JOIN BSM AT SEA

“To grow in shipping, embrace every opportunity to learn!“

“ I joined BSM in 2022 as a Deck Cadet and embarked on my first vessel, Kaspar Schulte, a bulk carrier, for nine months. My second ship, MSC Antigua, was a container vessel, and I was grateful for not having a long break between assignments, which supported my ongoing training and development. The officers I served with were always eager to guide me, offering hands-on instruction with navigational equipment, cargo operations, and onboard maintenance. I built a positive rapport with both officers and ratings throughout my cadetship.

I initially had concerns about being a female in a traditionally male-dominated field, but my first contract reassured me, as I always felt protected and supported. Now, after completing my officer of the navigation bridge course, I am ready to step into third mate responsibilities, with aspirations to become one of BSM’s most accomplished female captains.

BSM stands out as a family-oriented company that truly cares for the well-being of its seafarers, treating everyone fairly and fostering a welcoming environment. There is no hesitation in recommending BSM—it is a place where every individual is valued and respected.

The maritime industry is extraordinary, uniting seafarers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, offering opportunities to travel and shoulder important responsibilities. To all aspiring seafarers: know that your work will make a significant contribution to global trade and the world at large.“

“To thrive in shipping, value resilience and lifelong learning.“

“ My journey to the sea began in childhood, inspired by both grandfathers who were bosuns. Their captivating stories of adventure and distant lands sparked a fascination that grew into a lifelong ambition and eventually, a career I followed with pride.

I joined BSM in 2009 as a Second Officer, and right from my first contract, I found a positive, supportive atmosphere onboard. That initial experience confirmed that BSM was the right place to build my career. Over the years, driven by BSM’s strong values and commitment to safety and professional development, I advanced and embraced many challenges. One of the most memorable moments was rescuing four yachtsmen in distress with my crew—a powerful reminder of the responsibilities and impact seafarers carry. Such experiences, together with BSM’s dedication to excellence, continue to motivate me to contribute and grow within the company.

After sixteen years at sea, my transition to shore with BSM was smooth and well-supported. I anticipated challenges but found consistent guidance and reliable support at every stage. Today, as MTC Nautical Training Superintendent, I enjoy taking on new challenges with the encouragement of my family. BSM’s people-centric approach makes it a company where every voice counts. If you seek an organisation that truly values its employees, BSM is right for you.

Sea life is not just romance and adventure—it demands rigorous knowledge, honed skills, and unwavering resilience. If you’re ready to test yourself and discover the strength within, maritime life offers unmatched opportunities for growth and fulfilment.”

“I was born in Odesa, Ukraine – a city shaped by the sea. Although no one in my family was a seafarer, the maritime spirit of my hometown stayed with me. After graduating from the Building Academy in 2005, I worked as a construction engineer until 2009. Everything changed after my wedding, when I was introduced to my wife’s family — all seafarers. Their stories inspired me to make a bold decision: I left my engineering career behind and enrolled in Maritime University. In 2010, I began my journey with BSM as a Deck Cadet.

Starting over at 27 wasn’t easy, but I’ve never regretted it. The sea gave me purpose, and BSM gave me the platform to grow. From the beginning, BSM stood out for its strong safety culture, structured career development, and supportive crews. My first vessel was Bea Schulte (BSM Singapore), followed by Gustav Schulte (BSM Germany), where I was promoted from Junior Officer to 3rd Officer and later 2nd Officer. I was eager to join the tanker fleet, and thanks to Mrs. Eva Rodriguez, I transitioned to LPG operations quickly.

In 2013, I joined Wilhelm Schulte (BSM UK) and learned the intricacies of LPG from an exceptional crew. My time with BSM Isle of Man until 2016 was especially memorable — their crewing team was the best I’ve worked with. When BSM IOM closed, I temporarily joined another company to advance to Chief Mate. That experience helped me appreciate BSM even more — in terms of safety, professionalism, and crew welfare, BSM was clearly ahead.

I returned to BSM in 2017 for the delivery of LPG Aquarama (BSM Greece). Later, a serious leg injury forced me to pause sailing. During recovery, I worked in the BSM Greece office as a Marine Superintendent Assistant. That shore-based role gave me valuable insight into the shipping industry and deepened my respect for the systems we rely on onboard. In 2021, I joined the LNG fleet, accepting a temporary demotion to pursue long-term growth. Today, I’m proud to be a Master Trainee, preparing for the next milestone in my career.

BSM is more than a company — it’s a community. The professionalism of our crews, both at sea and ashore, creates an environment where people thrive.

My advice to aspiring seafarers is simple: be diligent, stay committed, and embrace the journey. Our profession offers stability, strong team spirit, and clear paths for growth. No company is perfect, but at BSM, we have the opportunity to shape the future — together.“

“To succeed at sea, cultivate resilience, curiosity, and commitment!“

“I hail from India where my upbringing had instilled a sense of resilience, curiosity, independence, and commitment at an early stage. After completing my A levels, I realised that a desk job was not my path; I sought a career that combined adventure with financial stability. Though my initial dream was to become an army officer, fate introduced me to the world of shipping through my uncle, a master mariner. After learning from him about life at sea, I was inspired to pursue this career and joined Neptune Orient Lines in Singapore. The challenges of my first vessel tested my resolve, and it was in those moments that my aspiration to become a captain truly took root.

In 2010, I joined BSM as Chief Officer on container vessels, receiving a promotion to Master in 2014. The experience has been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. BSM’s strong shore support is indispensable for any master, ensuring efficient vessel operations and top-tier assistance.

Working with BSM has provided me opportunities to grow, expand my skills, and positively impact the company’s objectives, all while fulfilling my personal ambitions. The organisation upholds international shipping standards, prioritises high safety levels, and offers a stable, safe work environment. BSM’s fair hiring practices, innovative training, and thorough competency management mean working with proficient and dedicated teams, both ashore and onboard.

To today’s aspiring seafarers, I would say: Consider seafaring if you are mentally tough, possess strong IQ and EQ, excel at multitasking, and are genuinely passionate and committed to your career. It’s a demanding journey leading to senior ranks, but the rewards include global mobility, competitive pay, extended leave periods, swift career advancement, equal opportunities for all, and rich cultural experiences. Success in this industry stems from physical and mental hard work, resilience, dedication, and loyalty to your shipmates—these are the keys to unlocking a fulfilling and distinguished maritime career.”