Gary Romero

Describe your work onboard the ship. What are your responsibilities? 

I work onboard as an able bodied seaman. My job includes assisting in the maintenance and repairing jobs for vessel's main deck, accommodation spaces, including the maintenance of steel and painting. Moreover, in the handling of provisions, stores, fresh Water bunkering operations, performing orders at navigational bridge's helm, operations with moorings when the vessel arrives at port. Part of the role is also to perform lookout duties at the bridge with the officers of the watch.

What part of your work do you like the most?

I love the challenge of repairing any item on the vessel and working on any object that is in the need of hand skills.

What other jobs led you to your current career? 

 In my childhood, I used to assist my dad at his workshop where we performed carpentry and plumbing repairing jobs. I learned a lot from these hand tool skills.

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

If you have the desire and will to work at sea, try and try until you get a chance. Then when you get your chance, be a respectful person.

What sparked your initial interest in a career working at-sea?

When I was 21 years old, I found labor opportunities difficult to achieve. Relatives and friends suggested I attend a maritime training center, learn to speak English, and interview with a recruiter in my country. Looking back I've now spent almost 26 years serving on merchant ships.