As part of the collaboration, EMERA's electrical engineering student Mark-Mihkel Eiche has become the first student to join the cadet internship program. His internship, based on a six-month contract, is taking place on the cruise ship MS Noordam, where Mark-Mihkel has the opportunity to develop the skills learned at the academy and participate in the maintenance of various electrical systems.

Mark-Mihkel’s internship journey began in the port of Whittier, Alaska, after a 30-hour adventurous trip. During his first month, he worked in Alaska and had the chance to experience the beauty of nature there before the ship set course across the Pacific Ocean to Japan.

During his two months onboard, Mark-Mihkel has adapted to ship life, learning new work techniques and participating in the daily routine of the crew. At morning meetings, daily tasks are assigned, and Mark-Mihkel takes part in these tasks, learning and applying the knowledge he has gained alongside experienced mentors. The crew is supportive and friendly, helping the intern cope with the complexities of life at sea. “My main task is to learn and shadow the work. Since I am a cadet, I am not directly given tasks, but I try to do some work myself quietly, even though others are just observing,” adds Mark-Mihkel, highlighting how the intern experiences practical learning.

So far, Mark-Mihkel has participated in various tasks, including the maintenance of the greywater pump control panel and the development of the 690V electric motor control circuit. Mark-Mihkel shares that the cruise ship is an ideal environment for learning about ship electrical systems because the equipment is diverse, and there are plenty of instructors.

Soon, we will share more stories about Mark-Mihkel’s internship experiences.