Introducing the seafarer of tomorrow: How dedicated sailors from the African continent are changing the maritime industry

Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, lies the city of Jos. It is the place Third Officer Emmanuel Maclean Dikwal grew up: “One of my most vivid childhood memories involves teaming up with my cousin Samuel to craft a paper boat. The paper boat's brief journey across the water bath symbolised my nascent love for the sea and the beginning of my quest to conquer greater oceans.”

Dikwal was recruited as a cadet during the BSM Selection Board programme in 2016, while pursuing his studies at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana. Since graduating in 2019, he has accumulated a considerable amount of experience, having sailed for a total of two and a half years over the past four years. To Dikwal, seafaring is not just a job; it is an adventure that tests and hones one’s resilience and character: “In a confined and close-knit environment, your experience can greatly vary depending on whether you are in the minority or majority. Initially, those in the minority may face scepticism regarding their abilities, often feeling the need to prove themselves to establish their competence. Conversely, those in the majority might initially benefit from a presumption of competence.” In his experience, the key to overcoming these challenges lies in consistently proving one’s ability to perform tasks efficiently and effectively. As long as you can demonstrate the necessary skills and effectively handle your responsibilities, the focus remains on the value that each individual brings to the crew through their professional abilities.

When at ashore, his time is primarily devoted to family and engaging in various sports activities. Apart from sports, he enjoys dedicating his time to meaningful projects. For instance, during one of his last shore leaves, he volunteered for an innovative project focused on the implementation of green hydrogen in Africa: “This involvement not only aligns with my interests in sustainable solutions but also allows me to contribute positively to the development of the continent.”

In the centre of Accra, Ghana, life bursts with energy and creativity. It is the city Second Engineer Seth Dzagadu calls home. He joined the Marine Engineering programme at the Regional Maritime University, Ghana in September 2003 and completed his education in 2007. With more than seven years and six months of experience at sea under his belt, Dzagadu says: “Every day on the ship brings new challenges, and being able to troubleshoot and fix complex issues gives me an indescribable sense of accomplishment.”

There were moments in his seagoing journey that have left a lasting impact. One such memory was when his Head of Department confessed that there were concerns about his ability to handle the workload before Dzagadu joined the ship. However, he exceeded everyone’s expectations and proved them wrong. This experience taught him the importance of not judging people based on stereotypes and instead dealing with individuals based on their unique qualities: “Talking of diversity, I have been a lone African and Ghanaian on most of my assignments. Working with different nationalities has exposed me to various individuals and how they act and approach particular issues, how their gestures and facial expressions convey different meanings. This puts me in the best position to get along with everyone. I cannot talk about cultural diversity without mentioning food. I have added dishes like biryani, paratha, borscht, nasi goreng and chicken adobo to my favourite dishes.”

During his time ashore, Dzagadu prioritises spending quality time with his family, making up for the moments missed while at sea. He also engages in various tasks such as building, renovation, painting and gardening. His abilities extend to artistic carpentry, which has become one of his favourite hobbies.

Growing up, the maritime world was always close to Carlos Martey Tetteh’s heart. Following in the footsteps of his father, a seafarer himself, the Trainee Chief Engineer from Ghana decided to pursue the career of a marine engineer: “What I like the most about being a seafarer is the variety and challenge that comes with the job. I enjoy working on complex machines and the satisfaction of troubleshooting and solving problems. Each day presents new challenges and overcoming them is incredibly rewarding.”

For Tetteh, one of the biggest hurdles he has faced while progressing in his career is the constant feeling of having to prove himself to his superiors, especially with each new vessel or rank. However, he approaches each opportunity with dedication and a commitment to excellence. He found that by consistently delivering results and maintaining open communication with his superiors, he has been able to gradually earn their trust and respect: “Ghanaians are relatively new to the company, and we can sometimes feel like the underdogs among crew from other nationalities. While emerging nations may still have much to prove, the skills and capabilities of seafarers can be at par with their counterparts from recognised maritime nations. We receive the same training, certifications and experiences necessary for excellence at sea.”

Through his experience at sea, Tetteh has learned not to believe in stereotypes and to approach each person with an open mind and a willingness to understand their background and experiences. Looking ahead, he envisions a maritime industry that continues to embrace technological innovation, fosters inclusivity, and recognises the contributions of seafarers from all backgrounds: “By providing greater opportunities for aspiring seafarers, particularly from underrepresented regions like Africa, we can drive positive change and innovation in the industry.”