Anchoring Growth: Transitioning with Maritime Wisdom

After completing my 12th standard examinations, I, like many of my peers, embarked on preparations for various competitive exams as an initial step towards choosing a career path. During this period, I enrolled in an engineering college, but, wary of potential ragging—a common concern among new students—I decided to stay at home during the first week. On the evening of my second day at home, I received a telegram that brought unexpected news: I had been selected to join the merchant navy, with instructions to report to Mumbai on 26 August 1994. This sudden opportunity prompted me to seek counsel from family members and trusted advisers regarding whether to pursue my existing admission in engineering or venture into the unfamiliar yet intriguing field of the merchant navy. After careful consideration and discussions about long-term prospects, I attended the required interview, successfully secured admission, and thus began my professional journey in the merchant navy on 1 September 1994.

With ambition and enthusiasm guiding my career, I eagerly pursued advancement within the merchant navy, ultimately achieving my first command as Master in February 2008—a culmination of years of dedicated service and skill development. Throughout my tenure, I was fortunate to work alongside exceptionally talented and experienced senior officers who generously shared their knowledge and acted as invaluable mentors. A particularly significant turning point came when I was serving as Chief Officer; the Master assigned me to develop a ballast water management plan, which was a novel requirement at the time, uncharted both for myself and the company as ballast water management convention was being introduced. Diligently researching relevant sections of the BWM convention and best practices, I prepared a comprehensive plan that the Master later submitted to our head office. To my surprise, this project marked a pivotal moment in my career, leading to increased recognition for my initiative and resulting in additional responsibilities that included preparing various specialised forms, checklists, and operational procedures essential for the vessel's compliance and efficiency.

As Master, I approached my responsibilities with diligence and a commitment to maintaining high standards while also prioritising the training and mentoring of junior officers on board. I aimed to foster a collaborative and learning-focused environment that would benefit both individual officers and the team as a whole. 

During a scheduled break between maritime contracts, I received an invitation from our head office in Norway to transition ashore and join the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) department. Embracing this challenging change, I accepted the role and commenced my shore-based career, spending two enriching years in Norway deepening my expertise in QHSE systems, followed by three years in Singapore where I managed multinational teams and projects. Subsequently, I joined a UK-based company, and I currently serve as Senior QHSE Manager, overseeing safety and compliance initiatives across global operations.

Reflecting on my career, I recognise that maintaining a continuous desire to learn—whether through formal coursework, on-the-job experience, or self-study—is essential for ongoing professional growth. Determination and hard work remain indispensable qualities for advancing to higher positions and taking on complex responsibilities. Lifelong learning and self-improvement are never-ending endeavours; it is crucial to consistently assess one’s strengths and abilities, seek feedback, identify areas for improvement, and proactively address weaknesses to achieve sustained personal and professional development.

For professionals seeking to transition from sea-going roles to shore-based positions, I recommend cultivating several key qualities based on my own experience:

• Develop in-depth knowledge of your professional field and fully understand all operational, technical, and managerial aspects of your responsibilities.
• Acquire strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are vital for collaboration and effective leadership in a corporate setting.
• Be able to articulate your thoughts and share your knowledge clearly, whether presenting to colleagues, conducting training sessions, or participating in meetings.
• Hone your writing skills, especially for professional correspondence such as emails, reports, and policy documents, as written communication often forms the backbone of office interactions.
• Prepare to adapt to the corporate culture and expectations typical of office environments, which may differ significantly from those at sea—including hierarchical structure, code of conduct, and pace of work.
• Finally, always remember the roots of your maritime career—the varied experiences, lessons learned, and personal growth that shaped your journey. These not only build resilience but also foster empathy and compassion, both of which are invaluable when leading and supporting others in any professional capacity.