Tom Watson

Deck Cadet Officer

I finished school in 2005. In 2006 I had a year off to race yachts. In 2005 I was the Australian youth champion for sailing and in January 2007 I raced at the 505 world champs where I finished 18th.

I started my sea going career at the start of 2007. I got into this industry through friends and a lot of research. Once I had got my cadetship with P&O I went to the AMC to study for three months. On completion of the pre sea course my first ship was the Southern Supporter which is a survey vessel. From there I joined the Aurora Australis where I am currently working.

As my role as a cadet I have to learn all aspects of the ship which include work on the bridge, engine room, and deck. After completion of 18 months sea time and college, I will be a qualified deck officer. This is my first trip down to Antarctica which has been mind blowing. It’s a whole new world down here! My long term goal with this career is to get my master class 1 ticket and one day have command of a vessel.