Huanyu Information | Rizhao Huanyu - Tianjin University of Technology Summer Ship Cognition Learning Practice Activity

Rizhao Huanyu· Tianjin University of Technology

On July 4, 2025, the cooperative vessels of our company berthed for shift change. Captain Liu Jiabao, under the guidance of Rizhao Huanyu Seafarer Service Co., Ltd., led the students from the High-tech and High-quality Crew Order Class of Tianjin University of Technology to launch the summer ship cognition learning and practice activity.

First of all, the students observed the ship's appearance and structure along the shore. After boarding the ship, the on-board captain introduced the crew configuration, ship tonnage, ship route and other relevant information to the students, and emphasized the practical principle of "safety first". This boarding activity enabled the students to have an overall understanding of the ship's voyage situation and the current crew configuration. At the same time, it allowed the students to learn about the ship's conditions in practice, truly integrating theory with practice, and helping them set new standards for their future studies.

After boarding the vessel, under the meticulous guidance of Captain Liu Jiabao, our designated instructor from Rizhao Huanyu Seafarer Service Co., Ltd., the trainees commenced their hands-on learning with three core modules.

First, they learned the essential knowledge and standard procedures for gangway watchkeeping duty during port calls — a fundamental requirement for all interns. They mastered the complete registration process for all personnel boarding the ship and the proper protocols for issuing boarding passes.

Second, they were trained to hoist security level signs in accordance with on-site conditions during port stays, and committed to memory the classification criteria of different security levels.

Last but not least, on the deck, Captain Liu briefed the trainees on key safety precautions for enclosed spaces and provided a detailed overview of the cargo holds.

Under the captain’ s professional guidance, the trainees integrated the theoretical knowledge they had acquired at school with practical onboard experience, thereby gaining a vivid and tangible understanding of what they had previously learned from textbooks.

     Under the leadership of the ship’ s captain, we visited the bridge. The instructor captain from our company, drawing on his hands-on experience, explained the functions and operation essentials of the core bridge equipment to the trainees one by one. From the engine telegraph that transmits navigation orders, the rudder that controls the ship ’ s course, to the radar that monitors maritime dynamics and the navigation lights that ensure nighttime sailing safety, the trainees gained a direct and in-depth understanding of these key devices.

The engine room is the heart of a vessel. Under the guidance of the ship ’ s Second Engineer, the trainees engaged in in-depth exchanges about engine room equipment. Meanwhile, the Second Engineer gave them a detailed introduction to all types of machinery in the engine room, including the ship ’ s main engine, auxiliary engines and the operational parameters of each piece of equipment, helping the trainees build a foundational understanding of the knowledge required of a seafaring intern.

The importance of the engine room is self-evident. It is responsible for everything from supplying the vessel’ s primary propulsion power to generating on-board electricity, all of which are closely tied to the ship’ s navigation safety. The roaring machines, high-decibel noise and sweltering heat inside the engine room are constant tests of the engine room crew’ s perseverance. The Second Engineer encouraged the two trainees with these words: "As mariners, you must be ready to strive and dare to take on challenges."

On July 5, 2025, the students visited the company’ s office premises.Captain Liu first briefed them on the company’ s over three decades of development history. He then led the students on a tour of the company ’ s Business Operations Department and Training Classrooms, as well as the teaching materials for maritime safety training. 

Captain Liu provided a detailed breakdown of the scale of the shipowners operating large container vessels and VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) ships — topics of great interest to the students. He also elaborated on the comprehensive selection criteria set by these shipowners, which cover professional knowledge, English proficiency, and a positive, optimistic mindset. Through face-to-face interactions with Captain Liu, where the students raised questions and received thorough answers, they gained a deeper understanding of their future maritime career paths and made clearer career plans.

This combined practical activity—featuring onboard vessel familiarization training and an office tour—proved to be an immensely rewarding experience for the two students. It marked a transformative shift from passively absorbing textbook knowledge to proactively planning their maritime careers. This realization drove home the importance of returning to school to study harder and enhance their overall capabilities, in order to meet the rigorous standards and high requirements of shipowners when selecting outstanding candidates.

Though this was a short summer internship program, the students achieved a significant leap from theoretical knowledge acquisition to practical action planning. Equipped with the insights gained from this hands-on experience, they are now confident that with solid theoretical knowledge and proficient practical skills, they are well-prepared to embrace every challenge and opportunity that awaits them on their future maritime journey.