Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

L- R in white safety helmets: Apolonarish Wilson, Jacklyn Jeremiah, and, Sailes Waimona with their sponsors on board MV Fly Challenger.

Cadets in the Maritime Cadetship Program are maintaining high standards during their sea time training. Three cadets managed by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) have progressed well so far in their four months at sea, impressing their captain with their dedication and eagerness to succeed.

Captain Allan Indi praised cadets Jacklyn Jeremiah, Apolonarish Wilson, and Sailes Waimona for their commitment and focus while aboard the MV Fly Challenger. “I am strict with duties on the ship. When they seek help, I guide them by asking questions and assessing their responses. Confident answers show me they are learning. To pass exams at college, you must pass sea training, as most learning happens on the job,” he said. Captain Allan noted that many cadets fail when they lose sight of their goals and purpose.  He said: “I have spent over 15 years travelling the Fly River and serving the people of Western Province see this cadetship program as an opportunity for more locals to take on a career in maritime.

Jeremiah, Wilson, and Waimona began their sea time training four months ago on the P&O vessel contracted to Ok Tedi Mining Limited, the Fly Challenger. The cadets gave a tour of the ship to the OTDF team, led by Community Education Service scholarship officer Shemila Kasi, and explained their roles.

Deck cadet Jacklyn Jeremiah feels confident in her deck duties. “When on deck, I have less supervision, which boosts my confidence in leading loading operations. The crew treats me as an equal but provides guidance when needed,” she said.

Engine room Cadet Apolonarish Wilson, aspiring to be a ship engineer, is determined to complete his training and become a chief engineer. “It’s challenging, but the engine room team supports me. I’ve learned that practical work is different from theory, and it’s essential to seek guidance and ask questions,” he shared.

Deck Cadet Sailas Waimona, who had additional weeks of training before his peers joined, is now enjoying his time at sea. “Initially, I felt lost and shy to ask for help, but now I’m more comfortable and enjoying the experience. I encourage others to face challenges and make sacrifices to reap the benefits later,” he advised.

The cadets expressed gratitude to Captain Allan Indi and the current crew, for their mentorship. The captain said, “I train them to be better when they fulfil all requirements, when they do so, I am satisfied. They have a bright future in the maritime industry,” he said.

Additionally, Mate 3 Cadet Officer Primrose Aioge, who passed her exams last year at the Maritime College in Madang, is on board the Fly Challenger. Ms. Aioge, from the Middle Fly District, is continuing her training under the OTDF maritime cadetship program as a Mate 3 Deck Cadet.