Using your valuable experience at sea…
Berge Bulk encourages ship-to-shore career paths for its officers — prioritising them for shore-based positions within the Commercial and Technical Teams.
The vast knowledge and experience gained by our crew at sea is one of our greatest assets and, for those who don’t want to stay at sea for life, we actively help with the key steps involved in successful transition.
Our officers are prioritised for recruitment into critical roles on the shore team, including vessel managers, marine superintendents, dry docking superintendents, port captains, technical support and commercial roles.
Some real-life stories to inspire your own journey…
Harsh Makkar
Head of HSSEQ and Marine
See their story
How has your experience as a seafarer helped you in your current role on shore?
My experience as a seafarer has been invaluable in my current role —giving me first-hand knowledge of shipboard operations, safety protocols, and the challenges that crews face on a daily basis. This perspective allows me to develop practical and effective HSSEQ strategies that are not only compliant with regulations, but that also resonate with the realities of being onboard. It has also helped me to build strong relationships with crew members — I understand their language and their concerns, and this fosters better communication and collaboration.
What’s the biggest difference between the team onboard and the team in the office?
The biggest difference lies in the work environment and dynamics. Onboard teams operate in a high-pressure, physically demanding environment, where collaboration is essential for immediate problem-solving and operational success. The office team, on the other hand, focuses more on long-term planning, strategic decision-making, and compliance. While both teams aim for the same goals, the pace and context of their work are quite different, which sometimes requires bridging gaps in understanding and priorities between the two.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Berge Bulk office, and how does it compare to life onboard?
Working in the Berge Bulk office offers a unique opportunity to influence operations at a strategic level. What I enjoy most is the collaborative environment and the ability to directly contribute to decision-making that impacts the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our fleet. It’s rewarding to see the positive outcomes of the initiatives that we implement from shore. In contrast, life onboard is hands-on and immediate. The challenges are dynamic, with real-time problem-solving and a strong camaraderie among the crew. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming tough situations at sea is unparalleled.
Both roles complement each other. My time at sea provided invaluable insights into practical operations and the realities faced by the crew. Now, in the office, I can apply that knowledge to drive meaningful improvements. It’s a balance of strategic foresight and operational grounding, and I value having experienced both sides of the coin.
How has Berge Bulk supported your career growth and development through this transition?
Berge Bulk has been instrumental in my career growth, offering training programmes, leadership development courses, and mentorship opportunities that eased my transition from sea to shore. The company values the unique insights of former seafarers, which has enabled me to take on meaningful projects that leverage my expertise. They also encourage continuous learning, allowing me to stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.
How has moving onshore changed your daily routine?
Moving onshore has significantly changed my daily routine. The physical demands of the job have lessened, but there’s a greater focus on mental tasks, such as decision-making, planning, and analysis.