Our ‘Seafarer Stories’ column hosts seafarers’ views who present briefly the key challenges of life and work onboard, providing a picture of what a career at sea actually means. In this context, we are happy to host an interview with Capt. Angelos Lekkas who has been working with Maran Gas Maritime since 2002. Capt. Lekkas talks about the daily challenges of life at sea, highlighting how important is for shipping companies to invest in seaman welfare. ”Mental health on board is very critical and the industry shows to recognise that over the past years” he comments.
SAFETY4SEA: What do you love the most out of your career at sea?
Capt. Angelos Lekkas: Travelling around the world was my initial trigger, but as the years passed, I understood that what I love the most out of my career is working in a challenging environment which keeps you vigilance and active. The Maritime Industry is evolving daily and the same you have to, in order to be updated and competitive.
S4S: What have you learned over the course of your career at sea?
Capt. A.L.: I ‘ve learnt to have a high degree of readiness throughout the day, as you should take nothing granted onboard.
S4S: How would you describe your daily life at sea/ work in a few words?
Capt. A.L.: You have to wake up every morning in a different corner of the world, focused and ready to face any challenge that may arise. Daily routine onboard can immediately change into a situation that you have never faced before.
S4S: What is the biggest challenge that you have to face on board?
Capt. A.L.: Ensuring on a daily basis that all officers and crew are working in a safe way that will bring them home exactly as they came on board.
S4S: What is your piece of advice to fellow crew members onboard?
Capt. A.L.: You have to be strong, physically and mentally. Especially nowadays with the uncertainty that the pandemic has brought to all of us. Seamen have proven their toughness and hopefully will manage to go through this, as they usually do with all difficulties that they face.
S4S: What inspires you every day onboard?
Capt. A.L.: As our ship sails ahead every day, in the same way we have to move forward and accomplish our tasks and goals. Seeing this progress inspires and motivates me to continue.
S4S: What has been the most extraordinary thing that you have experienced on board?
Capt. A.L.: How the sea itself can empty your mind and make you calm, just only when you stare and smell her. The sound of the sea , the view of the endless blue gives you a feeling of peacefulness which is extraordinary even though you can experience it every day.
S4S: What is the one thing that should change to make life better on board?
Capt. A.L.: Along with the technology upgrade on board for all business systems, the same upgrade should be available for seaman welfare. Daily contact with your beloved ones gives you strength to continue. Mental health on board is very critical and the industry shows to recognise that over the past years. Hope to continue the improvement.
S4S: What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of a career at sea?
Capt. A.L.: Life at Sea is not easy. Honesty and patience are some of the most important attributes that seafarers should have. You have to love and be passionate about your work, along with all difficulties that come with it. If you do so, you will be rewarded with a successful career.
S4S: What do you miss the most about your seagoing experience?
Capt. A.L.: The physical presence of my family. Although we have daily contact by phone or video call is not enough. This will always be the disadvantage of my job.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
Great views of life at sea, thank you for sharing Angelos, you speak from the heart like a true seafarer.