⚓ Admissions Open for 2027 Batch — Enroll for IMU CET Coaching & Sponsorships•🚢 Secure Your Sponsorship with Top Shipping Companies — 2027 Admissions Now Open•✅ Govt. of Kerala Registered & MSME Certified — Join the 2027 Batch Today•⭐ 400+ Students Trained, 5-Star Rated — 2027 Enrollment Is Live•📞 Limited Seats Left for 2027 — Talk to a Mentor and Enroll Today•
⚓ Admissions Open for 2027 Batch — Enroll for IMU CET Coaching & Sponsorships•🚢 Secure Your Sponsorship with Top Shipping Companies — 2027 Admissions Now Open•✅ Govt. of Kerala Registered & MSME Certified — Join the 2027 Batch Today•⭐ 400+ Students Trained, 5-Star Rated — 2027 Enrollment Is Live•📞 Limited Seats Left for 2027 — Talk to a Mentor and Enroll Today•
Back to Blog

Life as a Deck Cadet: What to Expect Onboard

By Gowtham | April 22, 2026

Stepping onto a commercial ship for the first time as a Deck Cadet is an exhilarating and humbling experience. It is the beginning of a challenging but highly rewarding career.

The Daily Routine

A cadet's life is a mix of hard physical work, academic study, and watchkeeping.

  • 0800 - 1700: You will often be on deck, learning practical maintenance like chipping, painting, and greasing. You will assist the Bosun and the Chief Officer.
  • Navigation Watches: You will be assigned to a navigational watch (usually the 0800-1200 or 1600-2000 watch) under the supervision of a certified officer. Here you learn collision avoidance, radar plotting, and steering.

Challenges You Will Face

  • Seasickness: Almost everyone gets it initially. You will get used to it.
  • Isolation: You will be away from family and friends for months. The crew becomes your new family.
  • Fatigue: The maritime industry operates 24/7. Managing your rest hours is a crucial skill.

"The ocean is a harsh teacher, but it builds character like nothing else on earth."

The Rewards

The financial independence at a young age, the opportunity to travel the globe, and the immense pride of navigating massive vessels across the world's oceans make all the hard work worth it. Stay focused, respect the sea, and listen to your senior officers.