Introduction
Every cadet dreams of becoming a successful officer one day. But the truth is your first few months onboard can make or break your reputation. Many cadets mess up not because they’re lazy, but because they don’t know what to avoid.
Here are 10 very common mistakes cadets make onboard and how you can avoid them.
1.Coming Late for Duty
Your Chief Mate or OOW may forgive once. Maybe twice. But if you’re late even by 5 minutes, it leaves a bad impression.
“If you can’t be on time as a cadet, how will you manage a ship as a Chief Officer?”
Tip: Always report 5 minutes early, fresh, alert, and ready.
2.Having a “Just a Cadet” Attitude
Many cadets say: “I’m just a cadet, why should I do this?”
This shows lack of initiative. Officers expect cadets to observe, help, and learn – not act like passengers.
Tip: You’re not just a cadet. You’re a future officer. Behave like one.
3.Not Asking Questions When in Doubt
Many cadets stay silent out of fear or ego. But silence can be dangerous, especially during operations or drills.
Tip: Ask clearly, respectfully. Officers prefer curious cadets over careless ones.
4.Ignoring Safety Practices
Some cadets think: “I’m young and strong, nothing will happen.”
Wrong! Ships are dangerous places.
No helmet? No gloves? No harness? You’re risking your life.
Tip: Always follow PPE and toolbox talks. Show safety awareness.
5.Not Maintaining the Training Record Book (TRB)
Biggest mistake. Many cadets keep the TRB for last month, writing random things without understanding. During orals, it shows.
Tip: Update TRB weekly. Get it signed regularly. Don’t fake tasks learn and record them properly.
6.Lack of Respect Towards Ratings
Bosun, AB, fitter they may not be officers, but they have more experience than you. Some cadets ignore or act smart with crew. That’s a big mistake.
Tip: Be polite to everyone. Learn from crew. They’ll teach you real seamanship.
7.Poor Personal Hygiene and Untidy Cabin
Ship is your home for 6 months. If your cabin stinks, clothes lie everywhere, and your bathroom is dirty, it shows lack of discipline.
Tip: Keep your space clean, laundry done, and always look presentable.
First impression stays long at sea.
8.Being Over-Smart or Overconfident
Knowing COLREGs doesn’t mean you’re a Captain. Some cadets try to show off knowledge without understanding shipboard practicality.
Tip: Confidence is good, but never try to act smarter than your rank. Learn, observe, stay humble.
9.Using Mobile Too Much
Whenever there’s Wi-Fi or signal, some cadets go missing watching YouTube or scrolling Instagram. Officers notice this.
Tip: Use phone in free time. During duty or training hours, stay focused.
10.Not Taking Notes or Keeping a Learning Diary
If you don’t write down what you learn, you’ll forget it. And during exams or orals, it’ll haunt you.
Tip: Carry a small notebook. Note procedures, commands, errors, and corrections. This becomes your secret manual over time.
Final Thoughts
Being a good cadet doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means showing the right attitude: willing to learn, work hard, and stay disciplined.
Your goal is not to finish a contract. Your goal is to earn the trust of your senior officers.
Avoid these 10 mistakes, and your seniors will remember you as one of the best cadets they’ve trained.
