What interested you to join the maritime industry, and why did you join Anglo-Eastern?
Coming from a defence (Navy) background and having grown up on the coast, a fascination with the sea was natural, which manifested into a career after schooling. The honour of the uniform, combined with an adventurous lifestyle, is what attracted me to the profession. Anglo-Eastern has been at the forefront of shipping for decades and is known for taking initiatives to promote seafarers’ overall development. The high standards of training and ethical operation are what attracted me to join the company in 2008, and there has been no looking back thereafter.
How long have you been in the maritime industry? Can you briefly walk us through your career journey?
I sailed on my first vessel, a forest product carrier in 1998 after a year-long training and continued with the same company for the first 10 years. I was interested in tanker operations, which led me to finally choose a company with a diverse fleet including tankers; Anglo-Eastern was the natural choice. In 2008, I joined the company and sailed on a variety of tankers, learning about the trade. After a two-year stint ashore as Marine Superintendent, I have decided to return to sea for some more time.
What are the things you like most about your job?
The thing I like most about the sea is the sunrise and sunsets. The beauty of nature never ceases to mesmerise and makes one realise that each day is a gift.
What is the most remarkable milestone/proudest moment in your career?
The proudest moment for me was meeting my first trainee again after he gained his first command. It was very humbling when he reconnected after many years to report his promotion.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your job and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge at sea is to console a grieving seafarer who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Extending support in difficult times, hearing out the person who is grieving, and using words of encouragement are ways to overcome such times.
How do you prioritise work-life balance and are there any wellbeing initiatives that help you do this?
Work-life balance has changed by definition over the years at sea. Communication at sea once meant letters arriving every few months and very expensive phone calls only to convey urgent messages. Fast forward to the present, with a daily limit of 1 GB per person onboard and high-speed data that enables video calling. I believe work-life balance is much easier now, with the ease of staying in touch with family and friends. However, the profession is demanding, and my chosen way of dealing with the stress is yoga. I’m a certified yoga teacher and conduct workshops for interested staff onboard for well-being and overall health.
A healthy lifestyle and social environment are keys to a happy seafarer, and the crew attends regular gatherings for celebrating birthdays, festivals, and even watching important cricket matches together.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
While I believe in living my life each day at a time, I see myself serving in the maritime profession in some capacity at sea or ashore in the future, along with increasing engagement in philanthropy during my leave. This includes yoga workshops and volunteering in activities related to public well-being.
What advice would you like to give to people who are starting their seafaring career?
For young seafarers, I would suggest approaching the profession with an ambition to learn the skills to excel in it, rather than focusing on the financially rewarding side, which is very much available to professionals. The maritime profession is competitive, thus honing skills should be a priority if one wants to stay in the game. A healthy lifestyle is the second piece of advice for the youngsters at sea to maintain high morale and enjoy the merchant navy life with its gifts and challenges.
