Three sailors from Eaglestar Shipmanagement shared their experiences working on a maritime vessel with StarMetro. Being a seafarer involves long periods away from home, unpredictable weather conditions, and social isolation. However, these individuals feel that seafaring is more than just a job; it is a calling. Seafaring has a long history and dates back to ancient civilizations, where sailors embarked on perilous voyages guided only by the stars and winds. While technology has transformed the maritime industry, the essence of seafaring remains the same.
Seafarers come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities and work together to transport more than 90% of the world’s commodities, making maritime transport crucial to international trade and the global economy. It’s remarkable that only 0.02% of the world’s population, or 1.89 million seafarers, are responsible for moving all these goods. To celebrate their role, the International Maritime Organization dedicates June 25 as the Day of the Seafarer every year.
Captain Meninderjit Singh Muktiar Singh, 38, shares his journey to becoming a ship captain. His passion for working at sea was ignited when he was five and took a ferry ride. He joined the Malaysian Maritime Academy in 2005 and gradually climbed the ranks to become a captain. As captain, he is in command of the vessel and responsible for its safety, cargo transport, and meeting clients’ requirements. He recently delivered liquefied natural gas via South-East Asia’s first LNG bunker vessel to dual fuel vessels at sea.
Captain Meninderjit faces various challenges, such as adverse weather conditions and the isolation felt while being away from home and loved ones. Missing family occasions and celebrations can be emotionally challenging, but he understands that it comes with the job. He also cherishes the relationships forged with crew members and the thrill of completing a job.
Second officer Tan Ee Lyn, 36, navigates the vast seas and charts the ship’s course. Her responsibilities include voyage planning, monitoring the route, and keeping watch on the bridge. She works closely with the captain to ensure the ship travels safely and avoids collisions. Tan relies on advanced digital tools, such as radar and echo sounders, to assist with navigation. She enjoys her career as a seafarer because it takes her to different places and allows her to meet diverse people.
Norhana Hasan, 35, works as a ship administrative assistant. Her role involves preparing documentation for port entry and clearances, managing paperwork, and handling crew welfare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norhana witnessed the impact on seafarers, who were unable to return home, and often provided emotional support to crew members. She emphasized the importance of having all necessary paperwork ready before docking at different ports.
Although some may find Norhana’s role mundane, she believes it is crucial for the smooth operation of the vessel. She also takes on the responsibility of looking after the crew’s welfare and safeguarding their passports. Despite the challenges faced, Norhana finds fulfillment in her work and values the camaraderie among the crew.
These seafarers are passionate about their careers and look forward to future projects that contribute to a greener environment, such as net zero carbon emission initiatives. Despite the hardships, they find meaning in their work and the valuable contributions they make to the maritime industry.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
