What interested you to join the maritime industry, and why did you join Anglo-Eastern?
I wanted to do a job that is dynamic in nature and challenging. I have enjoyed traveling since childhood. Knowing that navigation on a ship is where all science is practically applied, I didn’t hesitate when I got the opportunity to join the maritime industry. I joined with full passion and love.
How long have you been in the maritime industry? Can you briefly walk us through your career journey?
I started as a Deck Cadet on 8 July 2008. I have served on two ships and completed my exams in 2011 and became a Third Officer. In 2012, while doing the LCHS course at Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre (AEMTC), I learned about the company. After speaking with some senior officers and faculty at AEMTC, I had no second thoughts and joined Anglo-Eastern on 11 February 2012. It has been a wonderful journey. I received my promotions as my hard work was recognised, ascended the ranks and became a Master in 2024. There has been a lot of learning and earning along the way. I am very proud to have joined the Anglo-Eastern family.
What are the things you like most about your job?
It’s dynamic and challenging.
What is the most remarkable milestone/proudest moment in your career?
I was proud as a Cadet; I was proud as a 3/O; I was proud as a 2/O; I was proud as a C/O, and now proudly I am Capt. Sanu Jose Paraplakkal, Master of a ship with Anglo-Eastern. I count completing each ship safely as milestones of my career. When I see my cadets becoming officers, those are the medals I earn from this career. Completing each operation safely, completing each voyage safely—yes, each of them provides job satisfaction. Visiting close to 45 countries around the globe was a bonus from my career.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your job and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is staying away from my family. We can overcome it by giving them full attention when we are home. I see it this way—compared with a person working on land, we spend more quality time with our family.
How do you prioritise work-life balance and are there any wellbeing initiatives that help you do this?
We need to love the job onboard. We plan the jobs onboard to ensure that sufficient time is allocated for rest and leisure. We conduct many activities onboard, which I had never experienced ashore. Playing sports, having mini-Olympics, celebrating crossing the equator, weekend food parties, etc. We encourage each other to do gym workouts, and carry out fitness competitions, such as the maximum number of push-ups, pull-ups, etc. Previous ship oiler Ronald was able to perform 52 push-ups in a single set at the age of 58. This motivated all the youngsters.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself transferring ashore to take on responsibilities in QHSE/operations within Anglo-Eastern and to support the safe operation of vessels.
What advice would you like to give to people who are starting their seafaring career?
Welcome aboard. Be proud of what you are going to do—navigator. The sky is your limit.
