cadet often wonders as to what his shipboard duties exactly are. Though there is no specific guidelines or deck cadet job description, the common answer to this intriguing question at college is that a cadet must assist the deck officers in the day-to-day operations of the vessel.
It is therefore important that deck cadets have a general overview of the duties that are performed when on board ships. Of course, these are general guidelines and the jobs may vary from ship to ship.
All cadets who have served onboard will know that an area within the ship is designated to the deck cadet for maintenance and upkeep. Generally, one deck (or a part of it) of the superstructure is assigned to the cadet. Maintenance of that includes overall cleanliness and reporting of any abnormalities within the area.
Updating of the Muster lists and the cabin key log are generally handed over to the cadet when there are new on signers. Making photocopies of various lists are almost always the sole job of a cadet! (And sometimes the number is extremely large). Not to forget the thing that has become ubiquitous on almost all vessels- The Watch & Rest Hours- to be distributed to all on time; another universally allotted job of the deck cadet.
Not having a valid Certificate of Competency (COC), a cadet is naturally not allowed to keep a bridge watch independently. However, under the guidance and supervision of a certified officer (almost always it is the Chief Mate), a cadet is expected to learn the science and art of navigation, which would eventually help him in becoming a successful deck officer. Theoretical knowledge of the COLREGS, Celestial Navigation, Bridge Equipments, Seamanship, Chartwork etc. all culminate into this one grand attempt at safe navigation of the vessel.
Normally, the Chief Mate takes time out during the bridge watches (0400-0800 and 1600-2000) to teach a cadet about the ongoings in the bridge and also tests his knowledge he has received during his deck cadet course on myriad aspects of the merchant navy. Gradually, the Chief Mate and eventually the Master develops a trust factor (provided the cadet is worth the salt), which enables them to delegate work to the cadet.
While most Citadel cadets would kill for the opportunity to have only four parades a year, like the Officer Cadets of RMC, I was immediately surprised at how long their parades last. When all was said and done, the Canadian Corps of Cadets was standing at attention for 3 and a half hours on their parade deck, an unenviable task for any cadet. Drill is traditionally the translation of customs and traditions into action; being able to see that applied in Canada has been one of the highlights of my time with the Royal Military College.
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