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As a teenager growing up in Singapore in the early 1990s, Wilson was very conscious about his age. Starting Secondary 1 at 15 years old when all his peers were 13 was awkward. It was a disadvantage that did not discourage him. He worked diligently and planned harder. Prudent decisions needed to be made to compensate for lost time. Today, Captain Wilson Djie Kwang Liong, 47, had more than caught up.
With candour, he related, “I began weighing my options after the ‘O’s. Should I go to JC? I knew I wasn’t academically inclined, and it would be a constant struggle with no good results in the end. I would have lost two years. That left me with the polytechnic route. I wanted a job with good pay and prospects. A few of the maritime courses could open doors to a seafaring career, which fits the bill. Hence, I decided to do a Diploma in Nautical Studies.”
The distinctions he obtained in two ‘O’-level math subjects were an advantage. He also got through with self-discipline, enthusiasm, and some risk-taking. He accepted a sea assignment and completed it just in time before National Service (NS). “Phew, the sign-off date and the enlistment date were so close to each other; I almost did not make it!” he reflected with relief. That accomplishment earned him the double award—Diploma in Nautical Studies and COC3—ahead of everyone else.
Wilson served his national service in the Police Coast Guard. With his sailing knowledge and obtaining the COC Class 3, it was easy for him to complete the PCG Maritime Policing Course. He was even awarded the Best Trainee for that batch.
After knowing that PCG was one of the powered pleasure craft driving license centre (Aquatic Club), he went on to take up the PPCDL test and became the PPCDL instructor to earn extra income in the PCG Aquatic Club.
It was in PPCDL that he met his wife-to-be. He fondly recalled,
“She is a teacher, graduated from the NUS, and never looked down on me. She understands my determination to continue my sailing career and further upgrade until I obtain my COC Class 1. It’s wonderful to have a supportive wife who understands and encourages me to go for my goals.”
When asked what self-discipline looks like, he explained it is the will to stay the course and not abandon it at the first sign of difficulty. He recounted a time when he grappled with grief and a sense of loss. He was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when he received news of his mother’s death. He was devastated and for some time after, contemplated giving up. But when he remembered mom’s blessings for his career decision, he resolved to make good on his promise to her to do well. He sailed on.
“Self-discipline,” he added, “is also about the little things, such as waking up on time every day. In the deck, there are schedules and rosters to abide by. Crew members must exercise self-discipline to see through the tasks to completion. It is also a way of earning trust from the people we work with. When one is faithful with the little things, he can be trusted with bigger things.”
His lucky break came in 2005/6 when the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore sponsored him for studies at the Maritime Institute of Willem Barentsz, the Netherlands. He graduated a year later with a Bachelor Degree in Maritime Operations. After completing his bond with MPA, he headed offshore for exposure in fleet and safety management. Albeit short, this paved the way for the founding of his first company in 2012 and the current one, Straits Marine Services Pte Ltd, in 2019, where he is the Chief Operating Officer. The company provides vessel management services, which include technical management, crew management, and crew training services.
With 25 years in the maritime industry, he looks back with a sense of satisfaction the journey that has brought him to where he is today. “Seafaring is a worthwhile career that pays well. When you are done sailing, there are possibilities to explore onshore and offshore. The industry is relatively small and close-knit; there’s always someone who can refer a contact, a lead, or the next opportunity you can tap on,” shared Wilson.
His family is a great source of joy. His face beamed as he spoke of his children—two teenage daughters and a son aged 11. Due to their strong PSLE scores, both daughters were granted SMOU scholarships. Wilson has been a member of SMOU for 27 years, which he feels is a beneficial way to keep in touch with the shipping community. It’s also fun for the kids to join the outings and make friends with children of other seafarers.
When the time comes for them to pick a career, and if seafaring does come up, this is what Daddy Wilson will say to them: “Go in with your eyes open. Be careful not to let pre-conceived ideas influence your decision. Sailing on an assignment is very different from sailing as a passenger on a cruise liner. Stay rooted, guided by constancy of purpose, not short-term passion. There is no shortcut to reaching your goal.” This is also directed to all aspiring seafarers. Thank you, Captain Wilson!
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