What does a second navigation officer do?
A second navigation officer performs various tasks, including:
- Keeping navigational watch at sea;
- Maintaining the navigational equipment;
- Updating charts and publications;
- Planning the ship’s passage between point A and point B;
- Updating fishing documents; and
- Assisting the safety officer with life-saving equipment; the fishing master with fishing; the captain and chief mate; and deckhands and cadets with training books.
How did you find yourself working on board a commercial fishing vessel?
There was a time when I could never have imagined working on a fishing vessel but I am not afraid of taking risks, so I took a leap of faith and gave it a try. Little did I know how enjoyable and interesting I would find it.
What does an average day on board the Desert Diamond involve?
The priority that drives our operations is catching fish. There is a saying: “Every day is a fishing day but not every day is a catching day.”
So, each day we have searching operations or catching operations, but like any other vessel we have our ship maintenance, ship inspections and daily, weekly and monthly safety checks and drills.
What is your morning, get ready for work routine?
My alarm is set for 6.50am since I am on the 8am-noon shift. I tidy my bed and shower, and usually play some music to get my day started on a good note. Then I have green tea and breakfast in the mess.
By 7.40am I am on the bridge taking over the watch from the previous officer, and then I am good to start my morning.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
What I enjoy about my work is the opportunity to engage with nature. I enjoy the fishing part, which is so interesting, and I was fortunate enough to sail with two of the best captains — Capt Anatoly Kunegin (Russian) and Capt Eugene Bergens (South African).
They have made this journey so worthwhile by transferring their experience to us young officers each day.
What is challenging about the work you do?
The biggest challenge for me is when I miss my family, but being homesick is a norm at sea. It takes a very strong person to cope with life at sea.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to become a commercial pilot but that changed over the years. Towards the end of high school I learnt about many careers at sea and fell in love with a few of them. Being a marine pilot is one, which I will pursue later in my career.
I decided to become an officer on board because of the adventure, travel opportunities and career flexibility.
What is your go-to career advice?
Always follow your heart and do what makes sense to you. Most importantly, make a decision that will still make sense in future, because career decisions are lifetime decisions. Grab each chance you get.
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