From classroom to cadet berth: The reality of beginning a seafaring career in the Philippines
05-26-2026
3-minute read
For a maritime cadet, finishing years of classroom study is a major milestone, but it rarely means stepping straight onto a vessel.
For Duke Tion, the cadet we sponsor through the Inmarsat Cares programme, the weeks since completing his classroom instruction have brought a different kind of challenge – an important but often overlooked stage of the cadet journey, filled with specialist training, paperwork, visa requirements, travel, personal expense and uncertainty about when his first berth will finally arrive.
Completing the classroom chapter
In May, Duke completed three years of classroom instruction at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. Although it felt like a graduation, his education isn't finished.
"We are called CCI students, or students who have completed classroom instruction, because we have not completed everything yet," he explained. He must still log 12 months at sea – potentially across two or more vessels – before returning to finish his Bachelor of Science degree. For now, he is waiting for the chance to begin his first contract as an engine cadet.
Training before joining a vessel
Since leaving the classroom, Duke has focused on the training and documentation his company requires: basic training for liquefied gas tankers, tanker operations, survival craft and rescue boat training, and engine watchkeeping. Some courses run through his university; others mean travelling to Manila, where he stays with his uncle and attends classes starting as early as 7am.
Next comes in-house training at the company office and his US visa application. There is still no confirmed date for his first vessel. "I am still waiting to see what will happen after I finish the training," Duke said. "I am looking forward to the company telling us what comes next.
The financial reality behind becoming a seafarer
For many Filipino cadets, reaching a first vessel takes more than academic success. Training fees, medical and administrative costs, transport, accommodation and food add up, at a time when cadets aren't yet earning a seafarer's salary. These young cadets have to cover these expenses themelves. Completing maritime school, Duke’s experience shows, is not the final financial hurdle.
Waiting does not mean standing still
From the outside, a waiting cadet may look like he's simply at home waiting for a call. Duke's reality is different: every course completed and document processed moves him closer to deployment. He hopes his first contracts will take him to Europe – Spain and Greece especially – the latter a real hope because his company has Greek roots.
His message to other young cadets is simple: "It takes so many sacrifices, but do not give up on your career. One day, the career you have chosen could uplift you from your situation. Just never give up."
Duke has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received through Inmarsat Cares, and we congratulate him on his success. We will keep following his progress as he prepares for the moment he can finally step aboard as an engine cadet, then report back on his first experiences at sea.
Follow Dukes journey