Who's Navigating? Building resilience, leadership and confidence

Deck Cadet Otari Tvaradze discusses the value of continuous learning and maintaining high standards in the LNG sector

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career at sea?

A: I grew up watching my father, who is also a seafarer. Through him, I learned what this profession truly means: discipline, responsibility and the pride of working in an industry that keeps the world moving. His stories, dedication and the respect he had for his job inspired me from an early age.

At the same time, I knew I wanted a career that would challenge me and help me grow. Life at sea offers something unique: every day is different, every operation demands focus and every voyage teaches you something new about yourself. It builds resilience, leadership and confidence – qualities that cannot be learned behind a desk. It is a career that allows me to grow as a person while building a stable and meaningful future.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Ten?

A: Five years from now, I see myself sailing as a fully qualified and confident deck officer, ideally holding the rank of Second Officer on an LNG carrier or FSU. I hope to be trusted as a reliable bridge team member; someone who can take responsibility during critical moments and support the ship’s Master and Chief Officer with professionalism.

In ten years, I aim to have gained extensive experience in navigation, cargo operations and ship management. My goal is to lead a vessel with professionalism, ensuring the safety of the crew, cargo and environment, while also mentoring the next generation of officers.

Q: What do you find challenging and rewarding about your workload in the LNG sector?

A: One of the biggest challenges is the responsibility involved in handling LNG cargo. It demands extreme precision, constant monitoring and strict adherence to safety procedures. Even minor errors can have serious consequences, which is why every task — from watchkeeping and navigation to cargo and safety operations — requires full attention.

Seeing a safe voyage completed, cargo operations executed efficiently and the vessel operating smoothly as an FSU gives a deep sense of achievement. Learning from experienced officers and gradually taking on responsibilities has improved my technical skills and confidence. The challenges push me to grow, and the rewards come from contributing to a vital industry that powers the world.

Q: How do you judge your own performance at sea? What criteria do you use?

A: As a cadet, I focus on completing tasks accurately and efficiently, adhering to safety procedures and maintaining high standards. The training and mentorship I received from The Nautical Institute has also played a crucial role in developing my technical and leadership skills, helping me grow into a competent future LNG deck officer.

Ultimately, I judge myself by continuous learning, effective teamwork, safety compliance and the ability to contribute positively to every aspect of shipboard operations. I aim to not only complete my duties but also to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary for a successful career at sea.