This week we hear from Oliver Dyson-Wood, Deck Cadet on the CEMEX Hopper Dredger Sand Fulmar, about his experience as an officer trainee with CEMEX UK.
“Working as a Deck Cadet on the Sand Fulmar has honestly been the best experience I’ve had during my cadetship. It’s been a pretty rough ride since I started back in January 2018 and it was nice change to see how a British merchant navy ship operates. I have previously worked on chemical/oil product tankers, but I feel that I have learnt much more in just over two weeks compared to two months on any other ship.
The biggest shock I had when joining the Sand Fulmar was just how well the crew are treated on board. Free WiFi, Freeview TV and a surprising amount of available gym equipment. I also eat better on here than I do at home! However, the most important aspect for me was just how welcoming and friendly the Sand Fulmar crew were. The ship’s company has given me the best training experience to finally end my cadetship and work towards my OOW (Unlimited) COC with confidence.
This experience has opened my eyes to a completely different type of ship, and I will certainly be applying as a 3rd Officer for CEMEX in the future.”