Life At Sea

Embarkation Day

As a Deck Cadet, the night before I was due to join my first ship, I lay awake in bed, consumed by a swirling mix of emotions. The thought of spending six months at sea was both thrilling and daunting, and I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that had taken hold of me. I cried and overthought, unable to quiet my mind and prepare for the journey ahead.

Despite my anxieties, I couldn't deny the excitement that coursed through me. Like any other girl, I was thrilled to be embarking on my first shipboard experience. I had been working hard to prepare myself mentally and physically for the challenges that lay ahead, but I knew deep down that no amount of preparation could fully ready me for what was to come.

A few days before my scheduled sign-on in Singapore, I received my details from the ship agent. I was relieved to learn that I wouldn't have to travel to another country to join the ship, but that didn't stop me from frantically Googling every detail I could find about the vessel. I pored over her past routes, technical specifications, and more, trying to quell the nervous energy that was building inside me.

The morning I was due to join the ship, the sun rose at 0640 hours, my emotions continued to ebb and flow. I was thrilled to be starting this new chapter in my life, but I was also keenly aware of what I was leaving behind. I was anxiously waiting for a call from Crewing Management to receive my transportation details. At exactly 0700 hours, my phone rang, signaling the beginning of my journey at sea. As I bid farewell to my boyfriend and family, the reality of being away from them for the next six months hit me hard. It was one of the toughest things I had ever done, hugging each of them tightly, tears streaming down our faces, feeling a deep sense of sadness and loss.

As I entered the transportation, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had consumed me since the previous night. I knew that there was no turning back at this point, and that it was time to embrace my new role as a deck cadet and mature into an adult. The drive towards the Sea Port was nerve-wracking.

At the Sea Port, I had to go through the usual security checks for my luggage and passport, as well as show my seaman discharge book. The process was lengthy and not at all like the regular airport checks.

As I made my way through the terminal, I was overcome with a tidal wave of emotions. Looking around at the containers, ships, wharf operators, and lashers, feeling like a small fish in a vast ocean. The excitement of embarking on this new adventure was accompanied by feelings of anxiety and nervousness, uncertain about what lay ahead.

As the vehicle came to a halt, I couldn't take my eyes off the 4800 TEU vessel, Siren Joy. Despite being newly built, the ship appeared rundown and in poor condition. As I stepped out of the vehicle, I was met with a group of towering men who stared back at me, sending shivers down my spine. 

My palms began to sweat as I stepped out of the transport and collected my luggage and backpack from the boot. I could feel their eyes on me as I made my way towards the ship. Suddenly, a voice boomed out, "HEY! Help the lady out! Carry her luggage up now!" The crew stationed at the gangway quickly sprang into action, but their stares remained uncomfortably fixed on me.

As I climbed the gangway, I longed for a smile or a word of welcome, but all I received were more stares. Although their reactions made me uncomfortable, I chose not to take it to heart. I could only assume they were taken aback by the presence of a female cadet. With a deep breath, I pushed my unease aside and continued my climb up the gangway, ready to embark on this new adventure.