2016 or 2015: The epitome of being a Roll-over Cadet

The road I took was not simple. Going on a year more is far more challenging as you watch your batch mates march the aisle of graduation while you are still at sea. Or is it?

I used to be part of the 19th Batch of  NSA cadets in DMMA-CSP. We used to enjoy the perks of being cadets trained during the "Militaristic Moments" of the Corps of Scholar Cadets. Some said that we are comparable to cadets trained under the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). Being compared with no less than PMMA, was an honor for us and we felt great. As a batch, we used to endure punishments together, laugh together and console our struggles within the walls of the dormitory. No one expected the painful truth of finishing the line last. All were expecting to cross the fields as one. 

However, the sad reality came. As much as we wanted to be together, destiny and faith have its own ways. Surely, these will test the bonds we form together as a batch. 

After finishing my cadetship contracts, I joined with the 20th Batch of NSA. The juniors we trained when we are third class (3CL). Luck may it may seem but the training we shared to them paved way because we learn to adjust as fast as we know it. The value they use to give was retained even if we are now one. The seniority was retained in an emanating atmosphere of respect. The bond we made four years ago changed to an unending ties of friendship. 

As we move along, we learn to unite as a batch and face the struggles of the Corps together. We made collaborative plans for the Corps and prosper together. We accomplished things and aided the ailing discipline of the Corps. We have anchored our "story" on the success and failures of the previous batches and learn from them. We made this possible because we worked as a team. 

As we leave the ground of our beloved home, I am proud to say that I am part of two batches. The differences were tailored and met with a strong synergy brought by the collaboration from the two batches. The 20th Batch and the 7th batch of CSC in which I am already part of, are not perfect as we may have lapses at times but at least we may be the catalyst of the journey back to the Corps that was of before- living in the values of Integrity, Righteousness and Humility. 

   

The Essence of Being a Cadet

Life is full of ups and downs. It is what life is all about, twist!! I for one had experience it. I had been to several actuation but I didn't prosper until I experience to be a cadet of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association Philippines Cadet Program.

The Norwegian Shipowners' Association Philippines Cadet Program had provided hopes to ordinary citizens of the country to experience a free education and an insured future. This is indeed a gateway to be successful for lots of us most especially on the lower bracket of the population. It doesn't only offer a lucrative future but it is a life full of training to become one responsible marine officer anchored on the virtues of humility, righteousness and integrity.

The Cadetship

It is a four year education that will lead to a degree on Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering. Cadets will first undergo one year of regimental training. Much like the cadetship offered in the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), the NAVY Academy of the Philippines and the regimental training of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). Here, cadets are expected to learn the virtue of discipline and humility while balancing their academic performance. Cadets who undergo these one year training are referred to as fourth class (4/C) cadets.

The cadets under the NSA Program had also undergone different significant training and seminar offered only  by NSA themselves. They pay top caliber instructors and experts from the maritime industry just to conduct the said training and seminar. This actuation is actually for the preparation for the cadets that would undergo their Shipboard training when they finish their two year academic requirements. These cadets would board their respective vessels under various Norwegian principals like Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab AS (DSD Shipping), Hoegh Fleet Services, OSM, TSM, Grieg, KJGS, Solvang, Knutsen, Stolt- Nielsen, Klaveness and a lot more.

After one year, those cadets who went on board will go back to school and finish their degree.

The NSA cadet program is offered only to few recipient schools and these are the Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines, University of Cebu- Lapu lapu and Mandaue and John B. Lacson College Foundation in Bacolod.

Life of a Cadet

The NSA Cadetship differs from each of the institution however, all of them are geared towards developing future conquerors of the seven seas. Every institution have their own policies to be maintained as a student and as a NSA cadet. 

Being an NSA cadet is full of expectation. As what others referred to us, we are the cream of the crop of the our institution. We are models of discipline and integrity not only on the walls of the our dormitory but also on the streets of our backyards. We are trained to lead people and the responsibility vested to us is huge and people look up to us as even though we are perfect. 

However, cadets are still humans. We commit mistakes, be punished and sometimes be irresponsible. But, the difference of the cadets from others is the essence of coping with the situation. WE NEVER BACK DOWN. WE EAT CHALLENGES AND CONQUER OUR FEARS. Although we accept our mistakes, we do not let our pride eat us; we stand up and fight back.

The Cadetship is one of the most memorable moments of my life. It is were I was molded to become a gentleman, a professional and an officer. The experience is never comparable.