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For Chief Officer Justin Lim, the call of the sea was more than a career choice; it was a continuation of a legacy and the embrace of a life of discovery.
Justin’s maritime journey began not with a grand plan, but with a nudge from home.
“I didn’t want to go to junior college,” he laughs. “I wanted something interesting, something that didn’t keep me behind a desk.”
His father, a former captain, was the one who planted the seed.
“He sat me down and told me what life at sea was like—the challenges, the sense of adventure, the future,” Justin recalls. “At that age, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but that conversation stuck with me.”
So, at 17, he took a leap and enrolled in the Diploma in Nautical Studies programme at SMA. He found himself drawn to a profession that demanded both courage and curiosity—traits that would soon be tested on open waters.
Life as a seafarer came with many challenges—and Justin met them head-on.
“I’d say the main stressor was the need to perform and the ability to learn and be the best that I could,” he says. “Fulfilling my duties while learning and gaining experience for the future.”
There were long hours, demanding work, and the occasional difficult shipmate, but Justin counts himself fortunate to have sailed with great teams. “Having a good crew makes all the difference,” he says. “Everyone understands that we’re in the same boat (Pun intended) and supports one another through the tough times.”
Justin also recalls his experience onboard with his first real storm. A freak storm in the Japan Sea threw his ship around, rolling 45 degrees. “I thought that was the end of me,” he admits. “Imagine being 18 and facing a situation like that. Definitely memorable.”
Every seafarer has an awe-inspiring story that stays with them. For Justin, it was a moment under the stars.
“I remember being on my first ship, in the South China Sea, around 4 am. The sky was clear, the air cool, and all I saw was a sea of stars staring back at me. That was when I fell in love with sailing. That was quite a life-changing moment,” he recounts.
Despite the months spent away from home, Justin believes seafarers enjoy a work-life balance that few others do.
“We ironically have a pretty good work-life balance,” he says with a grin. “How many jobs allow you to take a full three months off to travel a year? I spend time with my family, travel, and recharge. Then I’m ready to go again.”
Technology, he adds, makes separation easier. “With Wi-Fi onboard, it’s not so bad anymore. My family is also the ‘no news is good news’ type,” he jokes. “We’re not overly clingy, and that helps.”
Justin has been an SMOU member for nine years since his polytechnic days—even before he set sail for the first time. “My dad was a member and urged me to join too,” he recalls.
What began as a family connection soon grew into a personal calling. During COVID, when SMOU reached out to check on seafarers, Justin found himself inspired by their care and commitment. That experience sparked his desire to be more involved and to understand how the union worked hand in hand with those at sea.
“The real benefit of being more involved was the people I met—connections I wouldn’t have forged otherwise,” he says. “It’s given me so much insight into the maritime industry, not just from a seafarer’s point of view. Meeting people who walked the same path showed me what the future could look like.”
Now serving as a General Council Member, Justin is determined to give back to the community that always supported him. “If I had to sum up what SMOU means to me in one word, it would be connectivity,” he says. “And as I grow older and take on management and training roles, I’ve come to see the importance of legacy, of grooming and guiding the younger generation to find their own path.”
With his eyes set on completing his Class 1 Certificate of Competency, Justin remains focused on his long-term goal of taking command as Master.
“My aim has always been to get my command,” he says. “Getting Class 1 was a given — it’s the natural next step. My lecturers, my dad, and professionals I’ve met in SMOU all said the same thing: “Minimum, go and get your Class 1, then the doors and opportunities really open up.”
He’s grateful for the smooth journey so far. “I’ve got a really good company that provides avenues to gather sea time without much difficulty or breaks in between—that really helps hasten my path.”
Justin’s advice to those considering a maritime career is honest but straightforward.
“Find out what you’re getting into,” he says. “The work and lifestyle are quite unforgiving, not for the faint-hearted. It’s a rough working environment. But if you’re adventurous and not afraid to get your hands dirty, the prospects are there — and there’s so much to look forward to in the future.”
As both a seafarer and SMOU leader, Justin hopes to see more Singaporeans recognise the opportunities at sea.
“I’d love to see maritime jobs become as common as being a banker or doctor,” he says. “We’re a maritime nation. It’d be great to see more like-minded professionals in the future.”
For now, Justin continues to sail with steady hands and a clear purpose, shaping his journey one voyage at a time. With each nautical mile, he moves closer to his dream of command and inspiring the next generation to chart their own course at sea.
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