Page 40 - 2021 - Q3 - Minerva in Focus

THIS ISSUE’S KEY QUESTION

What is the most essential

skill for a seafarer?

SETTING THE COURSE TO

Oleksandr I. Krasyukov
Chief Officer of M/T Surfer Rosa

Being a chief officer, I have PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING
realized that the most es-
sential skill for seafarers is
dedication to their work. In
my opinion, dedication en-
ables you to produce high-quality results for
your vessel and company. A dedicated chief
officer can inspire their crew members to
strive for success, creating a more produc-
tive work environment. By seeing your dedi-
cation to your work, your crew members
may feel inclined to do the same.

Lampros Kokkinidis
2nd Engineer of M/T Minerva Aries Aleksandr Melnikov
Chief Officer of M/T Minerva Grace
The most crucial skill for a
seafarer is adaptability, the Every stage in a ship’s jour-
ability to adjust to change. ney depends on the deci-
A seafarer needs to be sions made. The process of
open-minded and flexible learning at sea is nev-
in order to adopt creative approaches. When er-ending and gives us the
things don’t go as planned, he must be knowledge and skills to perform tasks to the
ready to look at the situation in a new way to best of our ability. When at sea, the condi-
find an alternative solution. To improve his tions can rapidly change, and we can find
adaptability, a seafarer must work on his ourselves in unfamiliar and unpredictable
metacognition ability, which means thinking situations. We often work alongside other
about how the other team members on seafarers who may have a different culture
board think, seeking their feedback, and re- and work differently from us. For all of these
flecting on it. That will enable the seafarer to reasons, we must develop our skills in criti-
extract critical lessons and maximize cal decision-making. In my opinion, good
learning. decision-making is the foundation for the
continued safety of the ship and everyone
Prada Jun on board.
Chief Officer of M/T Minerva Aries
Georgios Mavroulis
Leadership skills are essen- Chief Officer at M/T Minerva Alexandra
tial for a seafarer. Leader-
ship is a crucial component In my opinion, the most
of safe operations at sea, critical skill for a seafarer is
which requires specific resilience. The seafarer
traits. Leaders should focus on people in- should stay focused on
stead of systems. People are the alpha and reaching his targets under
omega of any experience, so the results or various circumstances. If he is patient, uses
the numbers will follow when leaders focus his knowledge, and follows safety proce-
on people. dures, his mission will be accomplished. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
TODAY TO LEARN MORE. SAFETY LEADERSHIP

38 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 17 / Q3 2021
www.eagle.org/sustainability IN A CHANGING WORLD