JOIN BSM AT SEA

“Dreams are not just there to be dreamed.

Dreams must be lived, because we only have one life!

I have always dreamed of becoming a navigator and venturing out to sea. For over 17 years, this dream has been a driving force in my life. After years of working on the cruise ships as a manager for spa areas, I decided to follow my lifelong passion and pursue a career in nautical sciences. Despite facing opposition and leaving behind a successful career of managing spa areas for multiple cruise ships, I enrolled in a Nautical Science and Maritime Transport course at the age of 41. I am now on the path to fulfill my dream “From beautician to captain”, full steam ahead!

Working at sea has offered me a unique opportunity to travel the world and sail with multicultural crew. As a cadet on board, I've experienced a fantastic sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) provides a comprehensive training to its cadets, preparing us to become skilled navigation officials and ensuring the safe navigation of ships.

I am fortunate to be a part of BSM, a future-oriented company with a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of its crew. Their dedicated online training system has equipped me for future studies and career advancements.

To aspiring cadets, I encourage you to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. It's never too late to make them a reality. I would also like to inspire other women, to venture into the shipping industry. To fulfil your dreams in life and to have the courage to pursue them, no matter what your age. Thanks to BSM, I've been able to live my dream and pursue my ideal career."

“Growing up in a touristic and maritime city on the coast of the Black Sea, I was always drawn to the sea and everything it had to offer. The sight of ships coming and going, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the smell of the salty sea air have been a constant presence in my life. This connection to the sea inspired and motivated me to pursue a career at sea.

Being a seafarer has provided me with the opportunity for continuous learning and skill development. From gaining knowledge in navigation and seamanship to honing my leadership and teamwork skills, a career at sea has provided me with a diverse and dynamic learning experience.

My journey with BSM started in 2020 as deck cadet and has been nothing short of fulfilling and rewarding. Starting my career on chemical tankers provided me with a solid foundation in the maritime industry. I gained valuable experience in handling hazardous cargo, navigating through various ports, and ensuring the safety and security of the vessel and crew. My time on two chemical tankers allowed me to develop essential skills in communication, decision-making, and problem-solving, which have been instrumental in my career growth within the company.

Transitioning from chemical tankers to LNG vessels as a junior officer was a significant milestone in my career with BSM. The switch to LNG presented new challenges and opportunities for growth, as LNG vessels require a specialised skill set and knowledge due to the nature of the cargo they carry. The transition experience was both exciting and challenging, as I had to adapt to a different type of vessel, learn new procedures and protocols, and expand my expertise in handling LNG operations.

Throughout this transition, BSM provided me with the necessary training, support, and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful switch to LNG vessels. The company's commitment to investing in the professional development of its employees, as well as its focus on safety and operational excellence, has been instrumental in my career growth within BSM. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to expand my knowledge and skills, and I look forward to continuing to grow and excel in my career with BSM.

To the aspiring seafarers of today, I would like to say, invest in your education and training. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to stay updated on the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices. Continuous learning and skill development will not only enhance your career prospects but also ensure the safety and efficiency of your operations at sea.

Build strong relationships and network within the maritime community. The seafaring community is a tight-knit and supportive network of professionals who share a common passion for the sea. Networking with fellow seafarers, mentors, and industry experts can provide valuable insights, advice, and opportunities for growth.

Above all, always prioritise safety and professionalism in everything you do. The sea is a powerful and unpredictable environment, and it is essential to prioritise the safety of yourself, your crew, and the vessel always. Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and dedication in your work, and you will undoubtedly succeed in your career as a seafarer."

“I chose to become a seafarer with the goal of becoming a captain and derive the joy of contributing to humanity by transporting goods across the seas. The sense of adventure and the opportunity to explore different parts of the world while working in a challenging yet fulfilling profession were also significant factors in my decision to become a seafarer.

My journey in BSM began as a deck cadet in 2017, and I worked as a deck assistant on a container vessel from 2018 to 2019 followed by a gas carrier from 2019 to 2020. In 2021, I was promoted to third officer on a gas carrier, and in 2022, I returned to the container vessel in the same position. I am currently on maternity leave and have been offered the opportunity to work as a training supervisor on shore. Once back at sea, I look forward to rising up to the rank of a master someday.

As a deck cadet, I was trained by competent officers. I learnt from all my superiors to eventually become a third officer. My service to BSM has been recognised and rewarded, and I have risen the ranks, learning skills on a variety of vessels. After obtaining my license, my career growth has been successful. I've gained valuable experience from sailing on both containers and gas carriers.

BSM as a company is technologically advanced and stays up to date with the policies in the maritime industry. They ensure that their personnel are well-trained to meet industry standards. While seafaring is a challenging and sometimes stressful profession, it is also an interesting and adventurous experience.

I would encourage aspiring seafarers to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion. The sea has a lot to teach us, and seafaring can be an incredibly fulfilling career for those who have a love for the ocean and a sense of adventure. It's important to stay committed to continuous learning and professional growth, and to embrace the multicultural and diverse nature of the maritime industry. I believe that with perseverance and an open mind, aspiring seafarers can find a truly rewarding career at sea.”

“From my early childhood, I dreamt of becoming a seaman. Without hesitation, I joined the Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University in 1998 and graduated in 2003. My career began in the fishing fleet, serving as a third and second officer on a crab catcher in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. It was an unforgettable experience: 18-hour shifts, relentless bad weather, constant fatigue, and perpetual drowsiness. However, the saying holds true: whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger. After several voyages on a crab catcher, I transitioned to working on a reefer, followed by a tanker, and eventually moved to general cargo. We transported everything from grain to battle tanks and visited uncharted places, making for a fantastic experience.

In 2007, I applied to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) and was approved to join the BS vessel Christiane Schulte as a third officer. I immediately fell in love with container ships; it was love at first sight. The sensation of power was akin to driving a sports car: fast response and enjoyable handling. A container vessel is like a high-speed train crossing oceans and seas to its destination—always on a strict schedule and always in action. BSM is a big organisation where there are plenty of opportunities for growth, promotions come fast, and the transition of fleet is also supported.

In 2014, I joined my first ship as a master with BSM. I sailed as master on container vessels for nine years, took command of two new vessels from the shipyard, crossed all oceans, and visited numerous ports and countries. When the opportunity arose to transition to a shore-based job in 2023 as head of Crew Service Centre (CSC) Vladivostok in Russia, I embraced the challenge.

Currently, I am working at CSC Vladivostok as a Branch Manager. The experience of working ashore is vastly different from that onboard. The recruitment process is particularly complex. Numerous factors must be considered: travel and visa planning, local restrictions, training and certification, Flag/SIRE/Owner requirements, and vessel-specific requirements. Many parties are involved, and much effort is required to keep everything running smoothly. It is very enriching and big learning experience.

For those considering a career at sea, I offer this advice: give it a try, do not fear challenges, continuously develop, learn from others and your mistakes, and never listen to those who say, "You can't." You can! Just don’t give up. Chase your dream.”

"In heaven, they only talk about the sea. How infinitely beautiful it is... About the sunset they saw... About how the sun, sinking into the waves, turned scarlet like blood. And they felt that the sea had absorbed the energy of the sun into itself, and the sun was tamed, and the fire was already burning down in the depths..."