A Story of Struggles, Growth, and Resilience
It all began in 2006, at the age of 26, when I took my first offshore job with Saipem.
I remember that I had bought a hard case Emicio Tucci suitcase. Shortly afterwards I was disappointed because that type of suitcase was not allowed on the helicopter due to space and weight.
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| DP Reel |
I had no idea what to expect, and frankly, I had no real idea of what I was getting into. My first destination was Angola, where I boarded the DP Reel vessel to finish the Dalia project. At that point, I had zero knowledge of English and only one Spanish-speaking colleague, a seasoned worker who barely spoke any English himself. I had to learn English the hard way, using my trusty Casio translator as my guide.
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| Far Sovereinq |
Soon after that, I moved to the
Far Sovereign, where I encountered one of the most difficult and challenging people I've ever met in my 18-year career: my supervisor on deck. This man, a stubborn Galician named ¨Rosmón¨, made my life on board a nightmare for the two campaigns I spent with him. I had never felt so close to quitting as I did during that time. His leadership was toxic, and his treatment of me was demoralizing. It was a dark chapter in my offshore career, and for a moment, I honestly questioned if I had made the right choice.
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| Normand Cutter (Rotterdam) |
Back in Europe I made my shipment in the Normand Cutter, a multifunctional vessel with which it deserves a separate post because it was there that I met a large family with which today despite working in different companies we usually meet from time to time. As I have already said, it deserves a separate mention.
The first few years offshore were tough, but they shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
The most important lesson I learned was the value of self-respect. The grumpy old boss on the
Far Sovereign may have tried to break me down, but in the end, he only helped me realize my worth. I learned to stand up for myself, and I promised myself I would never let anyone treat me like that again.
Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. Every struggle, every difficult person, every challenge I faced made me who I am today. And while the journey was far from easy, it was worth every step.
Remember, those of you who are going to to begin in this world not to carry any suitcase with a hard case.
Keep it coming Cris, it’s a great read so far. You my friend should probably think about writing a book alongside this blog. 👍
ResponderEliminarThanks, my friend. I'm glad you like it. Feel free to tell us some stories. Best regards.
EliminarGreat Read 👊🏻
ResponderEliminarThank´s
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ResponderEliminarIt had been a while since I saw Budi, before The Armada (Budi, Carlos, Tino, Novo, Román and I) tried to have a meeting when we all met on land, we were 6 characters who, due to things of fate (now I know that this exists) ended up on the Normand Cutter, the best boat I will ever see in my life, both on our part and on that of Brian, Dave, Steve, Taffy, Joe, Bryan..., and so many others that I can't remember. A few months ago Budi told us that they were opening a store in his wife's town and that we were invited to the opening. There I went to see a friend and his wife who were looking for their way with their happy family but it turns out that this fucking life had other plans for Budi, to make him stronger, to make him more resilient and to act as a shield for his family as he always did.
ResponderEliminarNow what he has left is to fight, for himself, for his wife and for his daughters and he knows that in this fight The Armada will be on his shoulder to go as far as possible.
Always count on us
Nacho
I have no words Nacho. My father had told me many years ago, Cris in the sea you will make few friends but the few you make will be forever. And how right he was. Thank you very much for your words because they help a lot to value what I have.. A hug
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