From Dream to Reality

I read many articles written by women at sea as I was a little clueless regarding how to go about writing my own. I have gone through most of the articles and I know, what I do not want to write. Most of these articles were about challenges they faced and problems, but I was aware of that, for sure it is not going to be a bed of roses from day one. After two months on board, I have learned one thing. You have loads of work and some days are good, some are bad.

However, at the end of the day, if you have the right people around you and the right attitude, which I am lucky enough to have and the best of the former around me, I go to sleep with a smile on my face and I wake up the next day ready to take on what is about to come.

So, I started my new life on the 4th of August 2020. After a bit of difficulty when signing on, I finally stepped on board of my first vessel, frightened, weary, my mouth zipped with a serious face. Since the first day, my seniors have not seen these expressions on my face ever again. Every day is getting little by little better and better. I got used to new things around my new home and it has been a very insightful experience which still continues.

Since my first day, I actually do not even realize time passing by. We worked when it is required. During the first few weeks of me being on board, there was a job planned on the main engine, obviously a very complicated job. All I knew was, that I was going to see something, what most of my crewmates do not get the chance to see. That day began with a toolbox meeting and I honestly had no idea what is going to happen or what is being said, but as the day progressed, the job itself did too. We had to renew the piston rings and hence to pull out the piston from the cylinder. It was a very long and tiring job and the heat in the Engine room and being in the Persian Gulf did not give us much refresh air either. Our team was great and we supported each other. We got sandwiches and drinks in ECR which felt like a big luxury at that point. I must say that my seniors on board were very supportive and one of them helped us with the hard work.

I enjoyed the working culture on board. I am glad I got the chance to experience this work on the vessel even I am aware that a lot has to be done on this vessel in comparison to what would have needed to be done on any other vessel. I kind of like it because this work keeps you busy, so you do not have much chance to think about anything else and you are fully focused on what needs to be done.

When the long and exhausting day was finally over and the job was completed that was not all and I did not know! All engineers were treated with chips, chocolates, cold drinks and more importantly, we got big applause for our work. We all went to sleep with a smile on our faces and could not wait for another day to come.

At this point, I have not been on board even a month and I already had a chance to change the liner. It has been an exciting experience and I cannot be more grateful for my team and that all went well as planned. I discovered that there is a whole different setup at each of the engine platforms and I could not wait to see them all and continue a good job, which has been given to me. We work hard, even overnight, we have regular breaks and we are provided with energy drinks and Vitamin-C, but being part of the team who supports each other and who helps each other is the best and I enjoy the hard work even more, moreover when we successfully complete all as per the plan. I feel proud!

I would not say that life is easy on board, but we still have free time together, when we can sit, talk and relax. I have not expected such a good atmosphere. From what I have read, what I have heard, I expected to be treated differently from others. I definitely have made an effort to prove that I am as good as anyone else in my role. And my weaknesses? I am willing to work to improve them.

I can say that people on board are very welcoming and I enjoy talking to them about anything. I got this chance to experience something I dream of, actually it is more than what I have ever dreamt of! After two months on board, which might not be enough time to say to, but I feel like I am living my dream and I cannot wait for more days on board to come. If this is a dream, please do not wake me up as I enjoy living it as my reality and I happy to find this place where I feel like I belong.