Hebe Jebes Issue Sep to Oct 2013 Sep 2013 | Page 38

Features

A

nyone can study and
remember the theory and
pass the test but not
everyone can muster up the
courage and face the reality
of the situation when it hits.

A total of 80 cadets are currently training
on ship in several disciplines; from seamanship
and navigation, through to electronics and
astronomy. Under the command of Captain Miguel Ángel
Cifuentes Montealegre, they follow a rigorous daily schedule
comprising theory studies from 8.00am to 2.00pm and practical
sailing duties from 2.00pm until midnight.
One such cadet, 21-year-old Lucas Wessel, shared his experience
of training on the tides and explained, “For me, training on the
ship is not easy but it’s my passion. Although we study at the
navy academy before we come onto the ship to train, adjusting
to life on board can be difficult, such as overcoming the initial
seasickness.” Like many of his peers, Wessel has been studying a
four-year-long course in electronic engineering at the Almirante
Padilla Naval Academy in Colombia, with the principle objective
of working on warships.
For Wessel, being a cadet satisfies his desire to travel the world,
visit other countries and learn about their cultures, but he admits
life at sea is not always easy. There are times when conditions can
become dangerous and cadets must conjure up bravery to carry
out their duties.
One such time occurred recently when a week-long tropical
storm hit Gloria and its crew off the shore of Malaysia. Peruvianborn Captain José Carlo Montoya Ruibal, one of seven officials
invited from various countries around South America to facilitate
training on board, recounted the experience and explained that
such natural occurrences are a true test of bravery for both the
cadets and officials. He shared, “The most difficult thing for cadets,
in my opinion, is to get out there when the sea is heavy and the

36 Hebe jebes