6.Deck Cadet Duties

Deck cadets serve on board ships, including commercial and tourist vessels, as part of the team that handles the daily operations and efficient running of the ship. Though the deck cadet assists with jobs including navigation and maintenance, the role of deck cadet is mostly a training position, the first step towards becoming a ship officer; as such, a duty officer oversees the deck cadet at all times and takes full responsibility for the cadet’s work.

Maintenance and Safety

A key general duty for the deck cadet is the maintenance of areas on the ship. For example, the deck cadet might be appointed to oversee a specific deck, and will need to direct other crew members as they go about their business in this area. In addition, as the All Cruise Jobs website highlights, the deck cadet assists in ensuring that lifesaving equipment such as life jackets, firefighting gear and lifeboats is fully functioning. In the event it is not, she is tasked with necessary repairs.

Navigation

Under supervision, the deck cadet assists with the driving of the ship. As noted by the Ocean Opportunities website, she often will be engaged in traffic negotiations with other vessels on the sea and will be expected to handle these situations. When a ship comes to port, the deck cadet is involved in the safe mooring and anchoring of the vessel, often directing crew as appropriate.

Port Work

While a ship is at port, the deck cadet becomes involved in port operations to gain experience in this side of a seafaring career. This work can include taking part in the "watch" and supervising the arrival and the departure of the ship, as well as meeting port officials and handling other aspects of a ship’s commercial business. In addition, the cadet may take charge when it comes to cargo operations, directing other crew members in the loading and discharge of the ship’s cargo and ensuring that these tasks are performed correctly.

Nautical Preparations

Away from the hands-on navigation of the ship, the deck cadet makes sure the vessel is fully prepared for the voyage. As noted by the All Cruise Jobs website, she checks the nautical flags and charts to ensure everything is present and up to date. She also checks and familiarizes herself with the ship’s route and other related information.

Records

The deck cadet helps maintain the recordkeeping on board ship. The Ocean Opportunities website describes these duties as including the daily taking of position reports, as well as the regular updating of the ship’s nautical charts and logbook. The cadet also checks that these records are accurate.

7.Duties of an oow

An OOW is short for "Officer of the Watch" and the individual who holds the position is stationed on the bridge of a ship. The OOW is responsible mainly for the navigation of the ship and reports to the captain. Duties of an OOW differ based on whether he serves on a merchant ship or a military ship, but the basic duties remain the same. The OOW position requires schooling and passing tests to receive a certification.

Navigation

The Officer of the Watch's main responsibility is to make sure that the ship stays on course and is safe. The OOW reports to the captain or the master of the ship directly, and he is required to maintain his duty until relieved by either. The OOW needs to know the position of the ship at all times and should use more than one method or means to calculate this.