A responsibility to protect lives at sea, and to safeguard cargo. A Chief Officer returns to the ocean after three years ashore. She will oversee cargo operations with meticulous care during day and night. As a frontline professional, her role is clear: to ensure that the vessel and its cargo are delivered safely and precisely to their destination.
Meanwhile, from an office in Singapore, a vessel management specialist monitors the operations of 60 ships through data. By analyzing operational performance and responding to the issues, he works closely with onboard crews to guide vessels back to safe and stable operations. He plays a vital role as an engineer who supports maritime safety from land.
Though their positions differ, they share the same core values: an unwavering commitment to safety and a deep trust in teamwork.
Here are the stories of these two professionals—one at sea and one on land— based on the safety culture of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the challenges the company continues to take on for the future.
Kiyomi Shikata became a navigator ten years ago before becoming a chief officer. After spending seven years as a sailor on different types of vessels, she took over ship management in the head office. Three years later, she will return to duty at sea as a chief officer on an LNG carrier.
Until three years ago, I was a second officer, so at that time, I was drawing the course lines thinking about where to sail as a chief navigator. It's the second officer's job to produce a specific plan based on what the captain wants. The job also involves duties such as navigating the ship during what we call a "navigational watch" and performing maintenance and inspections on the navigational equipment.
For example, your hours for navigational watch change according to your rank. The crew can't work all the time without rest, so there are usually three teams working on a rotation. We split them into three four-hour shifts in the a.m. and the p.m. You work four hours and then get eight hours off, then this is repeated, meaning working eight hours in a day. We refer to the second officer's duty hours as "zero-four" because they work from midnight to 4 a.m. and then from noon to 4 p.m. When you become a chief officer, it's a "four-eight" shift because you work from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The reason why the chief officer takes these hours is that they're the most dangerous ones. Sunset and sunrise create the worst visibility, so an accident is more likely. That's why you assign a skilled chief officer. The second mate may have tougher hours in terms of the physical burden, but morning and evening entail greater risks than the middle of the night. I can feel the heavy weight of responsibility due to my upcoming assignment as a chief officer.
And if someone can't show up for a navigational watch, then someone else has to fill in. That being said, there is no replacement for the captain who oversees everything happening on the ship. So, we rarely get a day off when on board, only one or two days off a month, depending on the route.
I feel it's rewarding the moment after we arrive at a port on schedule and finish unloading the cargo. The work during the voyage is important, but it's also a navigator's job to manage the cargo and unload it at the port. Since no two voyages are the same, I always feel some tenseness while working. Everything's different each time, such as the amount of cargo and where to load it. Of course, we have all the past data, so I look it over, but the situation's still not exactly the same. That's why listening to my experienced superiors is more important to me than the data. Chief officers and captains have a lot of experience, so I always ask for their advice when I have to make difficult decisions.
Each voyage lasts four to five months, so I take quite a bit of luggage. I'm packing right now. If I have a week's worth of clothes, then I'll be just fine. I'll absolutely take my tablet since I often watch videos during breaks, and I've got to have speakers to listen to music. I also bring a good luck charm. I would bring a good luck charm for -safe navigation, or a good luck charm that wards off calamities related to directions since I go to various places around the globe. Konpira Shrine near MOL's headquarters has developed a reputation for offering protection on the seas.
Pradeep Karkada Ganesh was born in Mangaluru, India. He began his career with MOL as a Junior Engineer in 2005. After gaining over 15 years of sailing experience aboard various MOL vessels, he transitioned to a shore-based role and now serves as a Deputy Manager at MOL Ship Management Co., Ltd., overseeing ship operations from the Singapore office.
I grew up in Mangaluru, a port city in India. There were shipyards and beaches all around me, so the sea was always close by. When I was little, I used to look at the vessels on the horizon and wonder, "How do those ships move? What kind of people work on them?" That curiosity led me to study marine engineering at university. As I gained experience and advanced in my career at sea, I came to realize management's importance in supporting ships, alongside the technology that propels them. After 15 years at sea, I now work in ship management at an office in Singapore.
When I first joined the company, I was one of the youngest in my team, working with highly experienced colleagues. Initially, it was challenging to match their expertise, but the work culture at MOL is very supportive. Senior colleagues are always willing to offer advice. MOL's culture of teamwork and mentorship has helped me grow as a professional. My coworkers' support made me the person I am today. Beyond teamwork on the job, there is a sense of friendship that makes problem-solving easier and work more enjoyable. Now that I'm in a leadership role, I'm also responsible for mentoring Sailing staff.
One moment when I thought that "this is the MOL Group" was when we delivered the Cielo Ace to Shin Kurushima Dockyard's Onishi Shipyard on January 28, 2025. The Cielo Ace, one of the Blue series of LNG carriers, represents a major step forward in reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability. I was responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the ship's delivery, ensuring that all systems and equipment met the highest standards. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience to participate in this project, which is a key focus for the MOL Group, and to take on the role of technical supervisor. MOL is always at the forefront of new technologies, so I intend to continue learning by engaging with many people to expand my knowledge, which I can then apply at work.
I have limited free time due to my busy schedule, so I try to spend my days off with my family and friends as much as possible. Preparing meals for my family is a relaxing time for me. It's also a way to deepen our family bonds. Outside of work, I stay active with badminton, chess, and cycling, which help me stay sharp, fit, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. During my stay in Imabari for the delivery of the Cielo Ace, I knew that the Shimanami Kaido near Shin Kurushima Dockyard is a famous cycling route, but I was too busy then to find the time. I'd like to take my family there next time.