Odfjell nr 3 - 2005.indd

From Durban to Singapore onM/T Bow HeronBy Sayed Phiri, Odfjell Seachem South AfricaIn the afternoon of June 9th I embarkedon M/T Bow Heron, and was warmlywelcomed on board by Captain J.H. Otterskredand his crew. I was given a boilersuit and other safety equipment, andset to work. My first task was to assistwith bringing on board provisions andstores for the onwards journey, and thenext morning I assisted the crew withclearing the deck before departure.During the voyage to Singapore I learntso much more about vessel operationsthan what I had previously known frommy land based experience. My tasks onboard included working on the bridge,on deck and in the engine room. Themorning bridge-watch introduced meto navigation methods and instruments,including using the sextant and navigationusing the stars at night. On deck Itook part in the maintenance of deck,cargo and safety equipment.I certainly learnt that being a sailor ona parcel tanker offers many challenges.You always have to be alert and readyfor any hazards that may arise. Whilst Iwas on board we conducted a fire drillas well as an oil spill drill and lifeboatdrill. Such drills are important and obviouslywere conducted very seriously andprofessionally.A few days before entering the MalaccaStraight, a meeting was held in theconference room to discuss our proceduresfor facing anypiracy attacks. I wason the 1800-2400hrs watch, and saton the forecastlewith a big flashlight.If a small boat withoutlights should approach,the duty officerswould adviseand I would flashthe light as a signalletting any potentialboarders knowthat we are on alert.In Singapore I wentashore, after havingfollowed some dischargeoperations. The same morning Iarrived at the Odfjell Singapore officeswhere I spent three excellent weeks,both professionally and socially, and gota good overview of what each departmentdoes at this busy office.For me this was indeed a unique experience.My sincere thanks to Capt J. H.Otterskred and his officers and crew onBow Heron, and Atle Knutsen and histeam in Singapore, for their time andpatience.Sayed with crew during coffee breakon-board M/T Bow HeronAt the Singapore office with some of the operations staff:K. H. Tan, Cindy, Rodger, Zaidi and LimBow De Feng visiting MelbourneBy Jessica Thomas, Odfjell AustraliaAugust in Melbourne can sometimestend to be rather miserable, with its wetwinter. Having M/T Bow De Feng visitingto discharge chemicals and commoditiesfrom South China and South-East Asiawas a pleasant break. The vessel alsocalled Geelong, Botany Bay and portsin North Queensland and New Zealandon this voyage, before heading north toSouth Korea with molasses from NorthQueensland.We visited the vessel during her stay inMelbourne and met up with CaptainSun De Li and the vessel’s crew. The master’simpression of Melbourne was positiveas it was his first visit to Melbourne,and most of his crew got the chance tovisit the city during their stay.Bow De Feng alongside berth at Yarraville No.6Captain Sun De Li and Jessica Thomas24 ODFJELL Quarterly October 2005