Family Events During Sea Phase?

[All At Sea]

Hi all, just looking for some advice. I've accepted a cadetship starting at the end of this month, my sister is getting married in October which as far as I know would put her wedding right in the middle of my first sea-phase. I'm just wondering if it would be possible to notify my sponsor and ask if it would be possible either take leave or arrange my sea time so that I am between trips on this date. I'm with CMT so naturally I have no idea who my sponsor is and will need to wait until I find out before I can do anything. I am also well aware that if I get a deep-sea company then there is little-to-no chance of either happening. Thanks in advance and happy new year!

[Clanky]

All you can do is ask. Depending on your sponsor it may be possible or it may not, but the earlier you let them know the more likely it is that you will be able to be there.

Unfortunately this is one of the downsides of the job, it gets worse the more senior you get, when the ship is sailing on your certificate then even for a death in the family repatriation is only possible if the company can get you a relief.

[All At Sea]

Thanks Clanky, I figured that would be the case. Fortunately I come from a naval family so they all understand that situations like this come with the job and know there can be no guarantees. If I can't be there then with any luck I'll be able to send my regards to the happy couple from somewhere interesting!

[MTQ]

We had a similar situation with Maersk and they were excellent! If you ask early on then it should be possible but like you say with Clyde Marine you wont find out your company till late on. Best of luck anyway !

[Clanky]

If you ask them early enough they may even try to put you with a sponsor where it's more likely.