We recently caught up with one of our own talented young Cook Islanders, Metua Mitchell, who is making waves on the international maritime stage. After completing his STCW training, he quickly landed a role on a luxury superyacht in Tahiti.

Here, he shares his experience transitioning from traditional vaka sailing to modern safety courses, what life is really like on board MY AIX, and some incredibly candid advice for young Cook Islanders thinking about a career at sea.

How did your STCW training in New Zealand go? Was there anything that surprised or challenged you?

“The training went incredibly smoothly. Honestly, it felt very similar to courses I’ve done in the past. We spent the start of the week diving into the theory, and then we moved straight into the heavy practical work.

It can definitely be challenging for people if you aren’t comfortable in the water or if you struggle with claustrophobia. But the mentors there are great, they are right by your side to help you through to the end. If you put the work in, you cannot fail this course.”

Coming from traditional vaka sailing, what was it like adjusting to formal, modern safety courses?

“At the end of the day, nothing is different. The core mindset is exactly the same for any vessel traveling the open ocean. STCW just provides much more in-depth safety training and covers advanced firefighting – skills that are honestly handy to know even when you’re back on land.”

Tell us about your current role. How quickly did you find work, and what does your job entail?
“I managed to land a job just two weeks after finishing the course! Right now, I’m out in Tahiti on a stunning luxury superyacht called MY AIX, working as a deckhand. My main role is keeping the boat pristine and always ready for high-end charters. I take care of the entire exterior and assist with docking boats of all shapes and sizes.”

What does a typical day look like for you right now?

“It completely depends on our charter schedule, but preparation is everything. Normally, it starts with a massive, detailed wash-down of the vessel, which can take a solid two to three days. We make sure absolutely everything is working perfectly and ready for guests, right down to the jet skis.”

The theme for Day of the Seafarer highlights the real risks seafarers face to keep the world moving. As a young Cook Islander stepping onto the global stage, what does your journey say about what it takes to succeed today?
“If you are willing to leave home for long stretches and you have the discipline for it, you will do just fine. But you have to be ready for the realities, you will miss big family events like weddings, funerals, and birthdays. And if you’re trying to focus on a sports career, this isn’t for you. When you’re out in the middle of the ocean, it’s not like you can just get up and leave.”

Looking back at where you started, how does it feel to have organizations like Maritime Cook Islands backing your dream?

“It’s awesome to have that support from Maritime Cook Islands. It opens up so many massive opportunities for the young ones back at home to see what’s possible.”

For a young Cook Islander sitting at home wondering if they can actually pull this off, what are your words of wisdom to them?
“Look around! Where else can you find a job that pays incredibly well even for first-timers? You get free accommodation, free restaurant-quality meals twice a day, free living necessities, and your laundry is literally done for you.

You get to hang out with high-end guests, TRAVEL THE WORLD, and live with absolutely zero expenses or living costs. Plus, just one week on a busy charter can land you four-figure tips on top of your monthly salary. You will make money, and you will save it.”

What keeps you motivated on those days when balancing your passion with everyday life gets tough?

“The end goal is to be Captain. I want to come back home to the islands with wealth, experience, and this massive achievement under my belt.”

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A Note from Maritime Cook Islands: Maritime Cook Islands is proud to support our local seafarers as they take on global maritime careers and excel within the maritime industry.