About me
From cadet to officer
A journey built one contract at a time
I'm Hieu — an ocean-going deck officer from Vietnam. I started at the very bottom as a deck cadet, sailing international routes and transiting the Suez Canal, then worked my way up to Third Officer and Second Officer.
In 2026, I entered the most important stage of my career: the Management Level course (STCW II/2) — the foundation for taking on the Chief Officer position properly and transparently. No shortcuts, no faked sea time.
Alongside my life at sea, I run a channel for seafarers — where I share what I've lived, learned and paid for on board, so the next generation has an easier road than I did.
THE EARLY YEARS
Deck Cadet
First voyages on ocean-going cargo ships — international routes, including Suez Canal transits.
NEXT
Third Officer (3/O)
Navigation watchkeeper, in charge of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment.
NOW
Second Officer (2/O)
Navigation officer — passage planning and chart correction.
2026
Management Level → Chief Mate
STCW II/2 management-level training — target: a Chief Officer who truly earned the rank.
