Nostalgia

This is the third and final installment of ‘’Shipping runs in our Family’’. In the previous two issues of Wavelength, and in this one, it is quite apparent from their accounts that those who have followed in the footsteps of family members have not done so simply to please the family, or just to maintain a tradition. Instead, they have entered the world of shipping because they were truly inspired by a relative and regard their vocation as far more than an ordinary job. What is more, the stories below and those in the first two installments reveal how deeply appreciative the story tellers are of the Company’s attitude towards nurturing its own family members so that they can reach their full professional potential.

Introduced and compiled by Chara Markatzinou

Dimitris Sarandis, Technical Reporting Supervisor

My father, Georgios Sarantis (1934-2000), was a Chief Engineer with 40 years seagoing experience. I believe that he enjoyed his job and he really liked the sea. From photos I have seen, he travelled almost all over the world, to exotic places, from South America to the Far East. He worked for many years for a Greek shipping company based in London, where I was born and my family stayed for a few years. He worked as a Chief Engineer, Superintendent Engineer and New-buildings Manager in Japan, where I also lived for some time although I do not recall any of it. There are only photos to remind me of this. While he sailed, I remember visiting him with my mother at Greek ports from the age of five. I really liked the vessels, the Engine room with all its machinery, the Bridge with the nice view, the comfortable and big cabins. I also enjoyed the food. Every time I visited my father on board, he would teach me something new, starting from the easiest and going to the most difficult. When I was in high school I accompanied him on some of his voyages for 1 month. Mr. Georgios Sarantis travelling as Chief Engineer Eventually, I decided to study Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and become a Superintendent Engineer. After finishing my studies, I joined Centrofin Management Inc. in 2000 where I gained a lot of experience from repairs and new-buildings. Later on, I was involved in PMS, procedures, and energy & performance monitoring. What has made working for Centrofin Management Inc. a great experience is the family spirit and the very important elements of cooperation, communication and understanding.

Mr. Dimitris Sarantis, Technical Reporting Supervisor Mr. George Stavrakis, Nikos’s uncle, Technical Manager of Centrofin Management Inc. Mr. Nikos Stavrakis in front of M/T Kalymnos that was in for repairs in Skaramanga, 2004

Nikos Stavrakis, Chartering Broker

My family has a long tradition in shipping and this is one of the main reasons that I followed the same path. I have not regretted it for a second. My grandfather moved from the Turkish coast to the small island of Oinousses (northeast of Chios Island) after the end of the Turkish-Greek war in 1922. During World War II he was trading olive oil and grains with small boats in the Aegean and East Med area. After the end of World War II he started sailing on ships. He had three sons, all of whom followed the same tradition. He also had one daughter. My father, Dimitris, became a Captain as did his brother Edouardos. After many years at sea, they started working ashore until they retired. The other son, George studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in the UK and worked for many years as Technical Manager in big Greek shipping companies. I have heard many interesting shipping stories from my family that helped me a lot to get a better feeling and create a special relationship with this industry. There was an interesting case onboard a tanker where all the deck officers except for one were from my family, bearing the same surname. So, when the port authorities got the crew list they were very much surprised and would ask questions about it.The legacy my family left behind is big and I need to stand by it.

4/E JAROMAMAY Nino Ben

A seaman's life is tough and sometimes lonesome, without one’s family and far from friends. It is a profession that demands a great deal of patience and effort in order to remain away from your loved ones while still providing them with a comfortable existence. That being said, being a member of a family with three seafarers, I became one of them because they motivated me. Because of their desire to help our family and bring them out of poverty, they encouraged me to become one of them. My father, as my inspiration, encouraged me to pursue the seafaring career. He motivated me to do good for our family and to provide for my own. He is a diligent worker who holds a demanding position as a seaman. He is intelligent, which motivates me to learn and expand my knowledge. We all know that life at sea can be both difficult and dangerous; all seafarers must receive a solid education and acquire a thorough understanding of their ship before being allowed on board. He has served as an inspiration to me because his job necessitates a strong heart to deal with the rigors of life at sea. The fact is that my father is a true leader who inspires me the most. Truly, it's a challenging life, but it's also a social responsibility. We make personal sacrifices, in my opinion, to support our families who reside a long way from where we work.

Mrs Alla Dekhtyarenko, 4th Engineer VARFOLOMEIEV Volodymyr & Apprentice Engineer VARFOLOMEIEV Dmytro

Living in a historic maritime and port city, almost every family in Odessa is connected with the maritime industry. My story began in 2010, when I started studying Management of Organizations of Sea Transportation at the Odessa National Maritime Academy, the most popular and prestigious university in the south of Ukraine. While studying at the correspondence department, I was offered a job at the Department of Administrative and Criminal Law. In 2011, I met my husband, Yuriy, who had acquired his Master's navigation degree. My husband's family is also connected with the maritime industry. Two of his grandfathers were Captains and worked on bulk carries. His father continues to work as a Captain on bulk carriers. Due to my involvement with the Maritime Academy, we decided with my parents that my younger brother should also study there to become a seaman. In 2017, he received his diploma of specialist in automated control of technological processes and

Mrs Alla Dekthyarenko with her husband and daughter started his career as a seaman. I always dreamed of working for a big maritime company and my dream came true. In 2017, I started my career at Cenmar Ukraine LLC as crew co-ordinator. In 2019, my brother Volodymyr Varfolomeiev was also employed by our good Company as an apprentice engineer. Two years later, he was promoted to 4th engineer on M/T George S. I am so glad to have the opportunity to work on this team.

4th Engineer Volodymyr VARFOLOMEIEV with his brother Apr/ Eng Dmytro VARFOLOMEIEV

D/CDT KHARE Nishad Rajendra

My love for the Sea is not common but an inspired journey by my Dad, Captain Khare. The typical child always looked up to his Dad in terms of behaviour and professional and personal growth. His never-ending love for his work caught my eye and guided me towards sailing. Listening to countless adventures and extraordinary moments, developed my liking. Moreover, the uniform has its own spark, which not everybody can have, and I wanted to achieve that pride in wearing the uniform with the stripes. I do not prefer a mundane lifestyle and would look out for new thrills and excitement, which attracted me to joining the merchant navy. A Merchant Navy Cadetship provides the highest level of training and experience to become the best officer you can be. Not only do you spend time learning both technical and practical seafaring skills, but you can also learn skills, and you can also learn skills for life such as team-building skills, resilience, and dedication. In the Merchant Navy, you are tending to multiple opportunities of feeding your adventurous passions.From taking up challenges in the ocean to exploring distant lands, you work and enjoy your life at the same time. A merchant marine’s career is like a day-to-day adventure. It is a life of adventure out there.

DC KHARE Nishad Rajendra on Bridge

Capt. Marvin R. Sagum, Master: MV SMYRNA

Whenever I look at these photos, I am reminded I was able to produce something good in this world. You make me proud of all that you have achieved and will achieve. We love you Chester! Thank you Marine Trust Ltd. and Trust Bulkers Ltd. for making us grow together within the Company.

Captain Marvin R. Sagum with Engine Trainee, now OIC Marine Engineer Officer Chester A. Sagum Father and Son meet on board M/V Calliope P. on 17th January 2017, in Tianjin China