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“Smooth sailing does not make a good sailor.”
For PACC Ship Managers’ Deck Officer Abdul Fariz, those words are more than a saying. They reflect a journey marked by detours, perseverance, and the determination to return to a dream he nearly left behind.
Today, Fariz holds a Certificate of Competency (CoC) Class 3 and is charting his course towards CoC 1. Although his path to the bridge was far from straightforward.
Fariz’s story began on a pilot launch boat in 2011. Fresh to the maritime sector as a Tier 1 Marine Assistant with PSA Marine, he spent his days ferrying harbour pilots to and from vessels calling at the port.
“The harbour pilots persuaded me to take CoC 3 and to join them as a pilot,” he recalls.
Taking their advice to heart, Fariz enrolled in the Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS) at the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) in 2012. His initial voyage soon ran into unforeseen headwinds. Midway through his pursuit of CoC 3, he stepped away from the sea altogether and took a shore-based role as a Wharf Supervisor with PSA Corp.
For many, that might have been the end of the story. For Fariz, it was merely a pause.
Years later, the goal remained unfinished.
Determined to complete what he had started, Fariz returned to seafaring in 2019 and enrolled in Cohort 17 of the Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA) at Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI).
“That is where I began my journey again to attain my CoC,” he says.
Even then, hurdles persisted. As a cadet, long waiting periods between ship placements threatened his momentum.
“Back when I was still a cadet, my waiting time between ships was quite long. That kind of hindered me in terms of time, but I persevered and pursued my CoC,” Fariz reflects. “Things are improving, and the waiting time is getting shorter.”
Through every setback and delay, Fariz never charted the course alone. A tight circle of mentors, family, and peers kept him steady when the waters grew rough.
Maritime life ran in his bloodline. His late father, who spent his own career in the maritime sector, was supportive when Fariz first announced his choice in 2012. Though his mother was initially hesitant, she eventually came around. He also drew inspiration from family members with seafaring backgrounds, including a late uncle who sailed as a Captain. “Currently, my cousin and I are in the industry,” he notes.
Outside his family, he found companionship in a close friend who entered the maritime industry at the same time. Having someone navigating the same challenges made the journey less lonely.
Another turning point came during his final cadetship where he unexpectedly crossed paths with an ex-batchmate from his SMA days. Sailing together proved instrumental. ”He shared with me his experience and pushed me even further,” Fariz recalls.
Back ashore at WMI, his lecturer Capt SK Menon left a lasting impression.
“I would give credit to my lecturer at WMI, Capt S.K. Menon, for his advice and tips on how to persevere on this journey,” Fariz says, noting how crucial that mentorship was.
And there is SMOU. Having been a member since 2019, Fariz has found more than representation. “SMOU has helped me in many ways, particularly through networking, by exposing me to future prospects and broadening my understanding of the maritime industry.”
Looking back, Fariz believes every milestone was made possible by people who offered encouragement, guidance and support when he needed it most.
Beyond career milestones and industry guidance, Fariz’s true anchor has always been home. Married for eight years and a father to two young daughters, he sees every milestone as a step towards building a better future for them. While his wife has been a steadfast supporter throughout his journey, life at sea comes with sacrifices.
“The hardest trade-offs would definitely be being away from my loved ones,” Fariz shares openly.
Today, his goal is to attain CoC 1, with the eventual hope of transitioning into a shore-based role that will allow him to be permanently closer to his growing family.
For all the sacrifices, seafaring has given him experiences that few professions can offer. He treasures most the camaraderie forged among multinational crews working side by side through long days and demanding voyages.
The profession has also rewired his mindset.
“Critical thinking is one of the major skills that I gained from sailing,” he notes. “There are times when I shared with my wife how to deal with her work challenges using what I learnt from sailing. Another would be always looking out for safety; it just got imbued in me.”
Beyond the professional lessons, it is often the simplest moments at sea that continue to leave him in awe. “I will never get enough of how beautiful the stars are at night and how majestic the sunrise and sunset is.”
Yet Fariz acknowledges that life at sea is not for everyone. On why some seafarers leave the profession, Fariz shares his insight. “I would say the top cause for them leaving is due to being homesick. Also, in Singapore, we can earn the same salary with less risk than sailing. The workload can be too much for some, I guess.”
Even so, he believes the challenges are what shape a seafarer’s character. “As the saying goes, smooth sailing does not make a good sailor.”
For Fariz, that philosophy has defined every stage of his journey. From stepping away from the sea and finding his way back, to balancing family sacrifices, each challenge has strengthened his resolve.
Today, as he works towards CoC 1 and a future that keeps him closer to home, he carries with him the support of the harbour pilots who first inspired him, the family members who encouraged him, the friends and mentors who guided him, and a union that helped broaden his horizons.
Their belief in him is proof that even the toughest voyages are made easier by the company you keep.
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As 2020 comes to a close, SMOU anticipates the ushering in of 2021—a momentous year for the union to commemorate a key milestone. Got an...
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