All at Sea - The Navigator Issue 15
We welcome your news, comments and opinions on the topics covered in The Navigator.
In its simplest form, mentoring occurs when someone transfers experiential knowledge to another person because they want to help that person advance their learning. It’s such a straightforward idea, yet one that has enhanced careers for many generations of seafarers. That’s why we’re supporting The Nautical Institute in promoting the value of mentoring across the industry.
Mentoring is a state of mind and a key part of being an excellent manager. While it remains an optional part of the job, we believe that anyone in a senior role who does not realise its importance is probably not in the right position! Not only does it help future managers, but it is also about ‘paying back’ those who have gone before us, sharing their knowledge to make us better seafarers.
Mentoring engages people of all levels and actively encourages two-way communication. Crucially, it can only take place when both the mentor and the mentee are willing for it to happen. It offers benefits beyond the knowledge transfer, such as friendship, social inclusion and cross-cultural understanding. Not to mention a safer ship – a happier, confident crew will feel more comfortable to ask questions when they are unsure about a task and to question decisions if they think they could be unsafe.
Ultimately, mentoring is a social responsibility for everyone, whatever their level and experience. It helps you sleep better at night because you have taken the time to share useful wisdom with another member of the crew, whether they are above, below or equal to you in the hierarchy. It’s easy to take up – you could be mentoring right now and not even realise it! So why not take that extra step to recognise the process and encourage those around you to make a commitment to it too? The Nautical Institute is taking valuable steps to promote the importance of mentoring – could you help us get the message across?
Captain Sarabjut Butalia FNI
Captain Pradeep Chawla FNI, GlobalMET
Kimberley Karlshoej, ITF Seafarer’s Trust
Phil Parry, Spinnaker Global
Captain David Patraiko FNI, The Nautical Institute
Captain Andre Le Goubin FNI
Captain Kuba Szymanski FNI, Intermanager
I would like to thank you for your efforts to make the seagoing educational environment friendlier. Today's huge flow of information would seem overwhelming if there were no such publication as The Navigator making it more accessible. I started my career six years ago switching from banking to seagoing. There was not a day when I felt sorry about trading in the view from my office window for a bridge panorama, but because I started my career late, I have needed to work on my knowledge at top speed. The Navigator has helped me a lot.
Stanislav Kozachenko, Third Officer, m/t Kalahari
The Navigator raises awareness about safety, shares life experiences of seafarers and offers latest news and updates on the marine industry. It gives us knowledge about how to manage real life on board ship. Seafaring is not a simple profession, it needs a lot of responsibility and commitment. The Navigator has been useful to us as cadets, particularly the recent issues about building on competence, error management and S-Mode. Keep up the good work and continue inspiring seafarers around the world.
Batch Equinox, V-Ships Cadets
I have been a regular reader of The Navigator since the time I stepped foot on board to start my sea career. When my colleagues and I read this, we absorb a lot and discuss it with each other, helping us stay safe at sea. Indeed, you are inspiring professionalism!
Paramveer Ahuja, Third Officer, m/t Dubai Glamour
If you would like to get in touch with us, please contact the editor, Emma Ward at navigator@nautinst.org, or look out for the LinkedIn discussion. We look forward to hearing from you.