As a young boy hailing from a small town in central India, my encounters with rivers were few, perhaps only five or six times in my life. The sea, however, remained a distant legend, as I harboured a dream of joining the Merchant Navy and navigating the oceans.
And indeed, dreams can come true. I embarked on my first voyage, commencing my sailing career in the embrace of the sea, under the guidance of excellent superiors. It was early autumn of 2011 when I boarded my first vessel, the "MV Pacific Ruby".
Back then, ships didn't have access to the internet, and smartphones felt like a distant and unimaginable concept. The internet lacked the abundance of videos and extensive information that we experience today.
We were fortunate to have a highly experienced veteran Captain who was well-versed in all required maritime skills. He was dedicated to instructing us and ensuring comprehensive onboard training, ensuring that all necessary tasks were completed. We considered ourselves fortunate and privileged to sail alongside him.
We were two cadets on board, with my fellow being senior to me by 10 days. Having been raised in a competitive environment and influenced by peer pressure, I consistently found myself in a state of competition, always endeavouring to prove my superiority.
Competition permeated nearly every aspect: completing tasks promptly, responding swiftly to orders, and ensuring top-notch work quality.
Within just a few days, driven by a sense of competition, whenever a senior officer called upon me, I would eagerly spring into action and run as if I were on a marathon track, with the allure of shining gold awaiting me.
C/O: Cadet, please come in.
Me: Replying, Sir.
C/O: Come to the forward station.
Me: Copy that, Sir. On my way!
And I began hurrying from the accommodation area to the forward station. The captain, clad in his gleaming white boiler suit, noticed this and called out to me.
Captain: Hey! Why are you always in a rush?
Me: Good afternoon, Sir. The C/O asked me to report to the forward station.
Captain: Look over there (pointing to the starboard side main deck), there are many obstacles. This is your first ship, and ships sometimes roll. So, there's a risk of slipping, tripping, and falling.
You could get injured. And we don't have professional doctors or medical aids onboard a ship. Yes, we're trained, but we're not experts.
So, I'm imparting a lesson to you for your entire career at sea. People often say 'Work Smartly', but I'm adjusting it for you as 'Don't just work smartly; instead, walk smartly while you're on board.'
Be observant, vigilant, and avoid injury. Always prioritize safety. Also, watch a safety training video on 'Personal Safety onboard.'
Me: Thank you, Sir. I'll always remember this and complete the training at the earliest opportunity.
Captain: Good. Carry on with your duties.
I can still hear him saying 'Don't just work smartly; instead, walk smartly while you're on board.'
This lesson guided me throughout my maritime career. I've sailed for 12 years and been fortunate to have never faced any injuries.
This was an initial, significant, and pivotal safety lesson of my maritime career, which played a crucial role in ensuring safety throughout.
“Don't just work smartly; instead,
walk smartly while you're on board.”