In today’s blog we asked Cathal M.Kirwan, Master/Marine Consultant, presently working as a Marine Rep contracting for BV Solutions for his thoughts on a career at sea and any advice for those starting out in the industry.
What did you enjoy most about your career at sea?
Adapting to change daily.
What drove you to pursue a career at sea?
I come from a seafaring tradition. However, mine was fishing and my Dad wanted me to get an education first. So, I found the only University course that could get me to sea, and I have never looked back.
What challenges have you faced in your career as a seafarer, and how have you overcome these?
The biggest challenge is the enforced management ideology that ‘those on the ship don’t know how to manage the ship’. I bore this with patience for many years and then while in private yachting found a place where my managers were there to assist me and not the other way around.
What advice would you give to young people who are looking to start a career at sea?
Look at the career as a broad spectrum, with literally hundreds of career paths at sea alone. Don’t be afraid to change, you gain experience and that will stand to you as you develop your career.
