SAFETY4SEA SEAFiT - Issue 01

ISSUE 01 | Q1 2023 40 41 ISSUE 01 | Q1 2023 S E A F A R E R S ’ S T O R I E S S E A F A R E R S ’ S T O R I E S SAFETY4SEA: What do you love the most out of your career at sea? Capt. Nashir Khan: It is an adventure that gives opportu- nity to visit many countries and meet others nations. S4S: What have you learned over the course of your career at sea? Capt. N.Kh.: I learned how to handle stress in my life, being patience and remain strong at all times, under any circum- stances. S4S: How would you describe your daily life at sea/ work in a few words? Capt. N.Kh.: A daily program may involve the following: get up and takeover watch before 15 mins; be alert and vigilant during navigation watch; after watch take 2 hrs mainte- nance or paper work. Then, enjoy at recreation room along with mates, give time to family by net connected and finally take rest for next working hours. S4S: What is the biggest challenge that you have to face on board? Capt. N.Kh.: High seas, strong winds, rolling & pitching. S4S: What is your piece of advice to fellow crew mem- bers onboard? Capt. N.Kh.: Maintain safety culture at all times and stay safe. S4S: What inspires you every day onboard? Capt. N.Kh.: At day, the clear sea horizon. At night, the shining stars and when I see my crew members’ happy smiley faces! S4S: What is the one thing that should change to make life better on board? Capt. N.Kh.: I would advocate for a stressless culture, which is the way to healthy mind for all people onboard. S4S: What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking a career at sea? Capt. N.Kh.: Remember to trust teamwork, use safety gears whenever required and always keep in mind Safety First. S4S: What do you miss the most about your seagoing experience? Capt. N.Kh. : Gathering with international ships mates, drinking cup of coffee and discussing how to improve the health and safety of the environment onboard ships. Capt. Nashir Khan Marine Pilot Capt. Nashir Khan, Marine Pilot, highlights to always keep in mind that safety comes first when onboard and shares his experience and key moments from his career at sea. S4S: What have you learned over the course of your career at sea? SC: To value more the importance of human relationships. Despite cultural differences, educational attainments, achievements, ranks, and distinct mental perspectives, it should never hinder building understanding and camarade- rie on board. S4S: What is the biggest challenge that you have face on board? SC: One of the biggest challenges I have faced on board is adaptability to the environment. Sailing on a feeder contain- er ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean during heavy seas and with incoming extratropical cyclones, my conscious- ness rotates 360° infinitely and my stomach is experiencing a disastrous situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors. S4S: What is the one thing that should change to make life better on board? SC: We should improve the social interaction on board and provide sufficient free and faster internet access for seafar - ers – making life on board better. We could improve social interaction on board by organizing activities that promote mental, physical, and social well-being. For example: conducting a barbecue party/get-together, sports games, karaoke challenge, coffee talks, team building, and others. Activities where they could talk, sing, dance, laugh, and ex- press and share their inner “hugots” (life hacks, problems, goals, dissatisfaction, plans, misunderstanding, and some superlative stories). S4S: What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking a career at sea? SC: You must be knowledgeable and as much as pos- sible have a comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry and try to connect and visualize it to your future self. Your decision should be based on your meticulous accumulation of information and research and not only from others’ points of view or by your circumstance. After gather- ing the essential information about the maritime industry, ask yourself; “Is maritime right for me?”. Simon Cabaluna Jr., Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch notes that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the shipping indus - try. By providing sufficient free and faster internet access for seafarers will surely help them feel less disconnected from the outside world and improve seafarers’ well-being. Simon Cabaluna Jr. Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch