Anchor Terminology

Understanding Anchor Terminology in Merchant Shipping It is one of the most crucial tasks, performed in the course of merchant shipping, since anchoring properly guarantees safety, stability and control on a ship, or moreover awaiting information about it at sea. For those new to the merchant navy or anybody interested in the subject, understanding the […]

Master’s Standing Orders – What They Mean for You as a Watchkeeper

When you join a ship, especially as a cadet or junior officer, one of the first things you must read and understand is the Master’s Standing Orders. But what are these? Why are they so important? And how can they affect your watchkeeping duties? Let’s understand in very simple language. What are Master’s Standing Orders? […]

First-Time Ship Joining – FAQ for Cadets and Ratings

What should I carry when joining the ship for the first time? Answer: Carry all your valid documents – passport, CDC, INDOS, STCW certificates, joining letter, medical fitness, and company contact details. Also bring personal items – enough clothes, toiletries, footwear, undergarments, shaving kit, chargers, few formal clothes for inspections or port, and maybe snacks […]

Chief Officer’s Expectations from a New Cadet – Unfiltered Truth

For all new cadets joining their first ship You’ve cleared your exams, packed your bags, and now you’re joining your first ship. Excitement is high. But the real test starts after you climb the gangway. Every cadet asks this one question: “Sir, what is expected of me on board?” Let me tell you, honestly and […]

10 Common Mistakes Cadets Must Avoid at Sea

 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 […]

Difference Between Life at Sea and Maritime College Life

When you’re in maritime college, everything seems exciting, smart uniforms, simulators, group photos, hanging out with batchmates. But once you join a real ship, you enter a different world altogether. Life at sea is not just a career. It’s a test of your mindset, patience, and responsibility. Let me break down the key differences so […]

Cadet’s Role in Emergency Muster Drills

Emergency muster drills are not just a formality. They are serious business. Every time the alarm rings whether it’s for fire, abandon ship, or man overboard the entire crew, including cadets, must report and respond correctly. As a cadet, you may not have a major role yet, but how you behave during drills shows your […]

Mooring Operations – What Cadets Should Observe and Learn

Mooring may look simple from the bridge, “Let go forward!”, “Slack aft!”, “Heave on breast line!” , but on deck, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs on the ship. As a cadet, you’re not expected to operate winches or handle ropes, but you must observe, understand, and learn as much as possible. Because one […]

Anchor Gear And Equipment

Anchor Gear & Equipment Anchoring is more than a simple operation in merchant shipping; it’s a network of solid apparatus working in harmony under stress. Each smooth process runs on machinery constructed for strength, endurance, and precision. Understanding this setup isn’t just for engineers—it’s vital knowledge for every watchkeeper, cadet, or officer working anchor stations […]

“Near Miss” – The Wake-Up Call We Must Not Ignore

What Is a Near Miss? A Near Miss is exactly what it sounds like, something almost went wrong, but luckily, it didn’t. No injury. No damage. But it could have happened, and it almost did. It’s like narrowly avoiding a car accident by slamming the brakes in time. At sea, it could be a loose […]