As the ferry bobs on the river, thesound of the waves and the wind are constant companions. However, the peoplewho toil behind the wheel are often overlooked.
Vinod Naik is a sailor on theferry that plies to and fro between Cortalim and Madkai everyday on the riverZuari. He controls the ferry ramp and helps the vehicles park thus ensuring hecan transport as many vehicles and people as possible.
Vinod, a resident of Vasco, beganworking as a sailor two years ago. After completing his diploma in mechanicalengineering, he did a marine course at Britona to qualify for the job. His job startsat 9.30 AM and entails a 24 hour shift or until a fellow sailor relieves him ofhis duties. He then rests the next day until he goes on board. The team which comprisestwo sailors, an oilman and a captain spends the night on the ferry. Thecaptain’s cabin has a small kitchen and bunkers which serve as beds. “I havenot witnessed any accidents yet, but I have to be ready for emergency calls.This doesn’t give me the liberty to abandon the ferry even after the last tripfor the day,” says Vinod
Workers on the ferry are transferredto different ferries across the state and different routes every year. Thetransfer is accompanied with a small increment in salary. So what does he do inhis free time? “I love art and I have won several painting competitions, but Igave it all up because being an artist isn’t a lucrative job,” he says.
All in all, it was a differentexperience to look into the life of the sailor on the ferry, a routine face whois never given a second thought.
