Your Complete Guide to the Cadet Training Program

Welcome to the Cadet Training Program — the beginning of an exciting journey from preparation to shipboard training and beyond.

This program is more than just gaining sea time. It’s about learning, adapting, building confidence, developing professional skills, and taking your first steps toward a career at sea.

We’ll be with you throughout the journey — helping you prepare, guiding you through each stage, and supporting you as you turn your training into real-world experience.

Welcome aboard, Cadets. Your journey begins now.

Before you arrive, get to know your home away from home!

From Filipino hospitality and local customs to food, transportation, language, and everyday life, here are 11 Things to Know About the Philippines to help you feel more prepared for your stay.

Keep an open mind, respect the culture, try something new, and enjoy the experience along the way.

Welcome to the Philippines, Cadets!

Important Documents

CADET JOINING INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

CADET TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

CADET SAFETY AND SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

eTRAVEL REGISTRATION – STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE.pdf

VMSC-SHORE LEAVE REQUEST FORM.docx

Deck Cadet Training Plan

Month 1 - Orientation and Safety
- Shipboard familiarization
- Muster list duties
- Emergency drills (fire, abandon ship, man overboard)
- PPE use & safety signage
- ISM Code awareness
Month 2 - Navigation Basics

- Principles of watchkeeping
- COLREGS application
- Chart work & compass use
- Bridge equipment familiarization (gyro, autopilot)
- Logbook entries
Month 3 - Cargo Operations
- Loading/unloading procedures
- Securing cargo & lashings
- Stability basics
- Tanker/reefer cargo awareness
- Pollution prevention (MARPOL)

Month 4 - Deck & Engine Maintenance

- Routine deck checks
- Mooring operations
- Deck machinery (windlass, winches)
- Basic engine room familiarization
- Maintenance reporting

Month 5 - Advanced Navigation

- Radar plotting
- ECDIS operation
- Bridge resource management
- Voyage planning
- GMDSS familiarization

Month 6 - Final Assessment and Consolidation
- Review TRB competencies
- Oral exam with Master
- Emergency drill leadership
- Reflective journal submission
- TRB verification

Engine Cadet Training Plan

Month 1 - Orientation and Safety
- Engine room familiarization
- PPE use
- Emergency drills (fire, flooding, blackout)
- ISM Code awareness
- Safety signage
Month 2 - Machine Familiarisation
- Main engine overview
- Auxiliary engines
- Pumps, compressors, purifiers
- Lubrication systems
- Cooling systems
Month 3 - Watchkeeping and Logs
- Engine room watchkeeping
- Monitoring parameters
- Recording logbook entries
- Alarm response
- Communication with bridge

Month 4- Maintenance and Repair
- Routine maintenance (filters, valves)
- Overhauling pumps
- Cleaning purifiers
- Basic electrical checks
- Tool use & reporting

Month 5- Advanced Systems
- Fuel system operation
- Steering gear checks
- Boiler operation
- Refrigeration & air conditioning
- Emergency generator

Month 6- Final Assessment and Consolidation
- Review TRB competencies
- Oral exam with Chief Engineer
- Emergency drill leadership
- Reflective journal submission
- TRB verification