Duties and Responsibilities of Deck cadets

Many times students ask what are the duties of Deck cadets on ship? 

Deck cadet is an apprentice or trainee and is not to be assigned independent watch-keeping duties.

Chief Officer assigns duties to Deck cadet, so that he/she learns work on ship and becomes a capable Officer in future.

Duties of Deck cadets 

1. Should take active participation in shipboard operations.
2. In addition to his training / learning, he will also assist in all shipboard operations, particularly in the following:

• Watch-keeping at sea, Pilotage or at anchor, under the supervision of a certified watch keeper.
• Learn third officer and second  officer job.
• Learn about Bridge equipment, LSA and FFA equipment etc.
• How to use checklist and get familiar with Company forms.
  
• All routine maintenance on the deck – Chipping, painting, greasing, repairs etc.
• To assist in maintaining all deck stores and their inventories.
  
• Learn about  cargo work (loading ,discharging and tank cleaning).
  

Responsibilities of Deck cadets 

• To maintain the IMU/ Company’s “Cadet’s Training Record Book”.
• Learn from Computer based Training(CBT).
• Maintain its cadet diaries, other records provided by relevant University or Company.
• Show to Master and Chief officer at monthly basis.
• He should report to the Chief Officer, or in his absence any other officer delegated by him. 

Cadets are given time for studies  by the Chief Officer.