Operation “Mercantex 2023” is decisive for the students’ careers
By First Lieutenant (RM2-T) Thaís Cerqueira. On board the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship “Atlântico” – Santos, SP
Between October 24 and 30, 222 students from the Merchant Navy Officers’ Training School (EFOMM) were embarked on the Multipurpose Aerodrome Ship (NAM) “Atlântico”, on the occasion of operation “Mercantex 2023”, which took place in the maritime area between Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Santos (SP). During the embarkation, 82 second-year students, from the Nautical and Machinery specialties, and 140 first-year students had the opportunity to learn about the routine of the largest ship in the Fleet, during a mission.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to put into practice the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom, laboratories and simulators. In the case of first-year students in particular, learning on board will help them choose their future field of work,” said the Commander of the Admiral Graça Aranha Training Center (CIAGA), Rear Admiral Humberto Luis Ribeiro Bastos Carmo.
The students closely followed the activities carried out on board the “Atlântico”, including navigation and management of the gangway (command bridge), control of the ship’s propulsion, firefighting and abandonment exercises.
“It’s an experience I’ll certainly carry with me for the rest of my life. We have the privilege of getting to know every compartment of the ship, and that’s definitely what I’m enjoying most about the trip. For me, being a Merchant Navy officer is equivalent to sailing, so I really feel like I’m starting my career at sea,” said first-year student Guilherme Herculano dos Santos Barbosa, embarking on a Brazilian Navy (MB) ship for the first time.
At the end of the embarkation, the students will choose between the specialties they will pursue in their careers, as first-year student Cléo Pereira e Ferreira recalls. “On board the NAM ‘Atlântico’ I had the opportunity to watch the ship undocking from inside the gangway, which allowed me to experience a little of what my routine as a nautical officer might be like. On the other hand, with the visits to the Command and Control Center and the Engine Room, I was able to observe the routine of an engineer officer. It was the best way to see what my life will be like after training and thus make the best choice,” he said.
CIAGA
The Centro de Instrução Almirante Graça Aranha (CIAGA), which houses the EFOMM, is the MB’s Higher Education Institution recognized for training professionals of excellence for the Merchant Navy. Located in Rio de Janeiro, the Centre has a complete educational infrastructure and is prepared to teach around 115 courses, including training, specialization, improvement and updating for the professional categories of the Brazilian Merchant Navy and other countries.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias