In this Interview with Chief Officer Michael Ekanem themed: The Epic battle, his duties and his fight against corona Virus (COVID19) will be discussed.
Covid19 is a battle which as sailors, we will challenge and emerge victorious.
Chief Officer Michael Ekanem
Table of Contents
Short Bio:
Mr. Michael Ekanem is a Chief Officer on an AHTS. He hails from Essien Using Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is currently on active duty. He has his associates in Nautical Science from Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
How did you start your career as a Sailor?
Ekanem: I officially kick started my sailing career in December, 2002. Although, I did other menial marine jobs before then.
I started as an Able Seaman in Smit International with our primary operations at NLNG Bonny terminal.
During that phase of my career, I learnt the etiquette of the sailing career. I decided to be a major stakeholder in the Maritime Industry. At that point, I went to MAN oron to obtain my Associates in Nautical Science in 2005.
In 2009, I sat for my Officer of the Watch OOW CoC Examinations and passed without any huddles.
In 2011, I got the Eligibility to sit for the Chief Officer CoC from NIMASA. I obtained my Chief Officer ticket 2011/ 2012 and ever since then, I have been gaining more experience and increasing my dexterity.
What are your duties as a Chief Officer?
Ekanem: The duties of a chief officer depends on the type of vessel and the nature of operations of such a vessel. The Chief Officer onboard a Crude Carrier or a cargo ship would certainly have slight disparity in duties as compared to one on a PSV or an AHTS.
A Chief Officer is a leader of a Team, a Safety Officer, Career skill trainer and a Medic and can also be appointed as an SSO onboard.
Also, a Chief Officer duty includes documentation; ensuring that all documents are valid and up to date.
Hence, the four basic duties include:
- In the absence of the master, the C/O is in command of the vessel and assumes all the master’s responsibilities.
- The Chief Officer is responsible to the Captain for the safety and security of the ship. Responsibilities include the crew’s welfare and training in areas such as safety, firefighting search and rescue.
- Observe and implement policies, standards and procedures as outlined by Safety management System (SMS) in compliance with International Safety Management (ISM) code and flag state policies.
- Performance of administrative functions such as reviewing and writing reports, recommending technical expenditures, enforcing rules and support in decision making.
- Undertake regular security inspections and maintains the shipboard security plan (SSP).
Furthermore, As a Safety Officer onboard a ship, I am responsible for carrying out Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Tool Box Talk (TBT) before operations. This reduces the risk of accident through critical risk assessment of the jobs to be carried out.
Ensure to work safe; SAFETY takes you HOME
Chief Officer Michael Ekanem
In your many years of Experience at sea, what can you say are the Dangers of overdue stay onboard a ship?
Ekanem: This is a marvelous question. Prolong and overdue stay onboard at sea affects a person psychologically.
The absence of loved ones makes the sailor lonely and depressed even though his/her colleagues are present.
The psychological effect of prolong stay at sea can lead to accidents during operations. This is as a result of absent mindedness during operations.
The Corona virus pandemic has caused a lot of sailors to remain stranded at sea. In the weeks past, a lot of accidents have been recorded. One of such accident with fatalities occurred a few months ago in Escravos– Nigeria.
The companies and charterers should try their possible best to carry out crew change and ensure the wellbeing and comfortability of those still at sea.
In your Journey as a Chief Officer, what are the challenges you have faced and how has it molded you into a better Chief Officer?
Ekanem: Challenges are certainly part of the Job. I have faced two categories of challenges in respect to Boat handling and Multi- Lingua Crew.
Having diverse nationalities and lingua can be challenging. English is the accepted language onboard most ship. The barrier in communication with a multi-lingua crew is quite a challenge especially when they crew are not in unity.
Some shipping companies may not provide the required items need for the job even after making a requisition. Major faults and equipment may arise as a result of lack of spares onboard.
The crew onboard a vessel at every given time have diverse attitude to work. It is challenging to work with a team of lackadaisical seafarers. They may feel burdened when asked to avail for Tool Box Talks or drills; such attitudes are repulsive.
I always advise my Team to avail themselves for drills and to put into practice what was learnt.
As sailors, we have to ensure to familiarize with the safety and lifesaving equipment provided onboard so that we can act efficiently and effectively in case of an emergency.
Has the Covid19 Virus which is ravaging the world affected you? If yes, how has it affected you?
Ekanem: The Epic battle against the Pandemic Covid19 is still at hand. I would be a liar if I say it hasn’t affected me.
It has kept me away from the comfort of my home. I miss my wife and kids. I only get to see them virtually through social media. My kids keep reminding me of my promises regarding coming home. It would break their hearts to know that I wasn’t even sure when I would be home.
As a team leader, I have learnt to accept such inconveniences. As a sailor, this is what I signed up for.
“All eyes on task”- Chief Officer Ekanem.
Placing all priorities on the present state of things will only endanger my life and that of my colleagues as I can’t afford to lose focus.
The feeling of sickness at sea gets more intermittent as the days get longer at sea.
I pray this Covid19 gets eliminated soon, so that the whole world can return to its normal state of tranquility.
My employer always says; “In all situations, SAFETY STARTS WITH ME”- SICL.
What are your advice to sailors and other stakeholders in regards to the COVID19?
Ekanem: All seafarers should ensure to get tested for the virus before coming onboard ships and platforms.
Prevention is better than cure. As sailors, we ought to keep safe and health cautious.
Practice social distancing, wash your hands properly at all times.
Covid19 doesn’t discriminate, it is unpredictable. Ensure to use a nose mask in public places. Avoid over crowded gatherings and contact with bodily fluids of other people.
To the oil production platforms, I implore that all foreign trade be carried out in a safe manner. Foreign agents as well as individuals from Corona risk areas should have their body temperature tested.
Also, encourage the companies under your charter contract to carry out crew change. Sailors are also key workers.
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