1) Please introduce yourself.

2) How is your health condition now?

3) Why did you choose this major?
4) Why did you choose this job (at sea / as an ETO)?
5) Why do you want to join EPS company?
6) What do you know about EPS?
7) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
8) Do your parents support your decision to work at sea?
9) How long do you plan to work at sea?
10) What is the duty of the Officer of the Watch (OOW)?
11) What is COLREG and what is its main purpose?
12) What will you do if there is a man overboard (UOB)?
13) What is the ISM Code and why is it important on board?
14) What will you do if you have a conflict with someone on board?
15) What are your main duties as a cadet on board?
16) What difficulties or differences might you face on board, and how
will you deal with them?
17) What are the four main IMO conventions or pillars?
18) How many oceans are there in the world? Can you name them?
19) What are the main parts of a ship and their functions?
20) What will you do if someone is injured on board?
1. Please introduce yourself.

Hi, my name’s Tuan — it’s spelled T-U-A-N.

I’m 19 years old, and I was born and grew up in Bien Hoa City.
I’m a second-year student at the University of Transport in Ho Chi Minh City,
and my major is Electrical, Electronic and Control Engineering.

I’m a careful, honest, and responsible person, and I always try my best in study
and teamwork, especially in marine engineering.
I’m also a member of the Maritime Science Club, where I do technical activities
and practice teamwork.

In my free time, I’m really into doing research projects, listening to music, and
self-studying ship systems.
For example, I learn about electrical equipment in the engine room, PPE and
safety drills, IMO conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL, and also
about ship parts like generators, purifiers, and switchboards.
These things help me understand more about my future job as an Electro-
Technical Officer.

I also learn English every day to improve my communication at sea.

Sometimes, I go with my friends to Nguyen Hue Walking Street or to the park,
where there are many international people.
I talk with them to practice English — for example, I ask:
“How long have you been in Vietnam?”, “Have you tried Vietnamese food?”,
or “What do you think about the traffic here?”
Although sometimes I can’t speak clearly or understand everything they say, it
still helps me improve and become more confident.

In the future, I want to become an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and work

on international vessels.
That’s all about me. Thank you for listening!

2. How is your health condition now?

I’m in very good health condition.

I usually exercise, like walking and doing push-ups, to stay strong and ready
for shipboard life.
I also take care of my diet and mental health, because they are very
important for this job
3. Why did you choose this major?

Actually, I like engineering, so I didn’t choose the deck department because it is

not engineering. In addition, I chose electrical engineering instead of
mechanical because I am passionate about electricity.

For example, since I was little, I always curious about electricity. It has no
shape, no color, but it is so powerful. One time, I tried to put my hand into an
electrical outlet (luckily I was fine). That made me very curious.

Moreover, as I grew up, I watched many videos about making machines and
robots. Especially, I love using Arduino boards to create things. With them, you
can make anything!

Therefore, I see a bright future in electrical work. Today, electric vehicles and
smart machines are becoming more popular. That’s why I chose this major — it
is a combination of my passion and the future of technology.

4. Why did you choose this job (at sea / as an ETO)?

Actually, this is a long story. When I was a child, my parents got divorced. My
mom worked very hard to support me. For example, she often worked from
early morning until late at night. At that time, I promised myself that when I
grew up, I would earn a lot of money to take care of my mom.
In addition, I have an uncle who is a sailor. He studied at Vietnam Maritime
University and worked on tugboats in Vũng Tàu. Sometimes, he told me about
the big waves and life on the ship. It made me dream about the sea life.
Therefore, I knew this job can help me earn good money, so I can support my
mom and change my life. That’s why I chose this major.

5. Why do you want to join EPS company?

I want to join Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) because it’s one of the largest and
most modern shipping companies in the world, with a clear career path and
strong training program for cadets.

EPS operates more than 300 ships, and around 60% are new generation vessels
using clean fuels like LNG and ammonia. I believe joining EPS will give me a
great chance to work with advanced technology and learn from professional
officers.

Besides, EPS also cares about seafarers’ welfare — such as good food, free
Starlink Wi-Fi, health insurance for both crew and families, and even retirement
or scholarship programs for the next generation.

I really admire EPS’s vision for a safe, green, and sustainable fleet, and I want
to grow together with the company as a future ETO.

6. What do you know about EPS?

EPS stands for Eastern Pacific Shipping. It’s a global shipping company with
headquarters in Singapore and offices in the UK, Japan, and Hungary.

EPS manages more than 300 vessels, including oil, chemical, bulk, car carriers,
and gas ships. The company plans to reach 500 vessels by 2030.

EPS is well-known for its modern and eco-friendly fleet, using LNG and
ammonia fuel systems to reduce emissions.

The company also has excellent crew welfare policies, such as health insurance,
free Wi-Fi, good food, and training opportunities for cadets.

Every cadet joining EPS must complete 12 months of onboard training, be

evaluated by the captain and chief engineer, and after passing the CoC exam,
can become an officer in the company.

7. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

My strengths are planning, teamwork, and adaptability.

For example, when working in a project team, I often help my team plan the
tasks clearly and manage the time well. In addition, I can work well with other
people and quickly adapt to new situations or changes.
However, one of my weaknesses is that I sometimes feel nervous or confused in
new situations.

For example, when I speak English or meet new people, I feel a bit panicked
and don’t know what to say.

So, I try to practice more and stay calm. I talk to more people and improve my
English to feel more confident.

8. Do your parents support your decision to work at sea?

Of course! They were happy when I chose this major because they believe it
has a good future.

9. How long do you plan to work at sea?

In the first two years, I plan to study hard to maintain a good GPA and try to
take more than 40 credits each year.
In addition, I want to improve my English communication skills and learn
more about marine electrical systems.

Especially, I want to apply for the Shipowners Scholarship Program and try
my best to become one of their cadets.
I hope to find a good company and stay loyal to them until I retire, because I
believe it’s important to grow with one company instead of changing too
much.

In the third year, I plan to complete 120 credits to graduate.

I will also apply for an internship to gain practical experience and improve
my technical skills.

After graduation, I plan to complete a 12-month cadet training program to

gain real experience on board and work toward becoming an Electrical
Officer.
Then I will study for my CoC to become a professional ETO.

In the next ten years, my goal is to build a strong career in the maritime
industry and contribute to the company I work for.
Later, if there is a chance to work on shore for example as a technical officer
or maritime safety inspector I would like to move ashore to take care of my
family while continuing to serve the industry.

10. What is the duty of the Officer of the Watch (OOW)?

The duty of OOW is to ensure safety of navigation, keep a sharp lookout as per
Rule 5 of COLREG, check equipment, take early action to avoid collision, and
maintain security on board against piracy and terrorism.

11. What is COLREG and what is its main purpose?

COLREG means International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

It helps ships avoid collision and ensure safety of navigation.

12. What will you do if there is a man overboard (UOB)?

1. Shout: “Man overboard!”

2. Throw lifebuoy for victim.
3. Report to OOW (Officer of the Watch).
4. Maintain lookout.

13. What is the ISM Code and why is it important on board?

ISM means International Safety Management Code.

It helps the company and crew to work safely, reduce accidents, and protect the
environment.

14. What will you do if you have a conflict with someone on board?

If I have a conflict with someone on board,

I will stay calm and listen first to understand their idea.
I will not shout or argue, because it can make the problem bigger.

After that, I will talk politely and explain my side to find a good solution
together.
If we still cannot agree,
I will report to the senior officer or Chief Engineer to help solve the problem.
For example, one day if I and another cadet have a problem about cleaning duty,
I will talk to him and share the plan again,
so we can finish the work together and keep good teamwork.

On a ship, we work like one family,

so I think it’s important to keep calm, respect others, and work as a team.

15. What are your main duties as a cadet on board?

The main duty of Cadet is learning; I must follow company policy and Chief
Engineer or ETO instructions.
Daytime I will assist the ETO in maintenance jobs such as checking lights,
testing alarms, repairing small equipment, and keeping electrical tools ready.
Sometimes I will follow ETO to inspect main switchboard, generator,
emergency generator, and batteries.
Cadet will follow Training Record Book.
Lastly, he also participates in abandon ship drill and fire drill once a month.

16. What difficulties or differences might you face on board, and how will
you deal with them?

Life on board is not easy, so I know I will face some difficulties.

For example, I may get seasick, feel homesick, or have different food and
limited internet.

If I get seasick, I will take medicine, drink water, and rest.

If I feel homesick, I will call my family when I have time,
or talk with my crewmates to feel better.

Sometimes, the weather can be bad, or the work can be hard,

but I will stay positive, follow the rules, and keep learning every day.

I think all these things make me stronger and help me become a good seafarer.

17. What are the four main IMO conventions or pillars?

The four main IMO pillars are SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and MLC.

SOLAS means International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

It helps to protect people on board and reduce accidents.

There are 15 chapters in SOLAS, and they cover topics like fire safety, life-
saving equipment, and ship construction.

For example, when we wear lifejackets or do safety drills, that’s part of

SOLAS.

MARPOL means International Convention for Preventing Pollution from

Ships.

It protects the sea from pollution such as oil, garbage, and chemicals.

When we do not throw waste into the sea, that follows MARPOL rules.

STCW means International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification

and Watchkeeping.

It makes sure that all seafarers are well trained and certified before working at
sea.

STCW has 8 chapters, and it tells us about crew duties, certificates, and training
requirements.

MLC means Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

It protects seafarers’ rights such as accommodation, food, wages, and working

hours.

For example, the maximum working hours are 14 hours a day or 72 hours a
week,

and this rule helps seafarers stay healthy and safe.

These four conventions work together to make sure ships are safe, clean, and
fair for everyone on board.

18. How many oceans are there in the world? Can you name them?

5 pacific ocean, india ocean , atlantic ocean , southern ocean , arctic ocean

19. What are the main parts of a ship and their functions?

A ship has many parts, and each part has a different job.
The bridge is where the captain and officers control and navigate the ship.

The engine room is like the heart of the ship it makes power for all systems.

The cargo hold is where we load and store cargo.

The galley is the kitchen where cooks make food for the crew.

The accommodation is where we live, sleep, and relax.

The deck is for mooring, working, and doing safety drills.

And safety equipment such as lifeboats and fire extinguishers help us in

emergencies.

For example, when the ship is loading cargo, people work in the cargo hold;

when we sail, officers work on the bridge, and engineers stay in the engine
room to keep everything running.

20. What will you do if someone is injured on board?

If someone is injured on board, first I will stay calm and check if the place is
safe.

Then I will check the person if they can breathe or talk.

If it’s a small injury, I can help and use the first aid box.

But if it’s serious, I will call the officer or Chief Engineer and report quickly.

For example, if someone gets an electric shock, I will turn off the power first,

and then check their condition.

On board, safety is the most important thing, so I will always follow the safety
rules.