Apprentice

It is a challenge being cadet.

You know nothing about the ship's life.

Nothing...

You come blank.

And people on the ship also know that.

So there are many ways Your presence on board may start. And that solely depends on the ship's management.

I was lucky. C/O was also Ukrainian. Master was German. He was actually the one who protected me from getting in to the deck's life until I have familiarized myself thoroughly.

I was frequently on the bridge. That captain enjoyed talking.

One more fortune aspect was that the ship was only 6 months old. So there was no hard job. Just covering existing paint with more layers of fresh paint. But that job was to “danger” for me.

I was given the task once. I had to cover few inches of the door with white paint. And captain saw me painting. But in his head through his eyes I was a monkey that tried to launch nuclear reactor. He called Chief immediately and told him that I have not been ready for handling small brush and jar of paint yet.

Things have changed slightly with new Master. I was not spending much time on the bridge. But I was designated to some office related jobs. And I have learned painting. That is helpfull, when You do not want to hire people, who are not experts, but want to get money, because they think they can cover walls with thing from the bucket using roller. No. I do it myself now.

Crewing Manager responsible for cadets described life of cadets and it was similar with the one I've got. But even he was surprised that his tale was true.

Friend of mine told me later that on his first day, he has been sent on the stage to paint funnel. Stage is a piece of wood where person has to stand to reach high surfaces. It is not sturdy, because it is hanging tied on two ropes. It is dangerous job and should be done only by experienced seamen.

But You do not know that, because You are cadet.