As I stepped onto the ship, a chemical tanker docked at Mumbai’s bustling port, I felt a mix of emotions: excitement, pride, and a hint of nervousness. My 18 year old son, Arnnav, and I were about to experience the world of seafarers, a life to which my husband has dedicated himself. This journey was more than just a visit; it was a chance to show my son a profession his father, Capt. Rajesh Todiwan, has embraced for over three decades now, as well as to feel the sacrifices and triumphs of the seafaring profession while interacting with the crew onboard.

Setting Sail on Our Adventure

We left home early, eager to start our adventure. Our first mission was to find authentic Mumbai snacks – Vada Pav, Samosas, and Bhaji Pav to take onboard. I had picked up Indian sweets and some savories the previous evening, but snacks had to be fresh. After some searching, we hit the jackpot at a local eatery and loaded up on everything. With our treats in hand, we met the agent and underwent the screening process. As we drove to the vessel, we went through another security check.

Boarding the Ship

While getting aboard, a crew member on duty gently requested that we switch our phones to airplane mode due to the ship carrying dangerous cargo. Daniil, a young officer then greeted us with a warm smile and escorted us to my husband, the Master of the vessel. After two long months apart, the moment Arnnav met his father became incredibly emotional—tears glistened in his eyes as pure joy enveloped father and son. I remember when he was a child; every time his dad left home to join work, he would cry and become very emotional; some emotions never change!

Life Onboard

We spent quality time in my husband’s office cum living space before embarking on a tour of the vessel. We met the crew, and I was touched by their courtesy and warmth as I interacted with them. Arnnav’s eyes lit up on the bridge, fascinated by the aviation like controls. He is interested in a career in aviation, dreaming of becoming a pilot. We headed to the Cargo Control Room and met Chief Officer Rex and Second Officer Ken, they explained the work at CCR and later we connected with Second Officer Ivan who apart from his work also exchanged some tips on fitness with my son.

In the galley, the Chief Cook Rhoelle and Messman Patrick worked their magic, their smiles infectious. I could visualize how the food must be coming out from a place that had so much warmth, leaving aside the hot and humid galley. Hubby had told me that the chief cook was so good, that there was no chance of him losing any weight. From there, we moved to the engine room. I wanted our son to see the working conditions there and experience the largest engine that he could ever imagine. The engine room proved to be a marvel; Chief Engineer Daniel and Second Engineer Sergiy briefed us about the main responsibilities and work carried out by the team. They offered to take us around, but hubby asked them to carry on with their work, and that he’d do it. We also met the Electrical Officer Aries there who told us about his work, building on our knowledge. We then got on the tour of the engine room, moving to many decks below; we were truly overwhelmed while hubby explained the intricate maze of pipes and machinery. The heat and noise made it a tough place to work. We had put on earplugs for some relief.

Sharing the Flavors

We came back to hubby’s cabin, freshened up, and sat for some time soaking in the marvel we had just witnessed. Hubby changed from his work gear, and we headed to the mess for lunch. We were greeted with warm and courteous smiles. We sat at the officers’ table, joined by others. Lunch was a feast—Indian and continental cuisine, including the snacks and sweets we brought along. Everyone loved and cherished the delicacies, and I was so happy to see them enjoying the sweets and snacks. I was glad I found the items early in the morning, and it was rewarding to see happy and inquisitive faces.

I tried to have everything that was laid out on the buffet, from soup to bread, main courses, and desserts, sampling the food like a true hotelier. I must add that the cook was really good, and I believe that when you cook with your heart, the food is beyond delicious. He had made Indian food items too, and I must say they were as good, if not better, than when some of our best chefs cook.

Cherished Moments

It was our anniversary the following day, and the chief cook’s thoughtful gesture of making a cake for us left me feeling grateful. The celebrations kicked off in the company of the vibrant crew. In that moment, pride swelled within me as I watched my husband thrive in his element—a skilled leader respected by his team. I am grateful to OSM Thome for this anniversary gift; couldn’t have been better!

This visit was a poignant reminder of the equality in our partnership as husband and wife. Together, we sail through our journeys, offering support to one another’s passions while being each other’s pillars. For Arnnav, this visit became an enlightening experience. Here are some key insights he gained but these will also help people understand the profession better and students who want to join the maritime industry.

• Hard Work and Dedication: Life at sea is often far from romanticized portrayals, requiring relentless effort and long hours; success is forged through unwavering commitment.
• The Importance of Discipline: The structured environment aboard a ship demonstrates that discipline extends beyond rule following; it is crucial for ensuring personal responsibilities are met for the greater good.
• Teamwork and Camaraderie: Seamless collaboration among crew members highlights the essential elements of trust and mutual respect, valuable lessons that apply beyond the maritime setting.
• Respect for Diverse Professions: A deeper understanding of various roles onboard creates appreciation for the hard work and skills that individuals contribute across different fields.
• Appreciation of Sacrifices: Observing the emotional and physical challenges faced by seafarers cultivates gratitude for the small things and acknowledges the sacrifices made by loved ones.
• The Reality of Life at Sea: Gaining insight into the harsh realities, including storms and long hours, provides a grounded perspective on the challenges seafarers encounter.

A Heartfelt Gratitude

Can’t thank my husband Capt. Rajesh Todiwan, enough for this unforgettable experience. We are grateful to OSM Thome, Mr. Prashant GAC Shipping, and Mr. Sunil for facilitating this visit. As we left the ship, my heart swelled with renewed pride in my husband’s profession and a profound respect for the life of a seafarer. The lessons learned, the love shared, and the bonds created during our visit will resonate in our hearts forever.

As I was putting the finishing touches to this blog, my husband shared a picture of the thoughtful gifts he had picked up from duty free for the crew for Christmas. I felt a wave of nostalgia sweep over me. This gesture is not just a simple act; it embodies the spirit of love and camaraderie that defines our seafaring community. It’s a beautiful reminder of the joy and warmth that the holiday season brings, as we celebrate together, even from miles across the ocean.