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Day of the Seafarer 2022

“Day of the Seafarer” is here! And this year we’re recognizing our crew members from around the world who go above and beyond to accomplish a powerful mission: establishing tomorrow’s offshore wind gigaparks.

The focus for this year is the #SeafarerJourney, as chosen by the IMO. The organization says: “Every seafarer’s journey is different, but they all face similar challenges. For 2022, the campaign of the Day of the Seafarers, with the theme 'Your voyage - then and now, share your journey’, looks at seafarer voyages, what it includes, how has it evolved over time, and what remains at the heart of seafarers’ reality.”

At Fred Olsen. Windcarrier, we’re giving our talented seafarers a chance to share what has resonated with them the most during their career…

George THEN

George Niemiec

Job title: 2nd Officer

Current vessel: Bold Tern

Then

“I started my career in the maritime industry in 2015, training as a deck cadet with Fred. Olsen Cruise lines. After three years I graduated with a BSc degree in Marine Operations Management and obtained an OOW unlimited license, before returning to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as a 3rd Officer."

George NOW

Now

“I transferred to Fred. Olsen Windcarrier at the beginning of 2021. It was a massive transition, going from a role focused on giving cruise line guests a holiday of a lifetime to a vessel that "jacks up" out of the water to build wind turbines. In addition to navigating and maneuvering the vessel, a lot of my time is spent overseeing the safety aspect and procedures involved when lifting the turbine components from the deck and landing them on the transition piece."

What is the biggest change(s) you’ve experienced on your journey?

Digital transformation

“When I first started in 2015, updating publications onboard was done manually and it would take up to four hours to complete a publication. Now, with the help of digital publications, the same process can be completed in a matter of minutes.”

Work/life balance

“Something that has changed for me is the amount of time I spend at work versus at home. When I first started, I would spend up to five months away. Now, I’m doing five to six weeks on the vessel and five to six weeks off. For me, that’s a better lifestyle, and I think that’s the opinion of most seafarers.”

Raymond Ignacio

Job title: Motorman

Current vessel: Blue Tern

Then

“10 years ago, I started my career on a Fred. Olsen tanker ship before transferring to work with several with several other cargo shipping companies. At that time a typical contract would take me to sea for up to nine months.”

Now

“It’s good to be here now! Contracts are good, 10 weeks on – five weeks off.  This is good as it allows for a positive work and life balance for my family and me.  As a Motorman on Blue Tern, I am responsible for the day-to-day routine that includes machinery checks, systems monitoring, status reporting, and rectifying any defects. I also assist engineers with repair jobs and maintain the engine room cleanliness. I am excited to see how my position develops. I am already more knowledgeable than I was before, however, there is so much more to learn.”

What is the biggest change(s) you’ve experienced on your journey?

The vessel

“The biggest change is my field of work: from a sailing and running ship to a jack-up vessel. It is simply fascinating to be here on this vessel. It is unlike anything I had seen before. It is a completely different experience in every way.”

Fair treatment

“One thing I’ve experience is how well our engineers at FOWIC treat us. I am blessed to work with this group because there is a good culture in the company. They always say that if there’s something you don’t know, just ask us–and they’re willing to help. That’s very different from my previous experiences on other vessels.”

Connectedness through technology

“Before, we didn’t have the internet or a way to connect with the outside world. Today, we see our family every day. Even while a sea we can talk to them by audio or video – it can refresh our mind when we see our family back there.”

Dunhill THEN

Dunhill Jamoles

Job title: Fitter

Current vessel: Blue Tern

Then

“I started my career as a seafarer in 2008 at the KGJS shipping company. Early on, I was given the responsibility as a fitter although I had little experience. Through dedication and very hard work I enhanced my skill set to become an expert that’s respected by my colleagues.”

Dunhill NOW

Now

“As a fitter on Bold Tern, my job is to manage repairs and to help engineers maintain machinery and equipment on board. As a fabrication welder, I’m often tasked with fixing equipment to keep things running until a necessary spare part arrives.

What is the biggest change you’ve experienced on your journey?

YouTube

“Now that the internet is accessible on board the vessel, I often utilise YouTube videos to research ways to solve challenging welding and pipe fitting problems. Often, I can find videos and learn from other experts who have previously completed a similar project to the one I face during my work.”

 

My personal motto: I was born to be bold, trained to be brave, but my heart is blue – that’s why I soar the ocean like a tern.”

Jose Concepcion

Job title: Fitter

Current vessel: Blue Tern

What is the biggest change(s) you’ve experienced on your journey?

The internet

“In 2011 I first felt the impact of the internet on board a vessel at sea – access was extremely limited. Now, internet is easy-to-access and free for the crew. I can call my family and see my children every day!”

Then

“In 2007 I began my career as a welder on a cargo vessel at a different company. At that time, I would stay 12 to 15 months on board. I would often experience discrimination which was common in the industry. If I requested vacation because my contract was finished, they refused to send me home just because the plane ticket was too expensive from South America/North America/Europe. Also, safety during my daily work routine was not good enough. There was no internet on board, and I relied on a satellite card to call my family, which was expensive.”

Now

“I started at Fred Olsen in June 2019. I am a fitter and fabrication welder on the Fred. Olsen vessel, Blue Tern. Currently, we’re located off the coast of the United Kingdom. Now I am very happy here on the Fred Olsen Blue Tern. First, I have a good 10-off/10-on rotation and the engineers and senior officers treat us well. They are willing to teach me something if there is something I didn’t know, like new equipment. Also, they are very kind and approachable.

My family is also very happy because of my contract. Every 10 weeks we see each other again. My son and daughter are happy because we are together in 10 weeks.”

Learn about other team Fred. Olsen Windcarrier employees: Join us (windcarrier.com)