Offshore Marine’s Post

Driven by the aspiration to climb up the carrier ladder I shifted from big Shipping company with large vessels to small Dutch coaster with Captain-Owner. It was my first contract as chief mate. I was single mate and big part of Chief officer's duties was performed by Master, as on me was most of the duties, which usually assigned to 2nd and 3rd mate. Captain was owner of the vessel and he was giving job orders to bosun and deck crew himself. Once, I approached the Captain with the question, that looks like bridge became to messy and for me looks like we need assistance of deck crewmember to perform general deep cleaning of the bridge, as it was before on large vessels. Captain looked around and agreed. After few hours, I had to check something on the bridge during my daily safety maintenance tour and found Master brushing with soap deck. For me was a deep shame, that I, newly promoted chief mate pushed Master, Owner of the vessel to do it. Almost all my chief mate carrier I spent on Dutch fleet, under supervision of wonderful Captains: Edward Trommel, Joris Okhuijsen, Henricus Eijkenaar, Wilfried Van Der Plaats. All of them had a different command style, but what was a common: Leading by example. Dutch Captains are not cabin Captains, they are always on the "scene of fire". Another one so called motto: Of Course possible. While some crew members were coming to report some problem, they had some excuse, why it is not possible to do something/to repair something, and why we should give up and just wait for a shore service. My captains were determined to find a solution and pursued it to diligence. I don't know what kind of master am I from the side, but I was always trying to follow those two rules. #Mastermariner #SeaCaptain #Marinesuperintendent #Leadbyexample #Ofcoursepossible #Forestwavenavigation #Kaascrewservices  

Worth gold is integrity and selfless action.

The concept of “bums on seats” refers to the practice of hiring individuals solely to fill a position without considering their qualifications, experience, or suitability for the role. In the maritime industry, the effect of hiring “bums on seats” can have serious consequences for the safety, efficiency and overall success of a ship’s operations. #MaritimeSafety #CrewCompetence #ShipSafety #MaritimeIndustry #CrewWelfare #SeafarerSafety #MaritimeTraining #CrewManagement #ShippingIndustry #SafetyAtSea Find out more in this 1-minute read:

My 9 Cornerstones as a Yacht Captain 1. Unwavering Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to minimum safe manning is paramount for effective management. 2. Crystal Clear Commitment: Going below this standard is a non-issue in my command unless backed by a legal approval covering all potential conditions. 3. Legal Precision: Addressing legal aspects meticulously is imperative to safeguard owner's assets, whether the vessel is docked or navigating the open sea. 4. Regulatory Excellence: Strictly adhering to regulations set by both the Flag State and local authorities is crucial, extending beyond the marina's confines. 5. Professional Prowess: Operating within the highest echelons of professionalism, I take pride in my license as a testament to my unwavering dedication to legality. 6. Ingrained Wisdom: My journey in this industry has instilled in me the indispensable lesson of unwavering compliance, enriched by a wealth of knowledge from hands-on experiences. 7. Passionate Guidance: This knowledge fuels my passion to impart wisdom to fellow seafarers, aspiring to elevate not just compliance but the overall human experience, whether at sea or beyond. 8. Ethical Integrity: Throughout my career, my lodestar has been unwavering adherence to ethical values instilled in me from day one. 9. No Compromise Safety: I stand firm against compromising in any situation that could jeopardize the safety of individuals or crew members.

The Role of a Chief Mate: Leadership and Responsibility In the maritime industry, the role of a Chief Mate is pivotal, serving as the bridge between the captain and the crew. Having interacted closely with Chief Mates during my time at sea, I’ve gained a profound appreciation for the leadership and responsibility that this position entails. A Chief Mate is the second-in-command on a vessel, responsible for overseeing the deck department and ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities. This role demands a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. This includes managing the loading and unloading of cargo, maintaining the vessel's stability, and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. During my time working on sea ships, I observed how Chief Mates meticulously planned and executed these tasks. Leadership is at the core of a Chief Mate’s role. They are responsible for training and supervising the deck crew, ensuring that everyone is competent and prepared for their duties. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Chief Mate must coordinate with various departments and crew members to ensure smooth operations. In addition to operational duties, Chief Mates play a crucial role in navigation and watchkeeping. They assist the captain in planning and executing voyages, ensuring that the vessel adheres to the planned route and complies with all navigational regulations. The ability to make quick and informed decisions is vital, especially in challenging conditions or emergency situations. The maritime industry is continuously evolving, and the role of a Chief Mate is no exception. One of the significant trends is the increasing integration of technology in ship operations. Chief Mates must stay updated with the latest advancements in navigational systems, automation, and safety protocols. Another trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental compliance. Chief Mates are now more involved in implementing environmentally friendly practices on board, such as optimizing fuel consumption, managing waste, and ensuring compliance with international environmental regulations. Reflecting on my experiences, I believe that the role of a Chief Mate is one of the most challenging yet rewarding positions in the maritime industry. It requires a deep commitment to leadership, safety, and continuous learning. For those aspiring to become Chief Mates, I encourage you to develop your technical skills, embrace leadership opportunities, and stay abreast of industry trends. To employers seeking skilled maritime professionals, my background in nautical science, combined with hands-on experience and a solid understanding of the Chief Mate’s responsibilities, positions me well to contribute to your organization’s success. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together. #chief_mate #chief_officer #leadership #maritime #Saleh_Bayagoob

Crew change operation in Itaqui port

🤷No team for today's work, said the teamleader. 🤷♀️Curiously, I asked why? 🤷And the teamleader explained that one client's project has been completed, with all the necessary documents signed. 👉Additionally, two other projects are nearing completion. 👉The team leader informed that an officer from one of our clients called and requested additional work to be done on the vessel for the next two days. 🧏♀️I said, 👉Inform the officer about our readiness to take on all the jobs mentioned, and request that they keep us informed ahead of time so that we can better plan our schedule. 👉Other clients' projects are also reaching completion, and it has become a daily occurrence for officers to add new jobs. 👉We have a well-organized schedule that is based on the jobs given by our clients, and we want to ensure that we can serve them in a hassle-free manner. #shipbuilding #shiprepairs #marine #marineindustry.

My Take on Why Cruise Ship Crews Succeed in Shore-Based Jobs Cruise ship crew members are uniquely prepared for success in land-based careers due to their extensive experience in demanding and multifaceted environments. Onboard, they must juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, often without the immediate support available onshore, which fosters a high degree of self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Their commitment to a 24/7 operational environment instills a strong work ethic and resilience, as there is no option to defer tasks to the next day, unlike the typical 9-to-5 land job. This experience not only hones their ability to manage diverse and challenging situations independently but also builds a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. As a result, their adaptability, versatility, and high level of responsibility make them exceptionally well-equipped for various professional roles on land, where they can leverage their unique skills and experience to excel.

Dear fellow seafarers, In our line of work, clear communication is paramount. I want to stress the importance of discussing everything in detail with your Crewing Officer. Whether it's about your contract, concerns, or preferences, don't hesitate to address them. Remember, the Crewing Officer's role is to facilitate your joining as a seafarer, not to manage you. Your direct manager is the marine manager. Therefore, feel empowered to express any doubts or points of contention immediately. It's crucial to read your contract thoroughly and ensure you understand every aspect. If something doesn't sit right with you, speak up. You're not merely working for a company; you're offering your valuable services and expertise in exchange for fair compensation. Let's maintain professionalism.

CHIEF OFFICER