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This is a story of a bond between the sea and a family, two brothers who decided to follow their father’s footsteps and go into seafaring.
Gerald Kishen Joseph, 31, and Dominic Prasanth Joseph, 29, both work aboard PCL Tankers. Gerald is a 4th engineer, and Dominic is currently pursuing his CoC Class 3 to be a deck officer.
Their father, Captain Joseph Rozariyah, who is an SMOU member, is now working onshore. Their mother was more than able to manage being the wife of a seafarer. She even had her honeymoon traveling on a ship when Captain Joseph was sailing back then.
While they were growing up, the two brothers were exposed to tales of seafaring not only from their father but also from their uncles, who were their mother’s brothers-in-law. Dominic shares, “Our father consistently emphasised that seafaring is financially rewarding and a worthwhile career. While we might encounter challenges now, the eventual rewards will make it all worthwhile.”
Imagine how ecstatic their father was when both sons took his advice to go to sea.
Gerald was into marine engineering since he was young. “I prefer engineering. Instead of looking at computer screens, I prefer to pull things apart to understand how things work.”
After his O-levels, he completed an Institute of Technical Education (ITE) course in Marine Engineering before serving National Service.
“I wanted to get a Diploma in Marine Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic, but my results were not good enough. I thought I had to pursue my education overseas before I found out about Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI) from my friend.”
Coincidentally, Gerald chanced upon his dad’s copy of SeaVoices, where Captain S.K Menon was featured as a lecturer of WMI. Gerald recognised him as his father’s Captain. “It was a sign, and that sealed it for me,” he said.
Gerald joined Cohort 3 of the Tripartite Engineering Training Award (TETA) program. He reflects, “I’ve never been enthusiastic about studying, but I had excellent lecturers and classmates who encouraged me to question everything in the textbooks. They taught me to delve into research after that, revealing the enjoyable side of studying. Even today, I find ship manuals and textbooks intriguing, and I continue to read them.”
One especially rewarding memory for him was when he took shore leave to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston during his inaugural voyage!
Dominic recalls his brother sending him pictures of the money he earned, stating matter-of-factly, “I was determined to earn my place at WMI based on my own merit, knowing that as I progressed in rank, the pay would improve.” In contrast to his brother, he opted for the Tripartite Nautical Training Award (TNTA) program. From the beginning, he had a clear goal, saying, “I aspire to become a Captain and command my own ship one day, with my brother hopefully as my Chief Engineer.
Similar to his brother, he spoke highly of the WMI lecturers. “We truly appreciate the dedication of the lecturers who taught us. They go the extra mile, staying up late to assist us with our studies and allowing us to use the bridge simulator for practice.
Dominic now has his own share of experiences to recount. He remembers a challenging first voyage on the Atlantic side of South Mexico when the weather unexpectedly worsened during a night watch on the bridge with his third officer. “It turned into a relentless four-day roller coaster ride. The weather became extremely rough, leading almost everyone, including the chief cook, to experience seasickness. However, the entire crew stood together, offering support and solidarity throughout the challenging ordeal.”
“This is Mother Nature; no one can control it, nor can we predict what is going to happen.” Challenges at sea are part and parcel of what makes the job so different and unique.
SMOU was part of the two brothers’ lives. During their younger days, they remembered attending family days, movie specials, trips to the zoo, and other outings. “The Family Day at Universal Studios was one of the most memorable,” said Dominic.
SMOU provided Dominic with care and concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. The seafarers were kept up to date about crew change. During the quarantine in a hotel, Dominic was sent a care package. It’s a good feeling to have “someone checking up on you,” he remarked.
For Gerald, the SMOU community provides networking opportunities. The two brothers grew up in the SMOU family and were introduced to their father’s friends. “They remember me,” Gerald said, “and ask if I am sailing.” Now that he is a member, the ties are further strengthened.
The whole family, including their elder sister, who is working in Dubai in the IT industry, is supportive of her two brothers’ decision to follow their father into seafaring and has encouraged each other in their own way throughout their respective journeys.
Dominic pointed out, “I saw a change in Gerald after he started sailing, and I am glad he is following through on something he enjoys doing.”
“I had no clue I was an influence on him. If it was because of me that influenced him to go to sea, then it is something I am proud of,” Gerald commented. “I just want to say to my brother, good job!”
As seafarers, the bond between the brothers extends far beyond the seas they navigate, united by their love for the sea, fostering a camaraderie that surpasses the ocean’s waves.
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