The young men of AEN are becoming the captains and engineers of tomorrow. For the past few months, the new kids – the future seafarers – have started their first ships, acquiring the required sea service and the experiences that will lead them to the future of Greek shipping.
For the past few months, a period has begun in which the new kids, the future seafarers, have started and are shipping out in order to complete the required sea service.
It is these kids who will be called upon in the future to bear the weight of Greek merchant shipping, which is why they need the support and backing of all of us.
What you need to take with you on the ship and what to pay attention to
We must all remember that these kids, often 18, 19, and 20 years old, are young men who are leaving their families behind to fulfill their dreams.
First-ship cadet: The journey that remains forever etched in your memory
And their families, on the other hand, are parting with their children for 6-7 months, which is anything but easy for them. After all, anyone who has children of their own can very well understand how difficult it is.
This is why it is the obligation of all the seafarers who will welcome these kids to ensure that they return home safe and sound, in good spirits, full of knowledge and experiences, which will become the lighthouse that will guide them in the future.
In the year 2025, it is inconceivable to treat these kids as we did 30-40 years ago. We will neither make them better seafarers that way, nor will we ourselves gain in anyone’s esteem.
In recent years, with proper treatment, I have found that these kids become an integral part of the crew; they too become a cog for the ship’s machinery to function properly. And I say this metaphorically, of course, and not for the ship’s main engine to function literally.
These young men often exceed themselves and become very important for the ship. I will not talk about exceptions, as they exist everywhere anyway.
So, we must protect these kids as much as we can. We must remember that they have a mother and a father behind them who entrusted them to us. We must consider if they were our own children, how we would want them to be treated.
Yes, I know. The seafaring profession is tough and difficult. However, this does not mean we should treat these kids with all that toughness.
Anyway, I am sure they will make it. They are already making it, and in many cases, they are making it even better than we did. Let’s not be selfish.
Good voyages to all and a good career to all the new kids.
