Charting New Paths: YSMOU’s Human Library Inspires Youth Seafarers - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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04 Feb 2025

4 mins

Charting New Paths: YSMOU’s Human Library Inspires Youth Seafarers

On 15 January 2025, LYF One-North’s Collab Room buzzed with energy as more than 22 youth seafarers gathered for Young SMOU’s (YSMOU) “Insights for Youth – Human Library Conversations” event. The session aimed to provide real insights into seafaring careers and the move to shore-based roles, helping young seafarers understand the many paths available after earning a CoC Class 1 certification.

Setting the Stage

The evening started with a networking dinner where participants and speakers mingled freely. They shared stories of life at sea, upcoming voyages, and their onshore experiences. This casual atmosphere helped everyone relax and connect before diving into the session.

After dinner, participants moved to the Collab Room, where the event began. Four former seafarers—Capt. Chaw Mun San (General Manager), David Martin (Technical Superintendent), Cheryl Lee (Maritime Assurance Assessor), and Mark Koh (Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHE-Q))—were introduced. The attendees were then split into smaller groups to allow closer interactions.

“Human Library” Conversations

The heart of the event lay in the “Human Library” conversations, where participants engaged directly with experienced maritime professionals. Over four rotations, each group had the chance to interact with all four speakers, who candidly shared their journeys and advice.

Capt. Chaw Mun San shared his extensive knowledge on the transition paths available to deck and engine personnel, drawing from his rich experience in chartering and operations. He addressed a common concern among participants—whether a degree is necessary for shore-based roles—by highlighting that the answer depends on personal goals and aspirations. Emphasising the importance of keeping an open mind, he encouraged participants to remain flexible in their career planning, saying, “It is always good to have more options.”

David Martin, a Technical Superintendent, offered a clear picture of how his time at sea shaped his readiness for shore-based roles. He described sailing as a stepping stone to shore opportunities, emphasising the importance of thinking long-term. “Sailing is a means to get to the destination, shore-based jobs,” he explained, encouraging participants to view their seafaring careers as a foundation for future growth.

Cheryl Lee, now a Maritime Assurance Assessor, shared her story of transitioning to a shore-based role. She acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new environment and highlighted how networking played a vital role in her career progression. Her message of resilience struck a chord with the participants as she reminded them, “Don’t let peer pressure bring you down.”

Mark Koh, now Head of SHE-Q, shared how his ability to adapt and build connections helped him overcome unexpected challenges throughout his career. Reflecting on his journey, he encouraged participants to embrace change and make the most of every opportunity. “Plans always change, but it didn’t stop me,” he shared, demonstrating how determination and networking can lead to unexpected successes.

These intimate conversations provided participants with not just technical insights but also personal stories that reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and long-term planning in navigating maritime careers.

Key Takeaways

The session provided valuable lessons on:

Career Transitions: Practical advice on moving from sea to shore roles and managing life changes.

Transferable Skills: The importance of skills like networking, adaptability, and technical expertise in building a successful maritime career.

Personal Growth: Stories of how seafaring can lead to professional and personal development, inspiring attendees to keep learning and growing.

A Meaningful Conclusion

The evening ended with a Q&A session where participants asked a range of questions, including salary expectations for shore roles and the soft skills needed to succeed. The speakers’ honest answers left a lasting impression.

As participants reflected on the event, they shared how it had inspired and equipped them with new confidence. One attendee shared that the speakers’ stories gave them clarity and assurance about their future in the maritime industry. Another remarked how the session motivated them to embrace the opportunities in this niche field and map out their career goals.

The event was wrapped up with a group photo. Participants left feeling encouraged and empowered to take the next steps in their maritime journeys.

YSMOU’s “Human Library” Conversations succeeded in inspiring and guiding the next generation of maritime professionals, helping them chart their paths with confidence and purpose.