THE GOAN
PANAJI
Imagine water on all sides, pitch-black nights, working round the clock as the waves crash against the vessel, and living in high-risk situations. For many of Goa’s seafarers, this is a reality. Reckoning with the forces of nature day in and day out, the life of a seafarer is not easy. Every year on June 25, the world celebrates the International Day of the Seafarer, recognising their contribution. For Goa, too, the occasion holds special significance, since the state’s relationship with the sea goes far beyond its beaches and tourism industry. It is a story deeply intertwined with generations of seafarers who have sailed the world’s oceans and continue to do so!
A respected profession
For decades, seafaring has been a respected profession among Goans. Many Goans have found opportunities aboard merchant vessels, cruise liners, and cargo ships. Today, Goa continues to produce a significant number of maritime professionals. From deck officers and engineers to hospitality staff on cruise ships, Goans continue to make their presence felt across the global maritime sector.
A range of roles
The day in the life of a seafarer differs from ship to ship and position to position. “The duties vary; the navigation department looks after navigating the vessel safely, the engine department has to make sure that the engines function well, and the duties of the galley department start as early as 4:30-5:00 am,” mentions Sandip Dhawalikar, an ex-chief engineer who has sailed for the last 24-25 years.
“The day starts with a complete round of the sea, which includes the equipment, the deck, and the engine room,” states Vijay Mohite, a chief engineer with 15 years of experience. “This is followed by a toolbox talk where jobs to be performed for the day are discussed”, he adds. The cargo ships are divided into the navigation, engine, and galley sections, which include the kitchen. The galley and the mess room are usually on the same deck, explains Dhawalikar. “While the cargo ship has various types of loads ranging from fruits to medicines which require refrigeration, the passenger ship has the most dangerous type of cargo… that is the passengers themselves,” Dhawalikar adds with a laugh.
Niche set of skills
Neeraj Singh Negi, who works as a bartender on a passenger ship, says working behind a bar at sea comes with unique quirks. “The vessel is continuously sailing! Hence, pouring drinks on a rolling ship requires skills. If a wave hits, you must automatically counter-lean to avoid spilling a drink,” he mentions. Additionally, not securing the bottles and glassware can lead to accidents. “Pool deck bars strictly ban glass, so bartenders must master the talent of pouring into acrylic or plastic drinkware,” he explains.
Personal sacrifices
Hence, life at sea has its own set of challenges. “Seafarers, especially on non-passenger ships, are completely cut off from a social life, interacting only with the few people on board,” notes Mohite. Additionally, limited resources and minimum facilities on the ship make their already challenging lifestyle even harder. “If you are bored, you cannot decide to go for a ride outside, or if you want to eat something, you cannot order,” Dhawalikar remarks. Often missing out on major milestones of loved ones and a family life, the unseen sacrifices are many. Negi mentions yet another interesting challenge that seafarers face. “You know, sometimes the sailors can develop 'sea legs,' which is an automatic muscular adjustment to the ship's constant rolling,” he mentions. Mohite, who looks at the ship as his second home, remarks on how he overcomes these challenges. “We always look out for each other, talk and take care of each other in all types of circumstances,” he says.
A sense of satisfaction
Despite the hardships, Mohite, Dhawalikar, and Negi find life at sea deeply rewarding. “Even though it is tough, the work on a ship is challenging and exciting. That is what I enjoy. There is also a sense of satisfaction in knowing that we help deliver essential goods and services to people,” says Dhawalikar. For Mohite, it is the sense of accomplishment that stands out. “When the job is done, you feel like you have achieved something meaningful,” he says. As Goa marks the International Day of the Seafarer, it pays tribute to the countless men and women who spend months at sea, often far from their families. While the world rests ashore, seafarers continue to navigate the oceans, keeping global trade and daily life moving.
