One Step Closer to Becoming a Seafarer: Duke Tion’s Final Stretch to Cadet Engineer

01-19-2026

3-minute read

As 2026 begins, our sponsored cadet Duke Tion is entering a pivotal phase of his journey to become a seafarer as he enters the final months of his Marine Engineering studies, and transitions from classroom learning to real-world preparation for his first vessel.

We caught up with Duke to check-in, to reflect on 2025, and see what he’s working towards this year.

How was Christmas in the end, Duke?

I spent Christmas and New Year resting at home with my family. I was so happy that the family gathered to share gifts and celebrate Christmas together in the end, despite my uncle being away. We missed him very much but made the best of things. Now that the new year has begun, I’m preparing for the final push to become a cadet.

Tell us what you’re most proud of in 2025?

Looking back at 2025, two highlights really stand out for me. The first was being chosen as Inmarsat Maritime’s sponsored cadet, as part of the Inmarsat Cares campaign. The scholarship means a lot to me not only because of the financial support it offers but also because it shows that both Inmarsat Maritime and my university believe in my potential. The second highlight was being selected to be on the engine cadet pathway, which has given me a clear direction about the role I want to grow into – chief engineer. And as I have said before, at the end of the day, I want to make my mother proud, as she has been working away from home to support our family for many years.

_{Despite Duke’s uncle’s absence, his family celebrated Christmas together.}

Tell us about your cadet engineering offer

This year's good news is that I am now on the waiting list for a cadet engineering opportunity with a shipping company in the Philippines. It’s not a scholarship, but it is a step towards a cadetship, once my studies are finished and if I meet the company’s pre-boarding requirements. The next stage is to submit my documentation, such as my SRB and SID, and I may be asked to complete company-specific training. The exact timing of an offer will depend on the company but I’m excited to be taking another step closer to being assigned a vessel.

Do you plan to graduate in 2026?

Yes, I'm on target to finish my academic studies at John B. Lacson at the end of May 2026 and I’m setting my sights high and hoping to get even better grades in this last stretch. My favourite part of the course this year has been Auxiliary Machinery because it’s given me a real idea of the work I’ll be doing on a ship. I’ve gained an understanding of the types of machinery onboard, their purpose and how they are maintained. As an aspiring chief engineer, this is exactly what I need to know about.

Automation on the other hand, has been my most challenging module. Hydraulics, wiring and understanding how systems operate “automatically” through processes and controls was a lot to get my head around. I was glad to hear from my teacher that this is often challenging for cadets on engineering pathways, as automation requires us to connect multiple disciplines at once, going far beyond just memorising content. It’s all good, as I’m clear on where I need to improve, and my focus will be here.

In summary, I’m starting the year full of hope as I’m closer than ever to becoming a seafarer. By 2027, I hope to be more financially stable, have stronger skills and better confidence, so that I can look back and feel proud of my career progress and maybe even inspire other students with their seafaring careers.

We’ll continue to follow Duke’s journey through 2026 as he moves from study to sea, one milestone at a time.