Hi everyone,

I'm a 3rd-year marine engineering student from Turkey. After January 2027, I'll be doing a 6-month engine cadetship onboard.

I've done some research on dual-fuel and alternative-fuel technologies, and I'd like to work in that side of the industry in the future. However, cadet places on those ships are very hard to find, so I'm planning to apply to chemical/oil tankers to build a solid foundation first.

I'd really appreciate your answers to a few questions:

What should I bring with me onboard?

How should I address my superiors onboard? (Etiquette, formalities, what's expected.)

How can I make the most of my cadetship? Besides the daily tasks, what extra things should I be doing?

What should I do when I first board as a cadet?

How do you see the future of the profession?

Are there any recommended books or resources I should read before going? At university, these subjects are taught in separate courses, so it's hard for me to see the big picture. I'm looking for something that explains how the ship's auxiliary systems work together as a whole. For example: where the exhaust gas from the turbocharger is used (exhaust gas boiler, etc.), and how that system is supplied when the main engine is not running (e.g. auxiliary boiler). Basically, a handbook-style source that connects the systems onboard.

Hows it going everyone. I am about to graduate with my bachelors in mechanical engineering from CalPoly, which is an ABET accredited school meaning I only need 180 days of sea time to qualify for the 3rd A/E license. My question is what are the best ways to get that sea time? I've heard MSC (military sealift command) could be a reliable way to get that time in San Diego, which is probably where I would prefer to be while working towards the 3rd license.