Pilbara Ports Authority’s first ever marine cadet, Kyal Randazzo, has completed his first stint at sea as part of his marine cadetship program.
The former Hedland Senior High School student spent 178 days onboard the German-operated capsize iron ore vessel May Oldendorff, which is on a regular voyage between Port Hedland and China.
Before he went to sea, Kyal spent a few weeks with the Port Hedland marine team. On his return home, Kyal gave a presentation to Pilbara Ports Authority staff from Dampier, Port Hedland and Perth about what life is like at sea for a marine cadet.
Kyal explained that a typical day included working up to six hours on deck and four hours on the navigating bridge. Deck work included chipping rust, painting (lots of it!) and greasing moving parts. Bridge work involved keeping a lookout, plotting courses, taking collision avoidance actions and ensuring the safety of the vessel and crew.
Apart from the daily work routine, life at sea also involved lots of emergency training and exercises. These included fire, lifeboat, man overboard and piracy attack drills. This type of training is crucial to ensuring the safety of the ship’s crew as they can’t call the fire brigade or police in the middle of the ocean.
Kyal’s mentor and Pilbara Ports Authority Deputy Harbour Master Jason Rebello said Kyal painted a wonderful picture of life at sea.
“Kyal’s presentation gave us a great insight into a ‘day in the life’ of a marine cadet,” Mr Rebello said.“Pilbara Ports Authority is very proud of Kyal’s achievements since the commencement of his cadetship programme.“Being the most junior member of a large vessel is not easy and Kyal got to know every inch of the ship - funnel to tunnel - doing all sorts of interesting jobs,” Mr Rebello said.
“Kyal’s presentation gave us a great insight into a ‘day in the life’ of a marine cadet,” Mr Rebello said.
“Pilbara Ports Authority is very proud of Kyal’s achievements since the commencement of his cadetship programme.
“Being the most junior member of a large vessel is not easy and Kyal got to know every inch of the ship - funnel to tunnel - doing all sorts of interesting jobs,” Mr Rebello said.
Kyal’s next stint at sea will be for a further six months on a smaller General Cargo vessel, probably in European waters. During this time, he will continue to consolidate and build upon his sea going experience and knowledge.
Pilbara Ports Authority’s second Dampier-based marine cadet has also started training, completing a Shipboard Safety course at WA Maritime TAFE.
The marine cadetship program includes shore-based learning, stints at sea on various vessels and financial support towards required study.