As a seafarer’s wife, you carry a quiet wish in your heart – to step into his world. Not just hear about it over a video call, but be there to see what he sees, feel what he feels and understand the life he lives at sea.

And last week, God finally ticked it for me.

It all started as just a chance. My husband’s vessel was arriving for cargo operations and would be at anchor for a couple of days in my city. With Diwali approaching, I had already ordered sweets and fairy lights for the crew – small things to bring a little festive warmth on board. And quietly, I hoped for one thing – a chance to visit.

After nearly missing the opportunity, everything came together at the very last minute. My heart was fluttering and my mind was racing. I was finally going to meet my husband, Capt. Rajesh Kumar Todiwan, in his element; to see him at work and experience his world.

I’m deeply grateful to GAC Shipping, especially Prashant, whose professionalism and care helped make this visit possible. He and his team – Sanjeev and Mukesh truly went above and beyond.

On the day, I left home with my boys, barely able to contain my excitement. We reached Yellow Gate on time, completed the formalities and were taken by a small boat to MT Bow Endeavor, anchored amid busy cargo operations. Barges lined both sides of the vessel and she stood out proudly among the ships around her – a majestic sight! The colour makes it the centre of attraction and Odfjell logo is unique, can’t miss it. Among a sea of vessels this one was the focal point!

Third Officer Ivo was there to welcome us. Then came my first-ever climb up a pilot ladder. What an experience! The crew at the main deck guided and encouraged me all the way. Their words were similar to the anaesthetist who got me ready for a c section delivery, it was that soothing. I climbed first, followed by my sons….and we made it aboard. An adventure we’ll never forget.

We arrived around lunchtime and were warmly welcomed by Chief Engineer Petar, whom I had met earlier and now consider a friend. It was lovely to see the genuine bond he shares with my husband. It was also wonderful meeting Chief Officer Junaid, Second Engineer Ivegen, Second Officer Kenneth, Third Officer Guzman, and ETO Win Htay.

The kitchen and mess team; Janu Balkrishna and Ketan, looked after us so kindly. Over lunch with the officers, we exchanged stories, learned about their routines and began to get a glimpse of life on board.

Then my husband showed me around the vessel. Fresh from dry dock, she looked magnificent and so did he, sporting his captain’s beard! It was a new look for me, but some looks simply grow on you.

And one more thing that really touched my heart – the ship has a new gym and so well equipped! I saw it – treadmill, cycling, weights, rowing, everything. With motivating words on the walls; TRAIN HARDER — NO EXCUSES, NO PAIN NO GAIN and many more. I smiled seeing it.

You know, for our seafarers who stay onboard for months, away from home, this is not just a gym. This is so much needed. For their health, for their fitness and for their mental well-being. After a long watch, after 24×7 cargo work, this small facility gives them a place to release their stress, to stay positive, to stay strong… to feel the adrenaline rush. So thank you to the management of OSM Thome; when I spoke about this to my husband he said the support from superintendent, the vessel manager makes all this possible so thank you to Jurica Mustac for thinking about the crew like this and providing this facility. It really shows you value your people.

I tried to take a little nap, wanting to experience even the ordinary moments of life on board. From the captain’s office, the city looked vibrant. But inside me, the feelings were even more vivid, I felt 16 all over again, a girl truly in love with life and the world around her.

You know, I am doing this for the first time ever since our marriage, 21 years ago. In fact, I am so grateful to OSM Thome for this opportunity. It was about 4 years ago I first visited hubby onboard an Odfjell vessel – MT Bow Neon. It was a very short visit, but what an experience it was; My moment of truth and something I’ll cherish all my life. No one forgets the first WOW experience!

Then I was lucky to get two more opportunities for short, touch-and-go type of visits on Bow Palladium and then Bow Endeavor.

This was my fourth visit and, as they say, fourth time lucky. It was different. This time I got to STAY. Just for a night though, but it was home. And again, it was an Odfjell vessel. Somewhere I feel my stars have aligned with Odfjell and OSM Thome. Hubby has been sailing for over three decades… but only when he joined OSM Thome, I got the opportunity to visit his world. So you see why I love this organisation…

When hubby gets offers from other companies, I wish he doesn’t consider them no matter how exciting they are. Because this is an organisation that values its people. But somewhere I also feel organisations need to value the older people within the organisation who are loyal. They are the pillars.

Taking the round of the vessel, meeting crew the trainer in me was quite active both sharing knowledge and absorbing new learnings from them.

But the greatest joy was having our children there. They could finally see what their father’s work is really like. They saw that life at sea is demanding, disciplined and full of responsibility. Cargo operations were underway around the clock. Watches had to be managed carefully, every important detail reported and the work never truly stopped.

My husband was busy even taking a watch so his officers could rest. In just 24 hours, I learned so much more about my husband and about the life of a seafarer. I saw the professionalism, simplicity and brotherhood. I felt how deeply home and family are missed, and how a familiar face from shore can lift everyone’s spirits.

The crew came from five different nationalities, yet they shared one purpose: to operate safely, care for one another and protect the environment. That’s when I understood even more clearly; seafaring isn’t just a job. It’s an entire world out there at sea.

And for one beautiful night, it was my world too.

Thank you, OSM Thome. Thank you to every crew member who made me and my boys feel so welcome. We’ll carry this memory in our hearts. I must add a note of gratitude and appreciation for Gilbert, Nelbert, Rainier, Patrick, Deepesh, Mohd. Hasnain, Harrish, Martyn, Karthik, Indreesh, Pedro, Sandip, Rene for being a wonderful team.

And now, I have a new dream: to sail with my husband one day. Fingers crossed! Its but human nature to aspire for more fulfilling experiences. In today’s time people pay for experiences and in my industry we value these so much.

With a heart full of gratitude.

Fair winds and following seas!