I get messages often from cadets who have read my blogs or seen posts on Instagram asking advice for their first ship, and I can tell them for days about learning rules, studying, blah blah blah... But the most important thing is be kind to everyone you meet. Respect everyone you meet. Learn from everyone you meet, doesn't matter if they're Captain or Cleaner, Sailor, Mechanic, anybody they can teach you something, whether it's useful to your line of work, or just to look at something through different outlook. Everyone is at sea for a reason, whether it is because they want to be, or they need to be, but no matter the reason they are human beings and deserve to be treated the same way you expect to be treated. My way of thinking is that you're not so likely to be remembered as someone who could check firedoors, or could manoeuvre a ship well, but you will be remembered for being kind, for being polite, for learning someone's name and saying hello, for just smiling as you pass, sometimes it's the little things that you just do without thinking that makes someone's day a little bit brighter, and when you are so far from your home and family a kind smile is all you need to feel better. I love hearing from people just starting their careers, it's great to hear that words I've written have inspired or helped people. We all need to remember we were all just starting out once upon a time and that once upon a time was daunting, and it is so reassuring to talk to someone. Look out to the future guys, its will all be okay ❤️ #bekind #itwillbeokay #ellesadventures #thirdofficer #deckofficer #celebritycruises #trinityhouse #deckcadet #merchantnavy #warsashmaritimeacademy #careersatsea #girlsatsea https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Xq-L1Jl_G/?igshid=bx18tvhrizk7