FROM DUSK TIL’ DAWN: LIFE MUST GO ON
May it be on a pandemic or not, life at sea is truly grueling. Well, we can say that merchant mariners have the best kind of life and that they travel the world for free, but behind those are stories of sacrifice and gallantry which we know less of.
A seafarer’s life is unarguably nerve-racking, especially when you’re a Chief Officer, working more than eight hours a day - stressed for giving job orders, taking responsibility of the cargo, acting as the officer of the watch during navigation and a whole lot more. One must not falter as his and even his family’s life depends on this perilous but noble job.
During my cadetship, my Chief Mate has gone beyond just being an officer; he became my mentor if not being a father to me. As my senior officer, he taught, trained and totally immersed me to what lies ahead of my career. “Whatever happens, life must go on.” This was his advice to me before he disembarked due to being declared unfit for duty after he had a check up ashore with his leg. He was then sent home for therapy and recovery and another Chief Officer took over him. He left like his soul dripped out of his body yet he knew that this will not destroy him but will only make him stronger.
The photo of our sunset watch above, which I took during our last voyage together, reminds me of his adage which made his name immortal to me. Sunsets indicate that the end is nearing but it also means that a new beginning is about to unfold. The sun needs to set in order to rise again. And so are we. As what the 47-year-old breadwinner puts it: “Life must go on, always.” Beyond seafaring, he taught me valuable and nifty life lessons.
This is the reality of life onboard - the truest and most unfiltered painstakings of seafarers. Stories that bring hope and inspiration, worth telling and worth sharing. Just like any other merchant mariner, C/O Feilan Domingo overcame the challenge. He persisted to thrive and move forward no matter what it took him. Now, he is back again onboard and is on his way to become a Master Mariner.
Losing hope in situations that we can’t control only weakens us. No matter what happens, life must go on and we should keep on moving forward. Seafarers have always been in the frontlines and will continue to be. After all, regardless of how high the risks are or whatever the cost will be, seafarers will continue to knuckle down and courageously go on to provide for their families - even if it means working from dusk until dawn.
Long live the seafarers! Long live the transport workers!