Although most like to boast about their possesions, but the first look was indeed appealing, if not so much from the outside, but defenitely from the inside. I still had a lot to explore into her before I formed an opinion, for this time I had come with an intention of a long lasting relationship... so just not to rush things up.
I recently changed employers. My first career shift and as much the task had seemed horrific before, just a week into the firm I had started finding even the name... say poetic - 'VanOord'.
After the first couple of encounters, with the lady I had been talking before, I had been thinking - Will I be able to do it? Although I had been on a lot bigger ones before... but still such close quater situations were new to my eyes. The task seemed daunting... but a feast to the eyes and fodder for mind.
I was told that she is not like the others... she is just a piece of equipment.
You need to know her closely... explore her, control her and then exploit her!
Enthusiastic... I plunged... and tried to dig as deep into her as much my fellows were digging with her. Though still ameture... just after a week, I started trying my hands on her.
She seemed difficult.
But under experienced hands, I soon realized that its not always a spade and a shovel you need to dig. Here the trick was first the knowledge and then the feel.
Two weeks and I could feel that bond forming. A tug, a notch and a tic... I was digging deep.
She was responding well... the more intimate I became, the more I realized... what a lady she is... my ship... a piece of equipment (technically)... HAM 312... Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.
Into my third week, approaching Indira Locks, I had the con... meaning - the wheel, the thruster, the two high speed CPP engines, radar, survey data, the whistle - all for me, surrounding me within a hands reach into an integrated bridge system.
At that time I was the helmsman, the lookout, the Officer on Watch and In Command. It was just me and HAM312... and ofcourse people closely, silently observing.
I told myself... 'Don't be perturbed... thats the way they do things round here. Should be a routine activity soon!'
For all those who are not familar with the chaos of Mumbai port and the approaches to Indira Docks and Basin... contemplation of the situation would be difficult. But I couldn't help thinking how we think on roads, in an expensive car, in front of a road block... no matter if we have been through before... the doubt still surfaces... can we get through it? ..Yes? ..No? ..Don't know... let's try!
Similarly and slowly with a tug, a notch and a tic... We... HAM 312 and me went inside the locks... and upon the first uttered words from the pilot - 'in position', I gently brought her alongside. Ropes were passed and she was tied down. (Not that she requires any taming.)
It was a personal acheivement... despite the accolades I appeared calm... but I was overwhelmed with relief... felt like screaming with joy... shouting out loud... Yes, I did it...!!
And in the words of my Captain, it was - "Uttam... Ati Uttam...!!".
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| On "The Left Front" |
