18 / 20
INSIDE SAL
M
V Annemieke has just arrived at the
Western Anchorage in Singapore to take
on some bunker fuel before proceed-
ing to discharge a reel and some other smaller
packages in Jurong port the next morning. We
meet up with newly promoted SAL Master An-
gelito Benedicto who started his maritime career
in SAL in July 1995 when he embarked the old
MV REGINE under Captain Bodo Berg as a Deck
Cadet.
When you embarked as a cadet, did you already have that
ambition to become a master?
I came from a very poor family in Batangas and the priority at that
time was to be able to help support my father and mother with
the expenses as part of my gratitude to them. So, to answer your
question – no, I did not have any long term vision on my maritime
career then; the priority at that time was simply to start my career
and help the family. The goal of becoming an officer, let alone a
Master, was something that was simply not something I had con-
sidered at the time.
When did you actually start thinking of an officer career?
As with most young cadets now, I was encouraged by my parents
as well as my officers on board to take the exams right after I
managed to complete my mandatory sea service of 12 months
on board. I heeded that advice and got my Third Mate’s license
afterward
(Note: at that time, each rank had a separate exam and
license unlike the system used today)
. After passing the exam and
acquiring my license, I went on board as an Ordinary Seaman but
got promoted quickly to A/B after only 3 months on the job!
As A/B, I quickly developed the skills needed to drive the
cranes on the MV Gloria. Apparently, I did well in my 7 months as
A/B because I was informed upon the end of my contract that I
could qualify as an AB/3M in my next contract. This happened in
the old MV Grietje under Captain Hajo Baeker and later on, Cap-
tain Harald Matthes.
Over the years you eventually rose to become a chief mate
– tell us about that.
One of the more valuable lessons that I learned in my many years
as C/M is that experience by itself is not enough. It needs to be
more to be truly competent: a balance of the right knowledge,
skills, experience and the proper attitude.
I have also been very fortunate that SAL’s Chief Mate training pro-
gram, such as the Maneuvering Log, to become a Master came at
a time in my career when I had already developed my competence
as a C/M.
Share with us your reaction on the news of your promotion
to master.
Of course, I was extremely happy as getting a
ship command is the ultimate goal of being
a seafarer. It would be a testament of the hard
work and dedication to all the efforts over the
years and the ups and downs (yes, there have
been downs too). I was also especially overjoyed
because I managed to reach the rank of Master
while both my parents are still alive and so they
can witness the fruition of all the hard work that
they have also put into me. We have come a long
way and it goes without saying that SAL has also
brought our dreams to a reality. To be able to start as a Cadet in
one company and rise to Master within the same company is not
very common these days and I am indeed very proud that SAL has
also had belief in me and my capabilities.
What have you learned since taking over command of a vessel?
Let me put it this way: if one is truly prepared for the new role as Mas-
ter then the transition period will not be too abrupt or overwhelm-
ing. Upon deploying to the MV Annemieke for my first contract as a
Master, I had a very thorough handover from outgoing Captain (and
permanent Master) Ivan Govorcin. While my experiences with Cap-
tain Albrecht and Captain Vitalez had laid the foundations, it was
under Captain Govorcin that everything came together. You can
compare it to a fine-tuning session.
However, my first voyage was a “baptism by fire”. The vessel
was in Rotterdam, Captain Govorcin had already signed off and I
was now in command. We had just loaded a heavy piece cargo of
450 tons and the weather was truly horrible: Beaufort scale 7-8.
So even though our destination was only a few hours of sailing
away in Antwerp, it was a terrible way to undertake my first voy-
age. After we had set sail for Antwerp, we received news that our
vessel would not even allowed to take to port due to the very poor
weather and bad sea conditions and had to proceed instead and
unassisted to the anchorage. We did manage this but I did not
sleep at all that night due to the anxiety. Over the next few days
on our way to Lisbon, the weather was up-and-down – good for
a few days and then dreadful weather once again. I will always
remember this first voyage.
I have also learned over the years the value of maintaining har-
mony not only among the Filipino crew but our/their relationship
with other non-Filipinos, despite the obvious differences in culture
and way of thinking. I am not saying it is easy but one has to rise
above the differences, look at the situation objectively and think
of what would be best for the company, the vessel, the cargo, the
client and for everyone on board.
What would be your advice to those that have ambitions to
advance their career?
Work to the best of your abilities always. Hard work always pays
off. Do not lose the interest to learn new things.
D
UP CLOSE WITH CAPT. ANGELITO BENEDICTO
A newly promoted SAL Master
Interview by Miguel Riviera, Oste Crewing
18