Coping with Challenges
Camellia Dream, a bulk carrier categorized as a Very Large Ore Carrier was turned over to MMSM on 12 June 2014. She is currently chartered and operated by Rio Tinto Marine. Rio Tinto is a world leader in finding, mining and processing the earth’s mineral resources including iron ore mines in Northwestern Australia. This vessel usually loads in Port Walcott and Dampier, Australia and delivers the cargo in different ports in China.
Since her launch in 2014, she has been manned by full Filipino complement that is competent, trained and skilled in maintaining the day to day shipboard operations. Each crew member strives to give their best effort to attain the goal of MOL which is to provide safe and reliable ocean transport services possible. Though these sons of Neptune seem invulnerable in facing the challenges at sea, they oftentimes befall to different adversaries such as homesickness, stress, depression and anxiety. Allow us to share with you how we tackle these problems onboard.
1. COOPERATION AND TEAMWORK
As what President Duterte has said, “No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve.” The same is true with shipboard organization. The management officers need the support of its crew, no matter what the rank is, in order to maintain safe and efficient operations at all times. Individual effort is important, however, it’s the cooperation and teamwork that makes the job easier and enjoyable.
2. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The crews make use the different Gym facilities to burn out some calories during their free time. Also, a massage chair, which is newly supplied onboard, provides a good way of relaxation at night time. During fair weather, a basketball game serves as their favorite pastime. And everyone loves the voyage party after departure from port wherein we share good food, music and laughter.
3. COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILY AND LOVED ONES
The very reason why we all endure the hardships as a seafarer is to provide a good life for our families and loved ones. Thanks to the Company, who provided us with Infinity, we have internet access thus constant communication with the people we value the most. This somehow helps us to deal with homesickness and eliminate the feeling of isolation while at sea.
4. PRAYING AND GIVING THANKS TO GOD
Live life to the fullest for life is a gift from God. We need food to live and survive so as our spiritual being. Spending a brief moment each day meditating renews not only the mind and body, but also the spirit. This empowers us to take on the challenges of a new day with a brave heart and a sound mind.
5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
As they say, learning is a never ending process. Regular drills hone the skills of the crew in preparing for any emergency situations. On-Job Trainings and Computer-Based Training continuously educates the crew to ensure competence in all aspects of shipboard operations. Crews aspiring for career advancement are given the chance to understudy from their superiors. We always consider our ship as our second home and our shipmates as our family. Like a camellia tree that needs to be nurtured for it to blossom, we also need to take care of our relationships with our comrades onboard for it to yield a harmonious and peaceful working environment. Despite the challenges that we are facing each day, we know that we will overcome all of these through the collective efforts of each crew. For us, a problem shared is a problem solved.
Coping with Challenges
By: Capt. Herman M. Valdez
