E-PORTS Crew Column 丨Self-statement of the Second Mate of an Ocean-going Bulk Carrier

Seafarers have always been the most easily neglected group in the whole shipping link, but they are the most important link and contributor of global trade. This huge group deserves our understanding, attention and recognition. In celebration of the 12th Day of the Seafarer, E-PORTS has launched the 【Crew Column】, which aims to highlight the best aspects and hard work of seafarers, give seafarers a sense of pride and identity, and raise the awareness of seafarers in the shipping industry and society as a whole. Hats off to these unsung heroes!

The seafarer whom E-PORTS interviewed for the first time is Meng, the second mate of an ocean-going bulk carrier. He has been working as a seaman for 12 years since 2010. He spends 8-10 months at sea every year. And now he is spending his precious time with his kids on vacation.

Seafarers are well paid, but you may not understand their hard work

Before the official interview with Meng, he was spending time with his children, and I didn't want to spoil the precious parent-child time. After hearing the purpose of the interview with E-PORTS, Meng still spared his time to chat with me a lot.

He said, such is the life of crew. They spend a long time in the ship, especially under the current epidemic. Therefore, it's rare to disembark and have to comply with the requirements of the countries of epidemic prevention. Only after quarantine can they return home. The longest isolation can reach to three months, so it is greatly reduced the amount of time with their family. The disembarkation was in July last year. At that time, the epidemic situation in China was relatively stable. After four nucleic acid tests and two border inspections, the ship landed in Dongguan from Canada and returned to Nanjing without quarantine. However, due to the local policy in Nanjing, he was still isolated for 14 days and returned to my home. "This is a very normal crew change process" Meng said. "There are many requirements for green code, but the shipping company I work for is a state-owned enterprise and very responsible, so I returned to China from Canada smoothly."

Meng said, the work of the second officer is more operational, and at present, the ship's operation is highly electronic, we just need to be patient and careful to timely update. Although it sounds easily, I referred to a lot of information before this interview, and knew the duties of a second officer is very wide: to record chart, sailing, reference books, instruments, equipment technical data, specifications, navigation lists, all kinds of book, notices to mariners and documentation; to perform navigation and berthing watches under the direction of the captain or first mate. "Although this job is very hard, the considerable income has been supporting me, and the responsibility of a crew has been driving me to strive and work hard". Meng smiled and said, "but in reality, people often think that the wages of us are too high. They don't think how hard our working environment is, and our lives are in danger at any time. Only we ourselves can feel the loneliness and bitterness."

The glory of family inheritance and the rebirth of family responsibility

Life on the boat is very hard, but since we choose this industry, then we need to recognize the characteristics of this industry and relax our own mentality in the life of practice. Meng said that he was engaged in seafaring partly because of his family. His relatives had seafaring experience before, and he also had a yearning for the life on the ocean. Besides, he also majored in seafaring, so he persevered until now.

For work and life, the biggest change is the popularity of the Internet. In the past, there was no signal or network on board. Once on board, there was no news for several months. Some crew members could not resolve their inner emotions, which would lead to a lonely and gloomy state.

Now the crew can use the Internet on board. Although they can't go home often, they can keep in touch with their families. In addition, entertainment facilities are very complete to keep them in a good mood and state. In terms of work, we can contact the company through the Internet at any time, deal with emergency problems, and hold remote teleconference at any time. The effect is very good. Therefore, although I am far away from my hometown and spend less time with my relatives and friends, I have persisted until now with considerable income and fun，moreover, I also took the first mate's certificate this vacation. After the certificate comes down in May, I can board the ship again as the first mate! With the valuable experience of the second mate before, my salary will be greatly increased if I am promoted to the first mate! " Meng said proudly.

Life on a ship is like prison? No!

Many people think that life after getting on board is as boring as prison. In fact, it's not. Today's boats are different from the past. First of all, there are networks on board. There is no problem chatting with family or playing games. There are also entertainment facilities on board, such as gym, chess and card room and karaoke room. Or we can play computer games together, play basketball and table tennis. In addition, we can also experience different "sea fishing". In addition to these entertainment, the scenery of the sea is also very unique, and many scenes are not felt by ordinary people. "For example, when the ship sailed near Peru, due to tides and other reasons, we felt that the ship felt like climbing stairs. It was very wonderful, but the picture was not saved because of the poor pixel quality of my phone at that time, it's a pity." "I also saw three tornadoes at the same time, but only two were photographed, which was also very shocking!

Do you like the sunset? Do you like ice and snow? This is the sunset that only seafarers can enjoy, and this is the wind and frost that only seafarers can experience.

There are also the happiest times for seafarers. When there is no epidemic, we can get off the ship and play when the ship berths. We can taste local delicacies and bring some exotic gifts to our family.

Why choose sailing? Many parents of graduates will ask such questions, including some young people about to graduate. Navigation is a noble profession. It can temper a pilot, a mechanic and an excellent captain, and cultivate elites in the industry. However, many people do not understand this industry. Navigation gives people too many responsibilities, carrying millions of yuan of goods, which may be one of the reasons why people in other industries want to join the navigation industry, and it is also the challenge facing the sea shaped the real sailor. Meng said that as long as you are willing to work hard and bear hardships and get the support of your family, each industry has the characteristics of each industry, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. As long as you calm down, seafarers are a job worth investing your youth!

After the communication with second mate Meng, I really understood some of the crew's lives, and heard a little optimism and self-confidence from the plain narration of second mate Meng, which is worthy of admiration. This is a very good example for "the younger generation"!

E-PORTS will conduct irregular crew interviews before World Seamen's day. I believe it can show you different crew life from different angles! If you are also a crew member and are willing to share with us your sailing experience and interesting things, you can leave messages on the official account of 【Gang Hang Zi Wu Xian】, and you can also add author's WeChat to the E-PORTS Exclusive Interviews.