A WEB page enabling workers to gain rapid access to essential information about their health and safety rights and responsibilities has been set up by the Health and Safety Executive.

The "workers’ webpage" http://www.hse.gov.uk/ workers
- covers the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees, as well as issues such as ‘whistle-blowing’ and reporting accidents.

I’ve only just begun
 

MY 30 years as a seafarer had expanded my horizon and opened doors leading to great opportunities and vast experiences. Among the highlights of my career, aside from having been promoted to chief engineer at an early age, are the opportunities to work as a newbuilding supervisor at Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea; establishing standardized job cards for a Planned Maintenance System in Oslo, Norway; and then moving on as PMS supervisor on board a newly acquired Panamax. In between were office experiences in Manila such as technical consultant, crewing manager and deputy operations manager. So, I thought that perhaps, I would be engaged along this line if ever I’d be shore-based again. But when I finally dropped anchor, I found it securely moored at the Training Center of Southfield Agencies!  

Looking back, I originally served at its training center three years ago while waiting for my vessel assignment with Hyundai Merchant Marine. It was a self-discovery of sorst. I was glad that I could also be useful in this department. I started initially with the training center and ended up with the training center. What a coincidence!  

Beguiling coincidences have indeed intrigued people for eons. It’s an epochal event in my career that prodded me to re-examine my most basic beliefs. Here, financial considerations may be far-fetched than that of a seagoing career. Yes, I may not be able to buy back the past nor buy up the future, yet I was able to buy the cure for the angst and ennui that one would normally feel after 30 years of life at sea. 

The first few weeks kept me looking askance at my decision to close the chapter of my seagoing career. Then, the wind of change started dissipating the smoke of doubt in my mind. Barely two months of my nascent stay in the office, I was nominated by our managing director to represent Southfield in the manning agent’s seminar at Cardiff, Wales, where Graig Ship Management (GSM), one of the principals of Southfield, is based. 

Discussed in the symposium were issues germane and preponderant to the safety management system of the company. Consequently, I would see to it that all officers and crew are adequately and properly briefed about the SMS of GSM prior to joining their respective vessel assignment. 

When I reported back to the office after my arrival from U.K., I was immediately informed that I have to board one of the vessels of GSM that was discharging cable in Subic Freeport. My passport and seaman’s book were required so that my papers could be processed for proper embarkation. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to sail on ships again so I found my 11-day sojourn on board redolent with memories of my 30 years at sea. 

It was another learning experience considering the role I played as an observer of the vessel’s SMS implementation and also to be familiar with its entire machinery. Was I glad that with my new job, I didn’t have to completely turn my back to the very life that has made me what I am now. (Isn’t it that once a seaman, always a seaman?) 

As a seafarer, I had to use my brain and a lot of brawn. Now, my work in the office requires me to use more of the brain as it stirs the fecund mind. I have to do my homework to be more creative, effective, and interesting. Thanks to my daughter Marybeth (who is a college freshman at Miriam), lectures need not be boring. 

She patiently taught me how to use the PowerPoint. With the proliferation of high technology, not to mention my loyal Compaq laptop, imparting knowledge has never been that fun and fruitful. With PowerPoint presentation, I have a captive audience. Its double impact makes the learning process more interesting and exciting compared to the traditional classroom-style lecture. 

My wife also gave me tips how to be an effective speaker, those that she learned when she took the rigid workshop for Pre Cana Seminar Speakers in our parish church. (As if they were doing everything in their power so that I don’t have to work away from them, ha-ha!)

Anyway, I have just begun. I pray that I will be able to effectively share my talent that the Lord has given me. With a well-balanced juxtaposition of prayer and work, I’m certain that the Lord will let me acquire a patina of historical dust in my newly chosen venture ashore. I know that I should do my homework not only in my bailiwick as a marine engineer but most of all in my spiritual level that has tremendously helped me transcend trials and difficulties along the way. As He promised, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will do the rest.”  

And oh, before I forget, I just delved deeper and realized why the anchor has a good grip on the place where it is now. It is the home of good and trusting people – who for me count a lot.

EDITORIAL
Numero Uno!

SOUNDING LEAD
More requirements in the name of STCW ‘95
Capt. Reynold M. Sabay

UGONG NG MAKINA AT IKOT NG ELISI
Nilunok natin, kaya nabilaukan tayo
Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez

SPIRITUAL VOYAGE
The regional consultation in Cebu
Fr. Roland Doriol, S.J.

THE LAW OF SEAFARERS
Facts and figures from the first national seafarers convention
Atty. LeonardoVinz O. Ignacio

VAST HORIZON
I’ve only just begun
C/Engr. Rodolfo B. Virtudazo

AN OPEN LETTER TO
HER EXCELLENCY, 
PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

You can now join or start any discussion on seafarer's issues anytime or anywhere you are with
Usapang Marino
(Seafarer's Forum)
at URL: http://www.ufs.ph/discus