If you are a deck or engine cadet, your training record book (TRB) is one of the most important documents of your early career. It records the structured onboard training required before you can apply for your first certificate of competency. A well-kept record book makes your application smooth; a rushed or incomplete one can delay it by months.

What Is a Training Record Book?

Under STCW, officer candidates usually complete a period of approved seagoing service as part of an approved training programme. That onboard training is documented in a training record book approved by the administration or issued through your training provider. It lists the tasks and competences you must practise and demonstrate, from steering and watchkeeping to cargo work, maintenance and emergency duties.

Who Is Involved

• Shipboard training officer: the officer on board responsible for supervising your training and signing off tasks.
• Master or chief engineer: reviews progress and countersigns at set points.
• Company training officer: monitors your progress from ashore.
• You: responsible for asking for training, completing tasks and keeping the book up to date.

How to Complete It Properly

Plan From Day One

Read the whole book in your first week. Note which tasks depend on specific operations (for example cargo loading, dry-dock or anchoring) and tell your training officer, so you are included when those operations happen.

Do the Task, Then Get It Signed

A signature means you actually performed or observed the task to the required standard. Ask for sign-off soon after completing each task, while the officer remembers your performance. Never ask for tasks to be signed without doing them.

Keep Evidence and Notes

Where the book requires projects, sketches or written exercises, complete them carefully. Keep your own notes of what you did and learned; they will help you prepare for oral exams later.

Record Sea Service Accurately

Make sure your sea service dates, ship details and discharges are recorded correctly, and collect a signed sea service letter or testimonial before you leave each ship. Missing sea service evidence is one of the most common reasons first CoC applications are delayed.

Common Mistakes Cadets Make

• Leaving the book until the last weeks of the contract.
• Missing tasks that only happen on certain operations.
• Incomplete signatures, stamps or dates.
• Losing the book, without scans as backup.
• Treating it as paperwork rather than a learning plan.

Support Your Onboard Training

Online courses can strengthen your understanding of the topics in your book. Deck cadets may benefit from Watchkeeping Deck, COLREGs and ECDIS courses; engine cadets from Watchkeeping Engine training. These support your learning but do not replace the onboard tasks in your record book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my ship doesn’t do some of the tasks?
Tell your company training officer early. They may arrange for you to complete those tasks on another ship or during another operation.

Can I complete the record book online?
Some administrations use electronic record books, but the tasks must still be completed on board under supervision.

What happens if I lose my record book?
Report it immediately to your company and training provider. Regular scans make reconstruction much easier.

Your First Step Towards Officer

Treat your training record book as your learning plan, not just a form. Plan early, do every task properly and keep everything safe. Make sure your mandatory certificates are current too, with Marine Pro Academy’s STCW Basic Safety Training.