Less Glamorous Parts of Engineer Officer Cadet Training?

[Ishi Church]

Hello,

I have an interview next week. I would like to know, what are the less glamorous parts of the job? I know the cadet-ship and job has many benefits. However, but I would like to know about all the negative aspects of the career and training? Thanks, Ishi

[Chiefy]

Depends what you mean....the hours can be crappy (arrival / departure / night time alarms), purifiers a nightmare, bilge strainers and toilets to clean / unblock and chiefs can be like the Spanish Inquisition (you never know when / where they pop up)

[AlternativeNavs]

Depends what you mean....the hours can be crappy (arrival / departure / night time alarms), purifiers a nightmare, bilge strainers and toilets to clean / unblock and chiefs can be like the Spanish Inquisition (you never know when / where they pop up)

Are they not usually in their cabin?

[Chiefy]

Don't ever count on it, they have a habit of popping up just as you swing the hammer and break the last "thing" and discover there are no spares

[stronglead]

So you mean to say he will come out of the bulkhead when you least expect him?

[size4riggerboots]

Only if he works on the Flying Dutchman. Most Chiefys just walk around the corner.

[stronglead]

lol, though I bet it will seem like he came out the bulkhead though :P

[MEJG]

Downside to engineering - the waterproof coating your skin develops after doing a crankcase inspection...
Upside to engineering - the waterproof coating your skin develops after doing a crankcase inspection...

It's swings and round-a-bouts... I personally preferred the dirtier jobs; i.e. sewage tank cleaning, getting covered in oil, purifier filter cleaning, getting covered in diesel... but i'm weird like that. It all depends what your mentality is - one thing i didnt enjoy was enclosed space entries (cofferdam inspections and stuff) but then again I only just about fit into most of these spaces

[GuinnessMan]

We glamour in this industry? News to me....

[YoungMariner]

Glamour, Engineer? hahaha. I once saw an Engineer, just the once that is, he came up in his carefully starched unused uniform with a few grubby finger prints on it where he'd moved it around the cabin and used it mop the engine room on occasions. He was blinded by the light, and we all thought he was an albino. Poor buggers.

Seriously, good luck with the interview. As long as your motivated, you'll get where you want to be.

[GDOutlaw]

Yeah, no kidding! I once accidentally stepped outside, only to realise it was the first time I had seen daylight or tasted fresh air in 6 days.. needless to say I quickly went and hid inside again!

It can sometimes feel like you live in the dark, only seeing artificial light or none at all.. but the job is alot of fun, and you can sunbathe on leave!
I completely agree that some of the dirtiest jobs are the best, you feel like you're actually making a difference by what you're doing!

[penfold]

It can sometimes feel like you live in the dark, only seeing artificial light or none at all.. but the job is alot of fun, and you can sunbathe on leave!

That applies to the deckies too in the north sea in winter!

[Clanky]

The obvious one is sewage, getting covered in p*ss and sh*t isn't anyone's idea of fun, but the really unglamorous side of things is often more in common with everyone else onboard than specific to the engine department and that is being on a ship with a small crew all working long hours and not having the time or the inclination to socialise as well as often being the only person (or one of a small few) onboard from your country.