Manager’s Corner

By Capt. Vivek Srivastava

Dear Collegues,

Living in a pandemic era has changed our lives in every which way be it personal or professional. Needless to say, that experience has now been transformed almost everywhere. As we move into 2021 and vaccine roll out scales up, many will be hoping that we can put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us.

The open ocean can be beautiful, but also harsh and lonely. The ups and downs of a day mean something different here, where the crew are working to the background rhythm of the vessel’s movements. Even in severe weather conditions we have our responsibilities, and targets to meet.

As a ship crew member, we are at increased risk for exposure to COVID-19. Like many other viruses, the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) appears to spread easily between people in close quarters aboard ships. We can take simple steps to protect ourself and others from COVID-19. Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress and staying connected during COVID-19.

The first and foremost safeguard is the vaccine. Everyone needs to get the vaccine. We are grateful that Maersk is implementing roll out of vaccines on vessels calling US and also the office is closely monitoring and arranging for Vaccine drives ashore. Second important thing is to wear a Mask, so as to keep our nose and mouth covered when outside our cabin and in public settings. Wearing masks is important to slow the spread of COVID-19. We need to keep distance from shore personnel while interacting and observing the general practices like washing hands, use of sanitizers and daily temperature checks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has probably changed the way we work. Fear and anxiety about this disease and other strong emotions can be overwhelming, and workplace stress can lead to burn out. How we cope with these emotions and stress can affect our well-being, the wellbeing of the people we care about, our fellow crew, and our community. It is critical that we recognize what stress looks like, take steps to build our resilience and manage job stress, and know whom to talk if we need any sort of help. Different countries have different rules – visa requirements, restrictions on nationalities, geographical limits, night-time curfews. In my last two tenures on board we were restricted on ship and we hardly got any shore leave but we need to find ways to make our stay on board comfortable and enjoyable. As a Ship Master, we need to communicate with our fellow seafarers about Job stress. Identify things that cause stress and work together to reach solutions. We need to talk openly about how the pandemic is affecting our work and personal wellbeing. Need to educate crew on ways to protect themselves and others during the pandemic. Encourage crew to practice healthy ways to coping with stress. Stay informed about resources to help crew.

Today because of excellent connectivity everything is different. Now we can use apps like Whatsapp, or Facebook to be in-touch with our friends and families. This can make all the difference with crew welfare.

What it feels to be Living in and with the seas and oceans is an experience simultaneously being tickling and challenging. The vast blue hues ahead above and under gives a monochrome aura to the sailors and a similar feeling is felt within by the family back home missing the hue called You.

So fellow Shippies, here we have each other as companions exploring and taking trust and faith to a whole new depths irrespective of the tides the Moon and stars in the sky we own.