Bow Cecil crew recount drydock experience

Internal News | 15.03.2022

This article was published more than one year ago. The information may be outdated.

Bow Cecil is back at sea after a few weeks at drydock, and has since loaded various types of cargo. As the 1998-built vessel sailed to Manila to conduct crew change, the men and women on board look back to their days at the Chengxi shipyard in China, and look ahead to life back at sea.

It had been a different experience for each of the crew: for some, it was the first drydock of their career, while for the others, it was the first in their current role. And then there were those who have been part of a number of drydockings in the past.

The crew's stay at the yard was not without challenges. The threat of the pandemic remained, even if Covid measures were strictly enforced. The crew were not given opportunity to take shore leave as well, as they endured the cold weather in Chengxi. Here's their recount:

It was my fifth time attending a ship in the shipyard as Captain. It had been challenging due to the pandemic, with no shore leave to allow the crew to unwind.

However, it is always a learning experience whenever a ship is in a shipyard. I’m grateful that the jobs were all safely done and all crew members, our Technical Superintendent, contractors, Class surveyors and shipyard workers, are all fine despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Special thanks to our TSI Kim Rikard Sætre for his guidance and support.

It feels great to be back at sea: it's time to start loading cargoes again and earn for Odfjell. Our first stop was in Deqiao Terminal in Jingjiang, China, where we loaded Bow Cecil's first cargo of 6000 MT of acetic acid for 2022. It’s nice to be back!

Captain Luisito Cantona
Master

A lot of work had to be done at the shipyard, that allowed us to gain experience and knowledge especially on jobs that can only be done in drydock.

It's great to be at sea again, to feel the air without dust from steel work, and to continue the painting jobs on deck.

Chief Officer Jeffrey Capispisan

I gained a lot of experience at the yard. It was a wonderful experience for me and I will cherish this moment my whole life.

It’s somehow refreshing to be back at sea, traveling with the new version of the ship.

Third Officer Waren Mosqueda

We did a lot of repair and maintenance jobs at the yard while following Covid-19 protocols.

I am happy to be back at sea because we accomplished the Bow Cecil drydock without accidents, and without getting the virus.

Fitter Alvin Dumael

My drydock experience was a mixed ride. I felt nervous at first knowing that it's my first drydock, yet my uncertainties became transient because of the dependable SMTs, TSI and fellow crew. There had been a lot of learning experience and a lot of work too—some of which I did enjoy doing; some, just tiring. But I am fortunate because this experience has given me knowledge that I can use in the future. It has also been an accomplishment, as drydock jobs are not easy.

There’s a feeling of freedom and accomplishment to be back at sea. Yard steels, heavy yard equipment, busy noises of people working, and the lack of power in the ship make the vessel restricted, and the environment restless. With the vessel back to her proper place, she is now free to travel and readily available to take in cargoes.

Third Officer Joffer M. Sumalinog

My overall experience at the yard was good, thanks to the effective management of Bow Cecil MST and our Technical Superintendent. It was my first time to experience drydocking at Chengxi, and I noticed that the yard’s technicality was not as good compared to other yards where I’ve been.

Being back at sea was a little bit challenging especially to the Engine department. Yet we managed to put it back to normal operation with the good cooperation among the crew.

Third Engineer Jade Salazar

Being at drydock is a great experience where you get to see things that you don’t see during the routine operation of the ship, such as: observing procedures that are followed while the ship is on drydock, and observing how the duties are distributed and how productive it is to work as a team in order to successfully complete the duty that you are assigned to.

It is nice to be back at sea knowing that the ship is in good condition after a successful repair.

Deck Cadet Lungisile Portia Mbutho

Drydocking is a great experience especially to those who love to learn, because at the yard, you get to see things that you don’t see during the normal routine operation of the vessel. It has been a challenging yet fulfilling accomplishment, with an enjoyable learning experience.

It is great to be back at sea because the yard jobs were already completed, and the vessel is ready to set sail again, fresh and new.

Second Engineer Roel Piodena

It was my first time to do drydocking as Chief Engineer, so I was a bit nervous and at the same time, excited. I was excited because I was handling the job for the first time, and nervous that I would miss something, especially since there were too many services, testing, and needed spare parts. But with the support and help from fellow SMT members and TSI, as well as the ship’s crew and shore personnel, the job went well.

It's a relief to be back at sea after all the overhauling and maintenance work. Save for a few extra tightening jobs on some of the fittings and connections, both the main engine and the vessel are now back in normal operation. I am happy to be back at sea, and happy that the vessel is back to business again.

Chief Engineer Ronaldo Aguila

I was also here around the same time in 2020, and the only difference is the Covid-19 pandemic. I missed fried rice, dumplings and other Chinese dishes.

It’s good to be back at sea, as I missed the sound of the engine and other machinery.

Motorman Jonel Santamena

It was a good learning experience. I was able to help with overhauling a cargo pump. I assisted in deck maintenance work as well.

I missed being at sea, being back to normal routines, and I missed the beautiful sunsets.

Deck Cadet Zimvo Alizwa Lugadlalala

We know that drydock is for upgrading the ship, so tasks had been challenging. But I also learned a lot and I gained more experience.

The sea is my life! Although after drydock comes the challenge of cleaning and organizing tools.

Motorman Reymar Joaquin

It was my first time to experience drydocking as a Fourth Engineer, and it had been challenging for me. We had busy days because there was a lot of work that needed to be done and to be assisted. But because of the management team who guided and helped us, it felt like normal working days at sea.

To be back at sea from drydock is equally challenging because we had to do some small back jobs, some housekeeping tasks, and had to put all machineries back to normal operation. But it's nice to be able to go back to our routines on board.

Fourth Engineer Ephraim Fadollone III

It was very exhausting but at the same time, it was a good experience as I was able to balance my time with the daily tasks. It had been a rewarding experience.

My days are now back to usual, with additional jobs on cleaning and organizing. I felt relieved that we only had minor problems during commencement of departure at port.

Electrician Noel Barranco, Jr.

It was very exhausting and stressful since a lot of repairs/works were happening at the same time. But it was also fun seeing that the whole crew are all working together to ease each other’s work load.

It is good to be back at sea since we have less workload than we did during drydock. But we still have to doublecheck all the repairs so we expect more work than usual.

Electrician Trainee Harvey John Ayupan

It had been fun at the drydock because I learned new things that I can apply in my next vessel. Working at drydock is like a normal day on board, where the crew help each other to finish a job.

I am happy to be back at sea and live a normal life on board. I missed my daily routine, as well as the bonding with fellow Engine department crew, and the rest on board.

Engine Boy Aerol Clark Manibale

Compared to my other drydock experiences, this one had been more challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite of this circumstance, I still managed to do the tasks assigned to me while following all safety protocols. Another challenge was the weather in China, it was so cold. I am thankful that I was able to adapt so it would not affect my work.

It is very busy to be back at sea right after leaving the shipyard. We did tank cleaning to prepare the vessel for loading. I am busy and tired but I am more excited knowing that I will be home soon.

AB Joly Beboso

Although we had a challenging experience during drydock because of the season, everything went well because everyone cooperated and helped to pull it through.

To be back at sea is a continuous working and learning experience for me as a shipboard personnel.

Chief Cook Renato Terible

It had been challenging and tiring, but also satisfying because I gained a lot of knowledge and experience for my career. Having good and supportive SMTs is an advantage to overcome challenges easily and to complete the job.

I am relieved and at the same time proud at to be back a sea, knowing that all of us did a good job during drydock and everyone is safe. We are now ready to face new challenges at sea.

Second Officer Ronald Dela Cruz

It had been challenging, and we did a lot of work. Despite the cold weather, we managed to finish our jobs in a smooth and safe manner.

It is nice to be back at sea because this means Bow Cecil is back to business with a more fuel-efficient engine and better-looking exterior.

Bosun Manuel Milo

Drydocking is not new to me, as this is my third time going into drydock. Procedures differ for each company but the purpose is the same. I was worried at first because of the pandemic, but the topnotch level of safety practices, procedures and awareness among the crew that I noticed since started working with Odfjell made me feel relieved.

The experience is no different in drydock; everyone was concerned and watched out for everybody. It was a busy time from preparation up to the end of drydock, ensuring that any issues are fixed and everything is back to working state. It gave me a sense of satisfaction and security knowing that the ship will be just fine when we get back to sailing.

I am glad that we are back sailing. Now, we have less interaction with drydock personnel and less worry about Covid infections.

Ordinary Seaman Kert Dave Rivera

We were so busy at drydock and had a lot of jobs to do, but we were always thinking of our safety. The pre-work talks helped us a lot to do our job safely.

After the drydock, it is nice to be back at sea. The drydock has been beneficial because most of the problems we had were fixed.

AB Resty John Penetrante

We did a lot of maintenance and repairs at drydock, and managed to fix any issues successfully.

I feel excited to be back at sea because that means coming home soon.

OS Mark Nel Harold Medrano

It had been a challenging drydock experience for me as it was my first time doing it in an international vessel. It had been so different from my experience with an inter-island vessel because there was more work and much to learn, but it had been a good experience.

It is good to be back at sea and start regular deck operation again.

Deck Boy Anthony Edulan

Bow Cecil crew recount drydock experience

Related stories