ANCHORS AWAY
ABDUL QADER HENDRICKS NAVIGATION CADET OFFICER SEASPAN SHIP MANAGEMENT
WHY NAVIGATION? From a young age I had a love for aviation and US Navy fighter jets and aircraft carriers. Back then I wanted to pursue a career in aviation or navigation, specifically on an aircraft carrier. I learnt more about these career paths through my own research, and ultimately decided to enroll myself at a school where I would do two extra subjects to do with the maritime industry as a Grade 10 learner.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I had the advantage of obtaining a bursary from Transnet National Ports Authority to attend school at Simon’s Town High, where I did two extra subjects (Nautical Science and Maritime Economics), which included practical training and training voyages on ships. After I matriculated, I completed one year of my National Diploma in Maritime Studies at CPUT. The second year is required in order to graduate and to become a Chief Navigating Officer or Master Mariner. After first-year, I joined a company to complete my practical sea experience (minimum 12 months). I am currently busy doing my practical at a Canadian-based company called Seaspan Ship Management, and will then write the Deck Officer of the Watch unlimited examination, which will enable me to sail as a Third Navigating Officer onboard ships trading worldwide. I have also completed various STCW courses
and other training at Samtra during the past year or so.
WHAT PERSONALITY IS BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? It’s definitely not for the fainthearted! You should be a strongwilled person who knows what responsibility means, is able to make important decisions and can remain calm under pressure. EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? I believe that experience is one of the most important aspects. Most of your knowledge is gained during your practical time at sea and what you learn practically tends to stay in your memory. DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY Your primary duties are to keep navigational watches. The watches are divided between Chief, Second and Third Navigating officers, each shift consisting of eight hours per day. As a Third Navigating Officer, I would be in charge of watches (08:00 - 12:00, and 20:00 -
midnight). Other additional responsibilities include the maintenance of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST? I love travelling around the world visiting major cities and meeting people from diverse cultures. YOUR DISLIKES? Spending time away from home. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? The adrenaline rush that I get when navigating the world’s oceans in traffic-congested waters. YOUR FUTURE GOALS? To further my navigation career and to obtain my Class 1 unlimited license (Master Mariner). I would love to work ashore as a Ship Surveyor or Marine Harbour Pilot.
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