A Simple Guide by Top Academy, Mohali, Punjab
Joining the Merchant Navy is a dream for many students who want an exciting career at sea. One of the first steps in this journey is becoming a deck cadet. But many students often ask, what are the duties of a deck cadet onboard ship in Merchant Navy?
At Top Academy, Mohali, Punjab, we guide students who want to build a successful career in the Merchant Navy. In this blog, we will explain the daily duties of a deck cadet on a merchant ship in very simple and easy language.
The life of a deck cadet is disciplined and follows a proper schedule every day. The routine tasks of a deck cadet onboard mainly include watchkeeping, deck work, cargo operations, and training.
Morning Watch and Log Entries
The day usually starts with morning watch duty on the bridge. During this time, the cadet assists senior officers in navigation work.
Some common tasks are:
These are part of the deck cadet watchkeeping duties.
Like everyone onboard, deck cadets also get fixed meal times and short breaks. This time is also useful for learning from senior officers and asking questions about ship operations.
In the evening, cadets often help in checking safety equipment and preparing the ship for the next watch.
This may include:
This is part of the basic responsibilities of a deck cadet at sea.
Watchkeeping is one of the most important duties of a deck cadet.
Bridge Watch Duties
A cadet works on the bridge under the guidance of officers. The main job is to help monitor the ship’s movement.
This includes:
Sometimes, cadets may also learn steering ship duties under supervision.
Deck cadets are also responsible for helping in ship maintenance.
Deck Maintenance Work
Some common maintenance tasks include:
These deck cleaning tasks help keep the ship safe and in good condition.
During port operations, the cadet also helps in cargo work.
The cargo handling duties of a deck cadet may include:
This is an important learning part of onboard training.
When the ship arrives at or leaves the port, cadets help in mooring work.
This includes:
These are called mooring and unmooring deck cadet duties.
Safety is very important in the Merchant Navy.
Every cadet must take part in emergency drills such as:
These safety duties of a deck cadet on ship help prepare them for emergencies.
A deck cadet is mainly onboard to learn and gain sea experience.
Onboard Mentorship
Senior officers guide cadets in:
At Top Academy, Mohali, Punjab, we prepare students for these real-life onboard responsibilities before they join ships.
Path to Officer Rank
After completing sea time and exams, a deck cadet can become:
This is why proper training and knowledge are very important.
The duties of a deck cadet onboard ship in Merchant Navy include watchkeeping, deck maintenance, cargo handling, safety drills, and learning from senior officers.
It is a great career for students who want discipline, adventure, and growth.
If you are planning to join the Merchant Navy, Top Academy, Mohali, Punjab is here to help you prepare for a successful future at sea.
The main duties of a deck cadet onboard ship include bridge watchkeeping, deck maintenance, cargo handling, mooring and unmooring, safety drills, and logbook entries. A cadet works under senior officers to learn all ship operations.
A deck cadet’s daily routine includes watch duty on the bridge, checking charts, cleaning and maintaining the deck, assisting in cargo work, and participating in safety drills. Their schedule depends on the ship’s operations and watch timings.
Yes, watchkeeping is one of the most important duties of a deck cadet in the Merchant Navy. During watch duty, cadets assist officers in navigation, monitor the route, and maintain ship records.
Yes, a deck cadet helps in loading and unloading cargo, checking cargo lashings, hatch operations, and ballast work under the supervision of senior officers.
A deck cadet usually performs deck cleaning, painting, rust removal, rope checks, and tool maintenance to keep the ship in safe condition.