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21 February 2023
Zaenal Abidin, Able Seafarer, is an Indonesian Professional who has worked in numerous countries across the globe – including Malaysia, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – throughout the better part of the decade. With an impressive international experience like this, Zaenal is more than willing to discuss some challenges of working offshore, and how to overcome them.
We meet Zaenal while the vessel he is assigned to, Braveheart Spirit, is docked in the Netherlands. The vessel is undergoing a series of maintenance operations to ensure it can be prepared to conduct its surveying abilities without any intrusion, and several Able Seafarers, including Zaenal, are working hard to finalize the process. We have a pleasant chat with Zaenal regarding how everything has been going and whether he has any requests from Atlas – and then we get to chance to ask several questions regarding mental wellness while offshore and how he handles all challenges that come with the job.
Before we get a chance to begin our interview, Zaenal seizes the moment to recognize the importance of having people around whom he can trust – setting the stage for all that is to be discussed: “First of all, I would like to thank Atlas Professionals for giving me the opportunity to participate in this interview. I would also like to thank my family who always supported, encouraged, and prayed for me – and I won’t forget all the people who are always around me and always give me positive energy while we are working.”
Off to a Good Start
Zaenal explains why exactly it is crucial to have people by your side while you are offshore: “Having people who are always by our side when we are abroad is very important – they are not just colleagues or friends. To me they are family, sometimes teachers, and even parents. They are always there when we are happy, or if we are facing difficult times, and most importantly, if there is a problem. These people are always happy to help.”
Zaenal also explains how it is always a good idea to find a moment to celebrate achievements that everyone contributed to: “Things that we often do when you are on a vessel, namely when we finish a task safely, correctly, on time and efficiently, are always moments to celebrate with our peers – that's when we can compliment each other.”
As part of its Zero Harm initiative, Atlas Professionals also emphasizes the importance of mental wellbeing of Professionals that trust their careers with them as well as their physical wellbeing and aims to reach out whenever a Professional requests such assistance. Each Atlas office across the globe implements their own, personalized measures to ensure Professionals working closely with an office can have access to. This can be done via designated Atlas Professionals Mental Health First Aiders who can signpost Professionals to seek professional help and guidance. Atlas Professionals also supports mental health awareness days, and is committed to spreading the importance of mental health via numerous communication channels on a regular basis.
Far from Home
As an industry with significant amounts of travel requirements, Professionals working in offshore positions away from their culture or country can often feel homesick or alienated. It is part of the offshore life and one of the reasons why these Professionals are considered to be among those who are working under more demanding conditions, but that does not mean there aren’t any avenues to mitigate these challenges. During our interview, we also get a chance to meet a cheerful, highly international crew that Zaenal is also a part of.
Zaenal then goes on to explain how international characteristics of the industry is something that empowers the crew and why it is good for personal growth as well: “Having colleagues from different countries is really nice, we can get to know each other's culture and customs and we interact with new ideas that we didn't know existed. I can easily say that having international colleagues who share my feelings really helped me feel much better about everything. All our colleagues, whether international or not – they can make us feel comfortable while we are working, remind us about what is important and be there for each other when needed. So always treat your co-workers like your friends and your family.”
As the interview comes to an end, Zaenal also shares some tips on how to handle when one feels homesick or misses their family, loved ones while doing their offshore trip: “An important tip I can give is to always communicate with your loved ones: When I miss my family while I am on a vessel, I always give them a call whenever I have the opportunity. It is also a good idea to bring some photos of them, especially photos of your children if you have any, to adorn your private spaces with them. Lastly, if you believe in a higher power – the most important thing is to pray and always have a positive mindset about everything. That will help out a lot, especially if you find yourself in a difficult moment.”
