16/07/2026
⚓ Good day to my fellow ETOs and aspiring ETO Cadets!
Being an ETO Cadet onboard for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Aside from adjusting to the shipboard environment and daily responsibilities, one of the most important parts of a cadet's journey is receiving proper guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to learn.
Every cadet has a different experience onboard. Some are fortunate to have senior officers who patiently teach and guide them, while others may face challenges in getting the hands-on experience they need to develop their skills.
Today, I would like to share the experience of an ETO Cadet who is currently onboard a VLCC tanker vessel. This cadet is seeking advice and guidance from fellow ETOs and experienced seafarers regarding the challenges being faced onboard.
📩 Please take time to read the message below:
Good day, Lecky. Please hide my identity.
Gusto ko lang po sanang i-share sa inyo ang experience ko ngayon bilang isang ETO Cadet sa isang VLCC tanker vessel. Unang sampa ko pa lang po ito, kaya inaamin ko na medyo na-overwhelm ako sa mga gawain at sa environment dito sa barko.
Ang concern ko po ay hindi ako masyadong nakaka-focus sa electrical works dahil ayaw po akong isama at turuan ng ETO ko. Sa tuwing may gagawin siyang trabaho, madalas ay inuutusan niya akong maglinis o kaya naman ay sinasabihan akong magtanong kay 2/E kung may ipapagawa sa akin.
Medyo nahihirapan na po ako dahil limang buwan na ako onboard, pero pakiramdam ko ay kakaunti pa rin ang natututunan ko tungkol sa electrical work. Gusto ko po talagang matuto at maging isang mahusay na ETO, pero hindi ko po alam kung paano ko haharapin ang ganitong sitwasyon.
Baka po may maipapayo kayo sa akin, Lecky. Maraming salamat po, at God bless po.
To all my fellow ETOs and experienced seafarers, please share your advice in the comment section based on your own onboard experience. Your guidance, practical tips, and words of encouragement may greatly help this ETO Cadet and other aspiring ETOs who may be experiencing similar challenges onboard.
Sometimes, a simple explanation, proper guidance, and the opportunity to be included in electrical work can make a huge difference in a cadet's learning journey. Remember, every experienced ETO was once a cadet who needed someone to teach, guide, and give them an opportunity to learn.
To all aspiring ETO Cadets, continue to ask questions, show your willingness to learn, and make the most of every opportunity to gain knowledge. Stay patient, remain professional, and continue improving yourself every day.
I hope this post encourages fellow ETOs to share their knowledge and help guide the next generation of Electro-Technical Officers.
God bless, stay safe onboard, and fair winds to all! ⚓🚢⚡