NAVIGO ET REVENI

I had my first taste of the sea as a youngster on board a crude tanker vessel, which was wholly owned by Hanjin Shipping Company Korea, and crew staffing managed by ASM Singapore back in early 1998, I then embarked on a career that would take me around the wonderful and lovely foreign countries.

After passed written and oral test, I then deserve attained my protracted desire dream as what envisage by all Apprentice, yes, DECK OFFICER CLASS III (as an International Recognition Certificate grade – 3 for Ocean-Going Merchant Ship Officer) which gave me an opportunity to sail as a Marine Navigating Officer.

Joined with Maritime Consortium Management in the late 1999 a subsidiary company of Global Carrier Berhad Kuala Lumpur had given me assorted experiences, sailed on board mostly product tanker under Petronas Malaysia and Shell Oil Company Charter was really an unforgettable occurrence that would truly had been engraved in my onwards life.

In the late 2006, I enrolled to extension program at STMT - Trisakti Jakarta in an effort to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Sea Transportation Management. I was also eligible to sit for my next professional Certificate of Competency examination in which I had to endeavor hardly to grasp my Deck Officer Class II Certificate. This moment means row one paddle for two boats are really exhausted attempts, but still kept on mind to make things straight and feels that they had not been as tough as they were made out to be.

I was inaugurated on January 2008 for my Bo.E Degree at JCC-Hilton Jakarta just about few more months ahead for me to accomplish my DOC-II at Seafarers Education, Refreshing and Upgrading Institute Jakarta.

After quit, and summoned back my sea career to “Lord Neptune” and stepping ashore, I Joined with Ministry of Transportation, Directorate General of Sea Transportation. Presently deploy as a staff of Ambon Port Authority under the Harbor Master Department.

The winds are never gone too far from the valley, yes, the present assignments are still close to the sea, seaman, and ship-- means I still have a great chance to encounter any marine-related activities, which are, enable to alleviate my longing for sea fever.

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THE LIVING, THE DEAD AND THOSE WHO PROCEED TO SEA

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN THE LIVING, THE DEAD AND THOSE WHO PROCEED TO SEA?

YES, THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FIRST TWO ARE CLEAR. ONE IS BREATHING AND KICKING, WHILST THE OTHER IS WITHOUT A HEARTBEAT. In ancient time, when there were poor communications, sea voyages could take several years. There was no knowing for sure whether those who went to sea were living or dead.

Although I have now taken a shore job as a Nautical and Marine Surveyor at Marine Port Authority Office, my love for the sea will always remain. Despite all negative connotations of a career at sea, I stand proud in declaring myself a SEAMAN.

SAILING can be fun and individual enriching. Far from being boring, it has taught me a great deal about mingling with people of different nationalities, races, religions, customs & cultures, languages, life style and habitual. I would not trade the fond memories I have gathered over the years for a king’s ransom. Seaman’s stories are extraordinary and put fisherman’s tales to shame. The closeness to nature and serenity of sunsets at sea can never be captured by an artist on canvas. A mariner is a diplomat in a way. Not only does he get first-hand experience of foreign cultures, but the way he conducts himself leaves an impression on others.

Most people have the notion that on a ship, one is cramped and movement is restricted. On the contrary, when ashore I get the feeling of being boxed in but at sea, I feel a sense of freedom, I am able to free my mind of all worldly thoughts and feel an indescribable peace within my soul.
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IN THE EYE OF STORM

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (Psalms 107 : 23-30)

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ROMANCE OF A SAILOR (Having a heavy burden of olden discernment of Seaman)

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth;
And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel.
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.
(Hos 2:19-23)


Love makes the world go round. And everyone needs it, including the sailor. It can blind the mind and embrace the heart. Finding love is blissful; losing it can be catastrophic. It is often said that sailors have a wife in every port. This leads to the conclusion that they must be a great lover; that women all over the world want them for a husband, and that they don’t mind having to share (the fact on the contrary). Or does it? As likely as not, it only serves to proclaim how undesirable their behavior is. Olden discernment regarding seaman had been entrenched down to people mindset about this poor seaman and affected to the present highly dedicated, professionalism and accountable seaman.

With minimal port stay, the new breed of sailors are likely to see only airports, hotels, mariner’s club, remote oil terminals, container ports, and just maybe, once in a while, have a few hours to go shopping and sightseeing. With tight schedules and ever-present work (dealing with mountainous paper works and check-list), there is little time for social life ashore. The seaman would have to be either a magician or Superman to have a wife in every port. In addition, oh yes, he would have to be paid extremely well. It is costly enough maintaining one family these days.

For those fortunate enough to meet their mates before going out to sea face tearful partings and costly phone calls. It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. But that works for short duration, not six months to a year. Extended absences are a real test for any relationship. Some claim that out of sight is out of mind. I tend to disagree. Love is never forgotten. It is felt not just in the heart but all over. Not to be with one’s loved ones is painful. It is especially tough for the family man.
For me, and most of the seaman, the most daunting period is when it is time to go back to sea. Taking out the suitcase that has hardly been allowed time for the dust to settle and acquire my itinerant ticket at Airliner’s Counter brought a sullen expression on the face of the spouse (if she can get along well with a seaman she must be an extraordinary creature, time-proof, and abscond-proof GOD specialized presented for SEAMAN). No fond farewells. Instead, there is a cold silence or loud remonstrations to make the sailor feel guilty. Moreover, when we crossed “SAM RATULANGI" (Manado Airport) Airport threshold gate. Still, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. A fortunate few are allowed to bring their families along with them. It is a privilege but not entirely a blessing.

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