Arseny Ivkov completed his shipboard training on board a Norwegian vessel covered by the Seafarers' Union of Russia collective agreement

Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping is well known to shipping companies around the world. To be precise, its graduates are highly sought after. Owners pick the best individuals during their studies at the university. 

A third-year cadet of the Faculty of Navigation and Radio Communications Arseny Ivkov was lucky enough to undergo his first shipboard training abroad. During his shipboard training, the future navigator became a crew member of a bulk carrier of the Norwegian company Wilson, which has a collective agreement signed with the Seafarers Union of Russia.

The 8000-dwt bulk carrier where Ivkov worked shipped cargo across Norway; once the vessel called to Italy. Interpersonal communication was not a problem for the cadet, as all crew members were from Arkhangelsk. Arseny had his own cabin and the access to the Internet. According to him, the crew's attitude towards him as a trainee was friendly and businesslike at the same time. 

"When it's your first time on board a vessel, you don't know where to look first: everything is interesting, you go everywhere and look at everything," Ivkov admitted. " I took part in mooring operations and painting work with sailors on the deck, and I asked a lot of questions to the Chief Officer on navigation bridge. I heard that my classmates were already plotting a course when they were cadets. I only had electronic charts and just had a chance to watch how the Second Officer was plotting a course. In general, that was the initial assimilating phase, when you began to comprehend the work process on board. By the way, Arseny is a native of the capital of Pomorye. Since childhood, he was successfully engaged in yachting, and when he grew up, there weren't any questions about his future profession. 

— I am from a seaport city, I was always among seafarers, I listened, I observed, I felt keen on the maritime theme, that's why I entered Makarovka, — Arseny said. 

Now almost three years of studies are behind, and Arseny is sure  the most interesting part is ahead. They began to study special subjects such as Navigation and Pilot Chart. Diligently focusing on theory, Arseny Ivkov is simultaneously preparing for the next shipboard training: he hopes to visit warmer regions as he wishes to change the cold northern landscapes for the exotic south, at least for a while. 

In general, cadet Ivkov dreams to work on board gas carriers: he is attracted by the sophisticated technologies, the most advanced equipment, the high speed of these vessels, and, of course, the level of salary. 

Nevertheless, he is trying not to look too far ahead: in his opinion, a lot will depend on the level of his English proficiency and a bit - on a luck.