Engineering Cadet: Alan Otter
From: Cork, Ireland.
College status: Completed degree in engineering.
Sea time: 6 weeks on shuttle tanker Loch Rannoch, 4 months on product carrier British hivalry, Now onboard the LNG British Trader.
Q: When did you first consider a career at sea and why?
My Dad was at sea as an Engineer. He then went on to lecture in the college I went to, so it has always been in the background. When I was fifteen I got a job on a bulk carrier for three months during my summer holidays, and I loved it! The rest is history.
Q: How long is your college course?
As a marine engineer I spent a full three years in college. It sounds like a long time but it seems like only yesterday that I had my first day of lectures.
Q: Did you find your chosen course difficult to keep up with?
There are a lot of math-based subjects in my course, and maths wasn’t my strongest subject in school, so I had to work at it in college, but I enjoyed it so that helped a lot.
Q: Is there something you really enjoy about going to join a Ship?
The thing is, it’s similar to your first day at school. It might be a different type of ship or a new place to go to, and there are always new people to meet and work with. I get quite excited about the whole thing. And flying to strange new places can be fun.
Q: On your travels you have probably seen some nice places. Which would you visit again, given the chance, and why?
I’d love to go back to Hong Kong. The way of life, the culture is so different it would be nice to spend some time getting to know the people.
Q: What would you consider the best part of your job?
Being told to fix something, taking it apart, finding out what is wrong and making it work again.
Q: And the worst part?
Not seeing my family and friends.
Q: Do you actually get to see much wildlife while at sea?
So far I’ve seen dolphins, flying fish, whales and even a penguin (in Australia!!)
Q: What advice would you give anyone considering a career at sea?
It’s a very challenging and rewarding job, but if you are interested in working at sea then get in contact with someone who has been to sea or your local college. Let’s face it, there aren’t many jobs out there that will pay you to travel the world!!