The Pride of Jebsens Cadet Training Program

He was seven years old when he did his first rescue operation onboard.

He was traveling with his family when they saw the ship ahead of them caught fire. The captain of their ship immediately went to save the passengers of the ill-fated vessel. As they went near, he saw hundreds of faces crying for help. They were able to save some passengers but most were already dead. Watching the dead bodies, he told himself then that he would never pursue a seafaring career.

Twenty-one years later, the child has grown into a man who now holds the highest rank in the seafaring industry. This man is Capt. Nelson Jolorte.

Nelson hails from the city of Iloilo. He was a consistent A student since grade school. Due to financial difficulties, he had to forgo his dream of becoming an airline pilot and decided to take his chances with seafaring.

Seafaring was deemed as the most practical career during his college years. Some of his relatives are seafarers as well as majority of his “kababayan.” Choosing it was therefore, as natural as living in his province.

The Jebsen Connection

To search for opportunities, he went to Manila right after graduation. He heard about the newly established Cadet Training Program and proceeded to apply. He underwent a series of written examinations, technical interviews, basic and advanced training at the Norwegian Training Center in order to qualify for the program. He passed it with flying colors and was included in the 2nd batch of cadets.

He developed his love for seafaring when he started his practical application onboard MV Brunto as a Deck Boy and later on as an Ordinary Seaman. The beauty and vastness of the sea has inspired him to plan for his future as officer.

Driven by the natural desire to excel, he used his break time as a learning activity and read maritime books to continuously update his knowledge.

“Free time is reading time for Nelson. His baggage is usually full of books instead of clothes,” a close friend revealed.

In September 1996, Nelson took the 3rd mate exam and passed. He was rehired to work onboard MV General Cabal in August 1997 as a Supernumerary Junior Officer (Sjo) where he learned 3rd Officer (3/O) duties and responsibilities. His diligence paid off and he got promoted to 3/O in less than six months.

Upon finishing his contract, he took the 2nd mate exam in October 1998 and got his 2nd Officer (2/O) license. He joined MV Inca Maiden in February 1999 as 2/O and received excellent ratings. His captain described him as “Superior in all aspects” and marked his ability, work rate and conduct as Excellent. He was also described as hardworking, dependable, trustworthy and a good asset.

Working like a man pressed for time, he took the exam for Chief Officer (C/O) in April 2000 and passed thus making a history for the cadet program as the first cadet who reached the rank of Chief Officer surpassing even the first batch of cadets trained.

As C/O, his natural ability to lead was tried and tested. He was younger than the people he worked with. It took a large dose of patience, hard work, and excellent human relations skills to show he was worth it.

“ It is not easy dealing with people onboard ” 3/O Anthony Yangzon stated. “.. but Nelson managed it well. He is really good. It seems like he can read minds. When he needs advice, he asks for it. He believes in equality. He will be a good captain in the future.“ 3/O Yangzon worked with Nelson for almost 2 years.

After less than a year of working as Chief Officer onboard MV Tayrona Princess , he took the Master exam on March 2003 and passed once again marking a permanent place in the history of the Cadet Training Program at the age of 28.

Why the rush?

“Nelson is a very determined person. When he decides to do something, he stays focused on it. He doesn’t stop unless he achieves what he wants. It’s like he has organized his life in advance,” a close friend stated.

Capt. Nelson Jolorte confirmed this with a smile and added that he just wanted to prove that the Jebsens’ Cadet Training Program works. He wanted to show that his principals’ investment on him would not go to waste. Being successful is his way of showing gratitude.

He also hopes to encourage more principals to invest on the Cadet Program in response to the shortage of officers. “A career in seafaring , nowadays, is getting expensive. There are more training courses to undergo and lesser principals who help shoulder expenses unlike before.”

He added that investment on the seafarers, the Filipino seafarer in particular, will pay off in due time. “We have good communications skills, very flexible and lots of initiative – these are our edge over others.”

Future Plans

Capt. Jolorte plans to be a successful Captain first, get married and then work land-based to be close to his family. Judging from his history of remarkable performances, there is no doubt that Capt. Jolorte would overcome future challenges!