SHAH ALAM - The life of a ship captain is fraught with challenges and obstacles that constantly test one's offshore capabilities.
Nurhakimi Abdul, a 45-year-old ship captain, recently shared an anxious experience when pirates chased his vessel.
He recounted how four or five small boats attempted to approach his ship, but their efforts were thwarted by the strict patrol of the navy accompanying the vessel at the time.
"At that moment, the navy was escorting our ship. We noticed some skiffs moving towards us, but we had an escort, including the Naval Special Force (Paskal) on board, so we were not really afraid because we knew they were well-trained," Nurhakimi told Sinar.
"Despite such perilous situations, Nurhakimi emphasised the crucial role of a ship captain in ensuring the safety and control of the entire vessel.
A sailor's career demands high commitment and sacrifice, particularly due to the extended periods spent at sea, far away from family.
Nurhakimi revealed that he had spent over eight months away from his loved ones, and the lack of internet during that time made communication challenging.
Now, with the advent of technology, sailors can stay in touch with their families through video calls and the internet.
In another inspiring story, M Utayadarrshini, the youngest of five siblings at 26 years old, defied gender norms by excelling in a male-dominated career as a sailor.
She serves as a third navigation officer in a shipping company that provides container delivery services.
Utayadarrshini's interest in the maritime career began during high school, and she decided to pursue her passion by joining the Malaysian Maritime Academy (Alam) in Melaka after completing her Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) in 2015.
Describing Alam as a military-style institution, she underwent various rigorous trainings and started as a cadet for two years.
Her cadetship exposed her to the fundamentals of sailing, and she subsequently underwent three years of practical training on a ship with other crew members.
Now, with eight years of experience in the industry, she holds the position of a third navigation officer, supporting the captain in steering the ship into port.
Her responsibilities include maintaining lifesaving and firefighting equipment, assisting in cargo operations, ensuring stability through ballasting and counterbalancing operations, as well as preparing training and drill schedules under the chief officer's guidance.
"There are various other tasks such as maintaining lifesaving and firedistinguishing equipments.
"Our job also involves mooring and unmooring operations, assisting in cargo operations, maintaining stability by carrying out ballasting and counterbalancing operations as well as preparing training and drill schedules under the guidance of a chief officer.
"My job is to help the captain with equipment maintenance, ship navigation and cargo operations," she said.