Our cadet, Duke graduates and gets ready to start his career at sea
05-26-2026
5-minute read
This week, our sponsored cadet Duke Tion walked across the stage at John B Lacson Foundation Maritime University in Bacolod, joining almost 700 fellow graduates. After three years of hard work, the moment finally arrived.
When we caught up with him just before the ceremony, the nerves and the excitement were both showing. “This is for my family,” he said. “I’m doing this for them.”
A strong finish in the final exam
Duke completed his last exam in the run up to graduation, and the result was one he can be proud of. His lowest grade across the year was 85 (out of 100), and he came through without a single failing mark. With finals carrying 50 percent of the overall grade at John B Lacson, the pressure was real. He put in the study hours and it paid off.
Mum returns for graduation
Graduation day was also a family reunion. Duke’s mum has been working in Cyprus, and the last time he had seen her was two years ago for his brother’s graduation. She travelled back to the Philippines to be there on the day, and the family are now taking a short break together. “Beaches, mountains, and a bit of coffee”, as Duke put it.
She was also the one filming the ceremony. Cadets are not allowed to hold phones during graduation, so Duke’s mum was given the important job of capturing the moment.
What comes next?
Now the admin begins. Duke is already deep into processing his paperwork. NBI clearance, his Seaman’s Book appointment in Iloilo, and his yellow card for the polio and yellow fever vaccinations, all of which he needs before travelling to Manila.
He has secured a place with a Greek shipping company and will soon join an international vessel for his first contract. Once his documents are completed, he will head to Manila and stay in company dormitories while they confirm the start date of his first contract.
Duke has heard from senior cadets that Greek shipowners can be strict, and there are a few nerves there. But he is taking it in his stride. “God has plans for me,” he said. “He will not give me a situation that could harm me.”
Thinking of the friends left behind
What stood out most in our conversation was Duke’s thoughts on the classmates who have graduated without a shipping company waiting for them. Every year, thousands of Filipino cadets finish their studies without a guaranteed placement.
One of Duke’s closest friends is in that position. His father, also a seafarer, recently fell ill and had to stop working. As the eldest in the family, Duke’s friend is feeling the weight of that responsibility. Duke has been checking in on him, encouraging him, and reminding him that the journey does not end here.
“I know that God has planned for them,” Duke said. “Their journey doesn’t stop there. They are resilient. I know they are built resilient.”
It is a glimpse of the kind of seafarer Duke is going to be. One who looks out for his crewmates before he looks out for himself.
Documenting the next chapter
Duke has agreed to keep filming and sharing his journey with the Inmarsat Cares community. Over the coming weeks he will give us a window into his first week at sea. How he is settling in, how he is sleeping, how often he can speak to his family back home. The good days and the harder ones.
For any cadet preparing to take the same step, Duke’s updates will be an honest look at what really happens when training ends and the working life at sea begins.
We will be sharing each instalment here as Duke makes his way from Bacolod, to Manila, to his first ship. Watch this space.
Follow Dukes journey