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Redefining safety culture is the driving force behind Chief Officer Rahmat’s next chapter in his maritime career. This goal reveals what he truly values and draws him towards becoming a Marine Safety Superintendent one day.
“I really need to eradicate the culture of simply completing the checklist because it is part of the Safety Management System,” he says. “I would like the crew to understand the risks of the job they are doing and the preventive measures that can be implemented to minimise those risks.”
Rahmat’s conviction makes perfect sense when we consider where he started. Long before his first gangway, he served his National Service in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and worked in the security industry. This early immersion in discipline and the protection of life became the foundation of his maritime career.
In his interview with SeaVoices, he said the maritime world wasn’t in his blood. His family had no connection to ships or seafaring and were surprised by his decision. But they were supportive once they understood the opportunities available.
“My interest in going to sea came from a desire for a career that offered adventure, responsibility, and opportunities to see the world while building a meaningful profession,” he shares. “It was a career option that offered something different: technical knowledge, leadership, and international exposure.”
Before his first posting, Rahmat expected life at sea to be exciting, and it was. He delivered one of the world’s largest LNG dual-fuel vessels from the shipyard, a job he describes as one of his most memorable experiences. There was also the serenity the sea offers, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the middle of the ocean. “That is what I enjoy the most,” he points out.
But the reality of maritime life proved far more demanding than he had anticipated.
As a Chief Officer, Rahmat operates at the difficult intersection of operational demands, commercial pressures, safety requirements, and crew management. He cites this constant balancing act as one of his biggest challenges. Unexpected situations, such as adverse weather, equipment issues, and tight schedules, call for calm decision-making and effective leadership.
“It requires discipline, professionalism, teamwork and resilience… I learn to adjust and adapt quickly and to think on my feet,” he comments. “What keeps me going is knowing that the safety of the crew, vessel and cargo depends on the professionalism of the entire team.”
When he speaks to cadets or junior officers today, he doesn’t sugarcoat the job. “Many leave because of the long periods away from family and demanding schedules,” Rahmat explains. “But honestly, the main factor is that the conversion rate from USD to SGD is no longer as attractive as it used to be.”
He tells them to be patient, as career progression is a process. Benefits such as “personal growth, career progression, financial stability, and the opportunity to work in a truly global industry” are unparalleled. He stresses, “The journey can be challenging; it is also highly rewarding for those who remain committed.”
Reflecting on the years spent moving from cadet to junior officer and eventually to Chief Officer with CMA CGM, Rahmat says, “I would not have come this far without the support of the SMOU. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done throughout my sailing journey.”
He recalls that there was no formal mentoring system when he started sailing. SMOU provided a network of people who understood what life at sea demanded. More than that, the union offered welfare initiatives, professional development opportunities, training support, and representation.
At this stage of his career, with SMOU cheering him on, Rahmat still wants to “gain more sea-going experience and leadership exposure”. “The sea has been my classroom, every voyage a lesson, and every challenge a stepping stone towards becoming a Master Mariner,” he quips.
For him, it’s about achieving excellence in his craft before he eventually returns to a shore-based role as a Marine Safety Superintendent. “I am passionate about safety management, risk assessment, and continuous improvement,” Rahmat shares. “The role of Marine Safety Superintendent appeals to me because it allows me to contribute to maritime safety on a broader scale.”
His ultimate goal is to create the safest possible working environment so that “we can go home to our loved ones safely”.
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