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A challenge
Bosun Virgilio Jr. A. Laurea
Since the editor of our company news-
letter “THE BRIDGE” encouraged all RHL
crew to participate, I have decided to write
and share my article entitled “A Challenge“.
I will always remember what my late father
told us when we were young: “We don’t
have wealth and property to lean on, I can
only give you a good education”. Both my
parents were teachers by profession, both of
them principals, yet their earnings were not
enough to feed and support our family. But
God gave us the opportunity to finish our
studies through hard work and dedication.
I am the oldest of five children and present-
ly on board M/V Barmbek, an Ice Class
vessel, as Bosun. I have two brothers: Norman,
a Radio Operator by profession, but
now a Chief Cook on container and tank
ships, and Ferdinand, also a Bosun on a
container vessel. I have two lovely sisters
named Sharon, a computer engineer, presently
working in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and
Mary Michelle, a teacher, presently working
in a government school and in line to be a
principal soon.
I got married in 2001, to Hyacinth Zulla
Afuente, a teacher, specialised in a special
arts’ programme. My loving and caring
wife and I are blessed with two kids, Rhett,
a grade five student in a special science
class, and Kirsten Audrey, a lovely and jolly
3-year-old girl.
After I graduated from college, I had to find
a job in order to help my parents support
my younger brothers and sisters. I worked
as a Sales Clerk in an appliance store (SM
Mall), and for Dumlao Oro Solida Engravers
and Jewellers, where I became the sales and
marketing manager. Yet after a few years,
I decided to pursue a career in seafaring,
and got a chance to work on a passenger
ship, as Cadet/Ordinary Seaman (Local
Trade). Later, I could work on a Log/Bulk/
General Cargo and Container Vessel.
First, it was hard for me to adapt to the new
challenge, since I had been used to working
in an office, doing paperwork and conducting
sales talks with our customers. But
life must go on, and I had to face the reality
THE BRIDGE I No. 16
staff on board
that a seafarer’s job is not easy.
As a Bosun, I must be tough; I am my deck
crew’s superior. I realise that my performance
does not depend on my superiors,
but on myself. I lead my deck crew by initiative
and personal example in seamanship
knowledge, as well as a seaman’s spirit. I plan
my crew’s activities, and help carry them
out to the best of my ability. I do my best to
make proper use of the workforce, equipment,
property and stores at my disposal.
As a Bosun, I train my deck crew to improve
their knowledge and skills by allowing them
to show their abilities, in order for them to
qualify for the next higher rank of competency
and the re-lated requirements. I try to
act as an example by wearing proper protective
clothing and promoting safe habits
as well as professional and personal cleanliness,
and I urge them to do the same. I
encourage my crew to participate in all
safety meetings and drills and to follow the
company rules and regulations.
It is my mission to lead my subordinates, to
motivate and take care of them and to be an
example in the areas of discipline, honour,
hard work, sobriety, cooperation and respect
towards officers and co-workers. I try to
do my best to uphold the dignity and image
of my fellow seamen, my company and my
country. Thank you very much for allowing
me to be a part of your prestigious newsletter
“The Bridge“.
May our almighty God bless us all.
MABUHAY PHILIPPINES!
Greetings: Barbecue on
board M/V RHL AURORA
These Photo reached us from RHL Aurora, whilst passing the
pacific ocean. After a busy day on board, the crew finally find
some time to relax together.