What interested you to join the maritime industry and why did you join Anglo-Eastern?
Before joining the maritime industry, I was working as an engineer at an aerospace company in India. During that time, I had the opportunity to interact with a few seafarers. Listening to their stories and learning about their experiences at sea truly fascinated me. I had always been drawn to the ocean and felt a deep connection to it. Speaking with them made me realise that a career at sea was my true calling. That’s when I decided to pursue my passion and join the maritime industry.
I joined Anglo-Eastern because of its strong reputation in the maritime industry, excellent training facilities, and focus on safety and crew welfare.
How long have you been in the maritime industry? Can you briefly walk us through your career journey?
I have been in the maritime industry for 19 years. I began as a Junior Engineer with Anglo-Eastern. Over the years, I worked my way up through various ranks, gained hands-on experience and certifications, and I am currently serving as a Chief Engineer.
What are the things you like most about your job?
Every day at sea brings new challenges and valuable learning opportunities, which keep the job exciting and rewarding. I also enjoy the travel aspect and the unique opportunity to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. We may start as strangers onboard, but in no time, we form strong bonds—like a second family. Some of these connections continue after the voyage ends, which is truly special.
What is the most remarkable milestone/proudest moment in your career?
One of the most remarkable milestones in my career was clearing the exams to progress to the next rank- it’s definitely not a cakewalk and requires a lot of dedication and effort. A proud moment for me was when I was promoted to Chief Engineer, especially after successfully completing a challenging voyage during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another highlight was receiving the 15 Years of Loyalty Award from the company, which was a meaningful recognition of my long-standing commitment and contribution to the company.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your job and how did you overcome it?
One of the major challenges I faced was handling a main engine fuel pump failure during rough weather. It truly tested both my technical knowledge and my ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure. By working closely with the onboard team, consulting with the office, and strictly following established protocols, we were able to resolve the issue safely and efficiently.
How do you prioritise work-life balance and are there any wellbeing initiatives that help you do this?
When I joined Anglo-Eastern in 2006, there were limited facilities to stay connected with family. Internet access was minimal, so regular communication was a challenge. However, over the years, technology has significantly improved. In the past 4–5 years, connectivity onboard has become much better, allowing us to stay in touch with our families on a daily basis, which plays a crucial role in maintaining work-life balance.
Personally, I follow a routine onboard that includes adequate rest, regular exercise, and making time to connect with my family, which helps me stay physically and mentally well. Also, the well-being app provides crucial data, which is uploaded to the app. I keep track of my weight, blood pressure, sugar levels, any medications I take, and upload this information regularly to the app, which helps me properly monitor my health and maintain work-life balance.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
My plan is to continue serving as Chief Engineer until something new and exciting comes along. In the meantime, I’m passionate about mentoring junior officers and helping them grow – not just into good seafarers, but into great ones. Sharing knowledge and guiding the next generation is something I find truly fulfilling.
What advice would you like to give to people who are starting their seafaring career?
Stay dedicated, be eager to learn, and always prioritise safety. The sea teaches you a lot, not just professionally but also personally. Keep a positive attitude and take every experience as a learning opportunity.
