Since this particular post is for the
marine fraternity, I wanted to touch upon a few things of the past, some
forgotten and some remembered fondly incidents and memories. My source of
information has mostly been my own sailor. He has shared a lot about his work
and social life, as I’d express interest in the stories of the sea and the
sailors. I have a particular liking for the breed. I always referred to his
team onboard as a brigade. I shall cover a few good old day memories here, as
it is rightly said that the old is gold. Present is right on your faces and as
far as the future is concerned who knows it better than you all!
I found the only thing connecting the
past, present and future times for the sailors is the good old Biryani! So
much has been spoken about the Sunday delicacy. No sailor needs any intro to
the chicken Biryani. Some of them fast the previous day so that they can make
the most of their date with the Biryani. Yesterday I received the Sign off calendar
from my husband and the unit of calculation was Biryani. I know he wanted me to
have a nice laugh and count the biryanis too. Unfortunately no matter how much
I miss him I can't have biryani every Sunday!
People
carry a lot of misconceptions about shippys or their profession. I remember when I told my
colleagues and friends about me marrying a sailor. They instantly came up with
the most common unwarranted comment, “A sailor has a wife at every port.” I
would laugh it off as I understood what happened onboard and outside. Coming to
my own experience, the fiancé didn’t even know how to ask me out forget taking
me on a date. If he happened to be on the side of town where my office was he
would pick me and drop me home, as if I was a highly perishable commodity that
needed to be deposited home in the nick of time. This man can’t have a distant
girlfriend forget a wife!
Let’s look at some other glorious things
from the past, take it with a pinch of salt, all in good humour.
The haircut Saga
While onboard it became the moral
responsibility of every cadet/ young officer to display his skill as a hair
dresser. No matter whether he could handle a pair of scissors or not he had to
do a good job with it; otherwise he'd be entrusted with others jobs too!
Mending Clothes
Women, read it as middle aged ladies;
would visit ships at the port and do the mending job for clothes. A stitch here
and tuck there or fixing that loose button. It was one opportunity to see the
fairer sex around. No complaints but the ones who came giving their clothes
would be dressed well and smelling a lot better than they would on other
days. They would also get some tips from them, in true agony aunt formats. The ladies were good counsellors, apart from being experts in their profession, that of being a seamstress.
Talking about days when there weren't hand
phones in use. Sat phones were expensive, so the sailors looked forward to the
girls who'd visit ship with mobile phones and calling cards. The crew onboard
could call home from their cabins, which was a luxury. Even if one didn't
intend calling home the pretty girl who came with the phone was the reason
enough to make that one call. Need I add that the men dressed even better than
they'd while giving their clothes for mending? Looking, feeling and smelling
good, all in one; there was certain charm to it. A lot of made up stories that
would be shared among the group and they'd remain the top talk till the next
such visit onboard. Making the saying empty vessels make a lot of noise true.
All jazz and hardly any truth in it.
Ship chandlers
Ship chandlers, along with their lady
colleagues would bring not only provisions but a lot of happiness for the crew
onboard. Any opportunity to see a beautiful lady was never missed.
Captain
The captain was commanding the vessel in
the real sense. He only had to order and all was done. He had a radio officer
with him and also a purser. His job was planning the operations; execution was the
duty of the Chief Officer and his team. The top two, Captain and the Chief
Engineer were the top guys in the real sense, mostly sporting the royal beard
as well.
Shore leaves
The crew looked forward to the shore
leave, in those days they were quite common. All were happy to go out and spend
some money. This was pre ISPS and 9/11. With the implementation of ISPS shore
leaves are restricted to the extent that some are stopped altogether.
There was a certain charm that the
shipping industry carried which has changed to some extent. There was luxury
which is commonplace now. Captain's job profile has changed too, not just a commander
any more but has to double up for a lot of other’s when there is a need; this
today applies to all jobs. Ships have connectivity and everyone uses mobile
phones. One is in touch with the outside world virtually and with family and
friends over video calling. Only shows the industry has changed for good and
has made life easier. But good old days do bring a smile on our faces as the
new generation of mariners will never connect with some of the things of the
past.
PS
If the sea mesmerizes you and you love the
tales that it gives birth to, do follow my blogs on Cdr Abhilash Tomy, who is a
Sailor par excellence. He is the first Indian, second Asian and 79th
person in the world to circumnavigate the earth in a sailboat unassisted and without
any stops. You'll find an inspirational man who is taking on his passion for doing something extrordinary and full of raw adventure.His fundraiser is slowly and steadily taking him towards his next endeavour. If you wish to support the fundraiser do click here, spread the word @Ketto fundraiser - 'Cdr Abhilash Tomy in the Golden Globe Race 2018'.
https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/abhilashtomyGGR?utm_source=campaigner&utm_medium=fbautopost&utm_campaign=abhilashtomyGGR&utm_term=campaign_push&utm_content=254539&shby=1
Follow his page for all the excitement:
https://www.facebook.com/abhilashtomysailing/
Website:
http://www.abhilashtomy.com/
Pictures are taken from google with due credits
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