Last April 21 - 27, I have met certain individuals that taught me a lot of things and gave me ideas of what a seafarer’s life is. Among these few individuals, one did make the greatest impact to me as a neophyte of this field that I have chosen. This man never hesitated to help the next generation of seafarers. He, unselfishly, shared his bottomless knowledge in this field to young cadets like me. He imparted to me and to my fellow cadets, as what masters are doing to their students in kung fu, his skills and talents that he molded since he was still like us. He has the passion to continue whatever he had started. He has the dedication to fulfill his dreams and goals; one of it is to see young cadets, like me, to go out in the field, prove our worth and reach our individual but unselfish goal in our career to help not only ourselves but also others. He let me realized the real meaning of servitude, it’s not a state of subjection to an owner but it’s real meaning is service towards the people for the greater good of the many. This certain individual is my mentor, my idol and probably, in the near future, my captain with me as his fellow officer. He is 2/O Edward Rommel Brioso.  

He made me come up to a certain realization that changes my way of thinking towards my future becoming, being a seafarer. Before, I thought that being a seafarer is just being a mere sailor who knows how to navigate or simply maneuver his ship from one point to the other. But then I was wrong, being a seafarer has a lot of mastery to do. Practically you are a navigator; you know where you are going, you know, at all times, the position of your vessel, you know how to make voyage plans, estimates the time of arrival while en route and ensuring all hazards are avoided A seafarer is also a geographer; who needs to study the physical parts of the earth most especially the ocean and seabed. He is also an astronomer; who observes the movement of celestial bodies to guide him in his voyage. He is also a chemist; who understands the different chemicals he is handling on board vessel and the dangers it may cause. He is also a semblance of a doctor; who performs medical treatment to his injured mates. He is also a journalist; who writes formal reports, based on actual events, for information purposes. He is also a meteorologist; who forecasts weather for safety navigational purposes. And there’s a lot more to do.  

Behind those successful voyage of a ship are the sleepless night of the crew and the captain itself on watch just to monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 5 weeks a month and so on just to ensure the safety of the ship, its crew and the cargoes stored inside it. On board on a passenger vessel, we are talking about lives not only the crew itself but also the passengers on board the vessel. A mere 1% error is not allowed, a small error like that could mean a total disaster for the entire vessel. As what I had experienced during the MarEx Program, while we are inside the bridge observing the docking operation of the SuperFerry 1, the passengers don’t have any idea what’s going on inside the bridge during that time. They don’t know, behind the safe docking of the ship so that they can disembark from it, is a painstaking step by step procedure with 100% precision by the crew and by the guidance of the captain itself. Then I asked myself, do these persons appreciate what we are doing for their safety? Then again, I will go back to the actions of my mentor, SERVITUDE. It is not only our job to keep them safe but more importantly it is our responsibility to keep them safe.  

One Step Ahead - A Million Step To Go  

As to what my mentor want us to become  

- my answer - AYE AYE SIR!!! I understand, and I will comply!!

1st day na 1st day exam kaagad ang salubong ni Sir Celes Nav (haha) thx to my glasses i got the answers I needed to fill up those 40 boxes to shade (hahaha)

Morning was so cold parang ayaw ko maligo (haha) nanginginig katawan ko sa ginaw (brrrrr) parang absent ata si Mr. SUN di ko kc xa nkita.. ng kasakit cguro “SICKCALL” (haha)

and now… duty ko ngaun 0000 - 0200.. wala bang jacket na mahiram jan? kasi hanggang buto ung ginaw eh… BRRR…

Exams??

“Art of Shading”

lang yan eh!! :))

The job may not be as glamorous as being an airline pilot or a high flying stockbroker, but people are intrigued and they always ask questions about it.

I joined because I want to see as much of this beautiful planet as I can before I die. I may haven’t finished my schooling and training but I’m pretty sure I’ll see things that some people will never have the chance to see: sailing past the Statue of Liberty in New York; cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge; humpback whales courting in the Bering Sea; waterspouts dancing together in the South China Sea; the list goes on.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, 
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, 
When the funds are low and the debts are high, 
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, 
When care is pressing you down a bit, 
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, 
As every one of us sometimes learns, 
And many a failure turns about, 
When he might have won had he stuck it out; 
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow— 
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than, 
It seems to a faint and faltering man, 
Often the struggler has given up, 
When he might have captured the victor’s cup, 
And he learned too late when the night slipped down, 
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out— 
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, 
And you never can tell how close you are, 
It may be near when it seems so far, 
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit— 
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.