The switch; Taking the bull by its horn- AHTS Second Officer

A cook who became a Deck Officer

Short Bio (The Switch):Michael Iyowuna Obamanu is currently a second officer working with Starzs Investment Company Limited, Nigeria. He is from queen’s town in Opopo-nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He attended Government Primary School –Omoku and Government Secondary School- Borokiri; all in Rivers State.

He has a yearning for Music. He sings Jazz Music and plays the “Saxophone”.

He has his Associates in Nautical science from Joe-Marine Institute, Warri Delta State.

• 

How did you start your career as a sailor?

Michael: I started my career as a sailor in 2005. I was employed as a cook by Smit Nigeria through the help of a brother- Engr. Adedokun Adekunle, who sponsored my short courses in Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

Later on, I was promoted to an Able-seaman (A.B) after my first voyage as a cook. This was possible because I had undergone the required training and also possessed documentation and certifications.

In my first trip as an AB, I was among a team sent to deliver a ship; ‘Smit England’ from Nigeria to Port gentil (Gabon). I worked on a ‘pilot boat’ which was used to transport the Pilots 2miles away from fairway buoy and unto the LNG ships. Progressively, I worked with the mooring team in Nigeria LNG Limited.

I had worked with Smit Nigeria for four (4) years before joining Starzs Investment Company Limited.

What were your challenges at the earlier stages of your career?

Michael: At the early stages of my career, it was filled with hurdles. A lot of people still believe that the sailor career is meant for prisoners; this is an archaic misconception. The ship is our work place. As sailors, we offer our services and are paid for it. This keeps our heads and those of our families above water.

Also, working offshore is herculean in nature and requires professionalism, commitment, diligence and a sense of responsibility.

Leaving my family at home is a back breaking challenge. But due to the love I have for my career choice and the support of my dearest wife, I am able to succeed and excel in this sea trade.

I commend the efforts of my present employer, Starzs Investment Company Limited for providing an effective means of communication between sailors and their families. It has helped me to be present virtually in my family’s daily routine.

THE SWITCH:
What motivated your transition from a Ship Rating to being an Officer?

Michael: As earlier stated, my career progression was as a cook – An able seaman- A bosun and then; An Officer of the Watch.

During my interview with my present employer, the Chairman- Engineer Greg Ogbeifun changed my ideology. He implored that I desist from any plans of remaining an able seaman and/or bosun until the end of my career. He added that remaining a bosun wasn’t a crime but that it would go against the value and drive of his establishment. Starzs Investment Company Limited is designed for dynamics. Starzs Investment Company limited motivates its workers to grow in their careers.

I was employed as a Bosun and retained that position for nine years. It had seemed like I lost my drive but the chairman expressed his displeasure at the slightest of means possible. This jerked me up from my hibernation. I remain grateful to him.

My deepest gratitude remains with those individuals who persuaded me into switching. My lovely wife (Mrs. Victoria Obomanu), Captain Monday Michael, beloved friend (Reuben Oruitemeka), Mrs. Iroghama Obuoforibo, the Human Resources Manager (Mrs. Chibuzor Ejiofor).

From the onset of my career, I hadn’t any plan on being an Officer. But by the grace of God, here I am- basking in its euphoria.

You can’t change where you started, but you can change the direction you are going. It’s not what you are going to do, but it’s what you are doing now that counts

Abdulsalam Monsur Adedeji
leoabdulsalam@gmail.com

How was the process in the Switch (Certificate of Competency, NIMASA and the training institution- Oron)?

Michael: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) which is the Flag State administrator of the country, Nigeria issues the Certificate of Competency (C.O.C) Eligibility to prospective candidates.

The process of obtaining my eligibility was stress free and swift. Most Individuals spend weeks in the process but mine was swift and smooth by God’s grace. I also acquired help from a cadet of mine who had earlier served in a ship with me. I obtained my Eligibility in 2017.

The Certificate of Competency examination was stressful, to be honest. I would love to use this medium to advise that the Flag state should work hand in hand with the training institutions such as MAN Oron for an effective and better process.

Many a few sailors including myself have observed that the syllabus of the training institution and the questions set by the flag state governing body are not harmonized. This had made the Certificate of Competency Examination a herculean task. Although, it doesn’t stop anyone from scaling through.

The favor of God, Proper preparation and study had made the Examination a work over for me. I would also use this medium to subsidize your C.O.C Past Questions and Answers for a 100 prospective candidates. This would be part of my contribution to making the Maritime Industry a better place.

I believe with time and the present administration of NIMASA and MAN Oron, the process of obtaining COC would be top-class and easy .

How has your time and huddles as an Officer of the Watch (OOW) being so far?

Michael: July 27th will make it a year since I became a competent officer of the watch. It has been a great and epic journey.

• 

As a Bosun, the sea trade was sweet and succulent but as an Officer of the watch, I feel glorious. I pray God gives me his grace and favor to keep on progressing.

The problems I faced as an officer emanated from the fact that I was used to the Day watch system of Watch Keeping as a Bosun ( 6am to 6pm, and can be called on during emergencies). This made the 6 hour watch keeping system unadaptable for me. But as time went by, I got used to it. I am currently perfecting this skill.

There was no other form of stress as I decided to focus at the Job at hand, and learn whatever I can from my Master and/or Captain.

I appreciate the support of Captain Monday Michael, Captain Charles Orighoye, Captain Azilo Kalapoi and Chief Officer Lauren Odoko who altogether fought my battles, mentored and taught me the ethics of being a competent officer. They treated me with great affection and made me to be bold and dauntless.

What are your advice to the younger generation of sailors in the Maritime Industry?

Michael: The sailor career pathway is highly rewarding and lucrative. I would advise the sailors who are at the babe level of their career to be and remain hardworking; both academically and practically.

The Maritime Industry is not ruled by individuals who are just theoretically sound, but by those who have great practical knowledge. Calm down and learn.

Personally, I believe in practical. Till date, when I see my men working on deck; I gladly join them to ease their work.

Echo Sailor: On behalf of the team and viewers, we appreciate your kind gestures –Mr Michael iyowuna Obomanu. Thank you for your time and contribution to the Maritime Industry.

We also appreciate your donations and for subsidizing the Certificate of Competency Past Questions and Answers.

To view the requirement for Certificate of Competency Examinations, click here.

For the Certificate of competency Past Questions and Answers download, click here

Feel free to ask Questions, Mr Michael Iyowuna Obamanu will gladly send his replies across.