Meet Bachelor trainee
Chris bagger
Meet Bachelor trainee
Chris Bagger
Chris Bagger
Age: 24
Residence: Nørresundby
School: MARTEC
Started in ESVAGT: 17-08-2022
When I studied to become an engineer at MARTEC in Frederikshavn, I didn’t really intend to go to sea. I wanted to find a job on land, but several of my friends chose the maritime electives, and I knew some guys who were already sailing.
It pushed me in that direction, and therefore I applied to be a bachelor trainee in ESVAGT, after I had heard good things about the shipping company from friends and acquaintances.
My name is Chris Bagger, and I was a three-month bachelor trainee in ESVAGT, before I was hired as a junior engineer. On this page I will tell you about life as a trainee in ESVAGT.
Five facts
Chris Bagger
Five facts
Chris Bagger
WELL PREPARED FOR THE START IN ESVAGT
The start in ESVAGT
Our starting courses lasted four days from Wednesday to Saturday, where we had a Fast Rescue Boat course, a safety course and Pacing. It was part of the normal ‘package’ as a bachelor trainee, and then I also had an H2S course because I was joining ESVAGT DANA.
It was a good start in the shipping company, where I also met many others who were completely new to the shipping company. After these courses, I was ready for my first muster. It was very new and exciting for me because I had never sailed like this before. I was lucky that I had to join a vessel with a co-student, so that was great.
On ESVAGT DANA I was kindly welcomed, and I got well into the team. On the vessel, we were two trainees, so one followed the 1st engineer during day shift from 12-00, while the other followed the 2nd engineer during night shift from 00-12 – and then we could swap around. It worked well because we could then try different tasks.
... BUT WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A bachelor trainee IN ESVAGT?
It’s exciting and it’s informative.
It can be described a bit like a steep learning curve, where at first it was a bit of ‘looking over the shoulder’, but where we were later involved a lot in the daily work.
Early in the internship, we were given our own small assignments, which we were thoroughly introduced to, and we made Toolbox Talks to ensure that we were aware of everything about the task.
We continuously became more independent in the tasks, and at the end of the internship I was able to handle the tasks myself.
The cooperation was generally top notch at ESVAGT DANA, and I think they were good at taking us under their wing. They put a lot of effort into teaching us properly, and it was clear that they wanted us there.
They were good at involving us in the tasks, and they often asked: “Are you ready to do this yourself?” Â We often were, and otherwise they always made it clear that we should just ask if we had any questions.
On ESVAGT DANA we work shifts from 12.00 – 00.00 or from 00.00 – 12.00. These are some slightly longer shifts, but you quickly get used to the hours.
As I mentioned earlier, we were two trainees and therefore we worked alternately at both hours. I have created a timeline of what a working day can look like from 12.00 – 00.00.
Good morning
''Breakfast''
Handover from night shift
Efficient work with scheduled tasks in Sertica
Coffee Break
Continuing work on scheduled tasks
Dinner
Ad hoc tasks
Work with training book or bachelor thesis
Ad hoc tasks
Handover to night shift
Late night eating
Social activity
Good night
... BUT IS IT EVEN FUN TO BE ON BOARD?
Even though we have some longer shifts and ‘live’ in the control room, it is important to us that we also have a social life on board.
It can be the small things. For example, we bring a cup of coffee up on deck and talk with the deck crew.
On ESVAGT DANA we also have a small cinema and a common room with PlayStation. This is also where we spend some evenings.
But yes, the working ours for engineers are different from the rest of the crew, and that’s we couldn’t participate quite as much as the rest of the crew.
As much as possible, we do try to participate, and on Saturdays we often have ‘Hotdog & Cocio’ night, where we eat the entire crew together – and also with the customer if they are onboard.
Even though it is nice to be on board ESVAGT’s vessel, there are times when you want to be elsewhere.
For example, when you miss some important birthdays, and I’ve been a little unlucky to miss 3-4 25th birthdays.
Fortunately, it is easy to catch up during your home periods, because there are good opportunities to socialize with your friends and enjoy your hobbies.
Otherwise, I also keep in touch with my friends and family on social media when I’m at sea.
The internet* is mostly fine on ESVAGT DANA, but sometimes it goes away. However, it comes back quickly, so it’s also a good way to communicate with those at home.
... How i became a junior engineer
During my internship, I had talked to my colleagues about what the time after the internship should bring. I had diverse thoughts in my head, but during my time on ESVAGT DANA I decided that I would like to continue in ESVAGT.
In December 2022, I got a call from the shipping company, who offered me a position as junior engineer, I had actually planned that in my head, so of course I accepted!
It was starting on January 23, 2023, and that suited me very well, because had time to enjoy a good, long Christmas holiday before my new adventure as Junior Engineer in ESVAGT.
