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While he now works full-time on a foreign-going bulk carrier, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Alumnus Burgos Leo Joubert Deado did not exactly have a smooth sailing journey in getting there.

He was first inspired to become a seafarer after he chanced upon the Nautical Studies booth at the SP Open House. As a person who loved the outdoors, the position of Ship Officer checked all the boxes of what he wanted in a job.

Describing it as an eye-opening experience, Leo shares that his biggest takeaway during his time in SP was during his year-long internship. He learnt valuable skills on how to play up his strengths and how not to dwell on his weaknesses. Working onboard anchor-handling vessels gave him confidence in knowing his way around the ship.

After completing the internship in 2017, Leo decided to postpone his Certificate of Competency Class 3 (COC3) examination and progress in his career till after his National Service (NS). “I focused on my service and put my maritime pursuits off to the side, with all the intention to pursue it the moment I was done.”

Picking up where he left off

However, after NS he found it a challenge to balance working and studying at the same time. Leo’s days were now split between food delivery runs during the day and studying at night. “Looking back, I could have managed my time better because that type of balance did not do me any good.”

He sat for the exam and unfortunately did not pass, which brought his journey of becoming a seafarer to a screeching halt. When thinking about re-taking the exam, he realised that his funds to pay for it had dried up.

Keeping the wind in his sail

Despite this setback, he was able to move forward and make positive changes to help him reach his goals. Leo revamped his work-study patterns and committed more of his time towards acing his exam by studying on the weekdays and working 10 to 14-hour shifts on the weekends. “It was the only way I could maximise my studying while earning the money to pay for all the training and exams.”

What really kept him going was motivation from fellow aspiring officers who were also taking their exams and reviewing work alongside him. With their support and added encouragement from his loved ones, Leo persevered and attained his COC3 in 2021.

Finding inspiration in work

At this point, Leo had been away from the nautical industry for almost 4 years. Instead of diving straight back in, he decided on working as a yacht skipper to help refresh his practical skills. He became enamoured with the job and ended up staying on for two years.

While longer than he intended, the work grew his love for the sea and gave him a thirst for knowledge that he did not have before. As a skipper, he realised that the best way to feed this thirst was to get back to commercial sailing.

It took a few more nudges, some from his fellow skippers and his former Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) lecturers to get him to apply for jobs. After attending interview after interview, Leo now serves as a Senior Deck Cadet on a Bulk Carrier with hopes of a promotion soon.

Advice for graduating students

When asked what he would advise fresh graduates on, Leo explains how choosing each next step with purpose is the best way to build a successful career. He also emphasised the importance of making informed decisions, staying true to your own ambitions, and finding the balance between what you want to achieve and your skillset. “Work to find an opportunity which not only harnesses what you want but also utilises your strengths.”

Leo also shares that patience and perseverance are important traits to have in a seafaring career. “Life onboard is tiring and stressful but staying patient with colleagues and preserving through the fatigue is key. A seafarer’s career is special because no one makes it without the support of an army of people. I am grateful to my family for supporting me all the way.”

Mr. Burgos Leo Joubert Deado
Diploma in Nautical Studies, 2017