VESSEL ASSIGNMENTS  

Cadet Shipping Billet assignments on a specific vessel are arranged in part by the Director of Cadet Shipping, in part by the sponsoring organization and in part by the cadet.

Please complete the CADET DATA SHEET (the reverse side of your Billet Preference form) so that we have your accurate contact information (at home) and bring it to the Career Services Office before you leave for Spring break.

ASSIGNMENT DATES CAN BE FINALIZED AT THE LAST MINUTE SO YOU MUST BE READY FOR A PIER-HEAD JUMP, I.E. BAGS PACKED, PAPERS IN ORDER AND READY TO SHIP OUT ON TWENTY-FOUR (24) HOURS NOTICE BEGINNING THE LAST DAY OF THE SPRING SEMESTER.

    TIME FRAME FOR TRAINING   

Most students will receive their specific vessel assignments before the last day of classes.  Moreover, many of you will leave for your assignments directly from the Academy following your final examinations—SO BE PREPARED!  Your return date will be indicated on your cadet billet assignment form. 

It is important to keep the Director of Cadet Shipping informed of delays and to report to our office if your vessel is expected to return to a port of discharge after your indicated return date.  The Career Services office will inform the Commandant and Academic Dean if your vessel is delayed beyond the first day of the fall semester.

Where the time on board can be controlled, extended billets (beyond the 60/90 day requirement) are subject to the Academy return date indicated in your cadet assignment form and the approval of the cadet billet sponsor.

     WAGES AND TRANSPORTATION    

Every attempt is made to persuade the cadet billet sponsor to pay the standard cadet wage.  Most companies pay round trip transportation expenses.  You should keep meticulous records and receipts to submit for reimbursement or, in some cases, for tax deduction records.

Usually the master will reimburse you for your travel expenses when you report on board.  You should be sure to obtain specific instructions on the reimbursement of expenses at the time of receiving your vessel assignment.  NEVER ARGUE WITH SHIPBOARD OR SHORE PERSONNEL ABOUT WAGES, OVERTIME, OR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.  Any problems in these areas should be discussed first with the Director of Cadet Shipping.

In the case of airline travel, you should arrange economy class transportation in those cases where the sponsor does not arrange prepaid transportation.