James Oliver

Deck Cadet Officer

I first wanted to go to sea when I finished my HSC exams in 2003. My father was an AB for 10 yrs and still is in the industry as a ferry captain with Sydney Ferries, he had a big influence on me choosing to go to sea. I had a gap year in 2004 where I travelled and worked as a barman in Europe for 1 yr. In 2005 I completed my pre-sea course and was lucky enough to get picked up by P&O.

My first Antarctic trip was V2. 06/07 which was a re-supply trip to Casey, Davis and Zhong Shan. This is my 3rd Antarctic trip working on the Aurora Australis going down to Antarctica. My training consists of all aspects on board the ship, from working on Deck with Helicopter operations, cargo work, time in the engine room and most importantly learning my job on the bridge to become a 2nd mate. I will be back at the Maritime College in May doing a diploma in Applied Science and at the end will have a 2nd mate’s ticket.

I believe it’s an exciting career choice and can see the benefits of going to sea. Apart from the money and the time off, the places you travel to on a ship and get payed to do so are the main highlight of this job. To be one of few to say they’ve been to Antarctica and been payed is a massive bonus.

In my time off, (stuck at sea 24/7!) I live on the Central Coast of NSW. I’m a keen soccer and tennis player when I get the chance, and am a keen traveller. I also enjoy going to watch the Central Coast Mariners play at Blue Tongue Stadium with my mates.