Anoop’s journey has been full of twists and turns, beginning in the aviation and hospitality industry before eventually finding his calling at sea as an engineer, and later transitioning to a shore-based role. Nearly 8 years have passed since he left sailing behind. However, nothing came easily. Just imagine the feeling when nothing goes as planned. His journey will inspire you if you find yourself at a crossroads, unsure of your path, and facing life’s challenges head-on.
Let’s go through his journey.
I came to Mumbai to pursue mechanical engineering, but due to a lower percentage in school, I enrolled in a Mechanical Diploma program instead. Upon completion, the need to support my family financially arose, and my uncle suggested me to take a course at Kingfisher academy to kick-start my career and start earning money. Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for the role I had hoped for (cabin crew member), and instead, I found myself in the hotel industry. Despite this deviation from my initial plans, I found joy as it was my first-ever job.
Later, after working for 1.5 years as an Airport representative & guest service associate, I started feeling disconnected from it. The salary wasn’t sufficient, and my family expected better from me. While being a cabin crew member could have been different, but standing at the airport wasn’t what I envisioned for myself in the long run. I knew it was time for a change, so I decided to explore a career in the Merchant Navy. After doing some research, I chose to pursue GP rating and my plan was to work on the deck side once I completed the course. However, I faced a setback when I learned that my 6 by 6 vision, affected by a childhood accident, rendered me ineligible for deck duties. Later, I stumbled upon the idea of pursuing a 2-year course in DME (Diploma in Marine Engineering). Whether on the deck or engine side, obtaining my CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) became my primary focus, as it was the gateway to working on a ship.
Those 2 years went by too fast, and eventually, the day of joining the ship arrived. Although I was excited, the downside was that I had to go through an agent, and my family had arranged the money for it. I felt a heavy responsibility on my shoulders and promised myself to give my absolute best at work. However, I encountered a good punch on the very first day. I still recall my first experience in the engine room, where I was asked to draw pipeline diagrams of various systems as per the engine room. I failed miserably and learned a valuable lesson about the stark contrast between theoretical and practical knowledge. After that, I remember myself picking up floor plates to see the pipeline and to exactly know where one goes and from where it’s coming. With time, I learned, improved, and found myself capable of performing the duties of a 4th Engineer, becoming a reliable asset during various ship operations, such as bunkering and more.
After spending more than 6 months on the ship, I returned to India. Additionally, I got married to my girlfriend. Now, the next step was to take my examination for Class IV, but my wife insisted that I should not go back to sailing. For me, it was hard to accept because I was passionate about my job and couldn’t imagine not being in the engine room again. On the other hand, my wife was already working and believed that I could find success on shore, and together we could build a good life here. It was a difficult decision, but we agreed that if I couldn’t clear the exams within a certain time and didn’t secure a sailing job without an agent, then I would start working on shore. I tried to pass the exams but couldn’t succeed, and eventually, I accepted the reality that I needed to move forward and find something ashore. Throughout this time, my wife supported me financially, and I felt the need to contribute as well. Although I was feeling down, I hid my emotions from my wife. It was a mental block that led me to even consider putting my engineering skills aside and thinking about starting to work with OLA as a Cab driver.
That was the toughest time, but my wife always encouraged me to keep striving for a good job. Later, while discussing the situation with a friend, he suggested me to work with an immigration consultancy company as there was a vacancy. I took that job and simultaneously continued to search for opportunities in the maritime industry. After 6 months, I was selected by a company providing services to ship owners related to PMS (Planned Maintenance System) and inventory management. I was so happy that day after being selected because it meant I would once again be a part of the maritime industry. I learned a great deal there, gaining experience in client interactions for projects. Alongside knowledge, I gained confidence.
Then, I found my way into the procurement role, where all my experience and ship knowledge are best utilized, bringing me satisfaction. It’s been 7 years in procurement, and currently, I am working with one of the best ship managers – Synergy. I pour my heart and soul into ensuring vessels get what they need. I believe there’s a long journey ahead requiring continual learning and hard work, but I remain positive because my journey had a rocky start, and yet I managed to overcome obstacles and believe in a bright future. Time is the most powerful teacher; it teaches us invaluable lessons, and regardless of whether the times are good or bad, maintaining faith that better days will come is crucial
So that was the inspiring story of Anoop. Apart from work, he still applies his engineering skills to repair his bike and never misses a chance to enjoy long bike rides with friends. We had the pleasure of speaking with him to learn about his journey and asked him several questions related to procurement, such as:
- Why should anyone consider the procurement role? What are the interesting factors?
- What processes are involved in procurement?
- How can someone prepare for the transition while working on a ship?
- What about salary aspects?
And don’t forget to hear about his first engine room experience.