MEET THE CREW SERIES - Kayla van den Bergh, Sole Deckhand
We had the opportunity to meet Kayla van den Bergh, a 21-year-old sole deckhand from South Africa currently stationed in Egypt. With a journey in the industry since 2022, she will take us through her daily routine. Kayla shares insights for aspiring seafarers, highlighting the need for patience in securing that first job, the value of accumulating experience, and the importance of financial planning. Read the interview below.
1. What was your position in the maritime industry? How long have you been working in the industry?
I am currently a sole deckhand located in Egypt, and I am completing my AEC and YM offshore courses. I have been in the industry since 2022 and still going strong.
2. What does your working day consist of? What is the best part of your work onboard?
My typical working days when we don’t have trips consist of washdowns, polishing, organizing, and detailing. When we do have trips, I start with a full washdown, prepping sunbeds, setting up the outside seating area, putting towels down, and getting the shoe basket ready. After setting up we let go of the lines and head out, where I will do a simple and easy anchoring. Once that’s finished, I prep all water toys.
3. What training is needed to get to your position?
The qualifications I had before getting this job were a basic deckhand course, PB2, PWC, STCWs, Yacht Rating, VHF Radio, and an ENG1. I also had some tender driving experience.
4. What is your favorite memory from ship life?
My favorite memory was my first trip on my current boat. While I was busy standing on the bow as we were entering the marina, four dolphins swam in front of us playing in the water.
5. What would you say to someone just starting in the industry?
Just be patient. Landing your first job will be challenging and require a lot of willpower and patience. As soon as you land your first gig, stick it out and try to gain at least two years of experience. This will show longevity and will also make job searching a whole lot easier! Also, SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Start investing ASAP!!!
6. If you were to choose now, would you still work in the maritime industry?
If I could go back to when I first started, I would still choose the maritime industry. I love meeting new people from all over the world, traveling, and getting enough money to provide for my family. I wouldn’t want to change anything.
7. If there is one, share a story about a particularly challenging problem you faced at sea and how you resolved it.
On our way to the Suez Canal, we had no problems whatsoever, but then all of a sudden our engines cut out. There were no alarms to warn us, it just cut out. We struggled for +-40 min just trying to figure out what could’ve caused it: “Did we hit something? Do we have a serious engine problem, and if yes, what could it be? Are the engines overheating?” After all these questions, it was something as small as our fire prevention screw that got rusted. After giving it a quick fix, we were back on track to Greece.
8. Have you ever had a memorable encounter with marine wildlife during your voyages?
Yes. Not particularly on my boat, but while in the Red Sea, I went snorkeling on my 21st birthday and had the amazing opportunity to swim with dolphins.
9. Share a lesson from a mentor or colleague that profoundly influenced your career.
Get everything done as quickly and efficiently as you can. Rather be ready three hours before the guest’s arrival. Sometimes, the harsh mentoring is so worth it in the long run, even when it seems horrible and exhausting at the moment.
10. Reflecting on your experiences, what personal skills do you believe are essential for a successful seafarer?
Great time management skills, communication skills, good eye for detail, tidiness, being understanding, and a good listener. Reflecting on my seafaring journey, I've found these to be some key skills. Time management orchestrates the chaos, communication turns a crew into a harmonious ensemble, and a keen eye for detail ensures safety and efficiency. Above all, tidiness reflects the discipline that keeps our floating home in order. Yet, beyond these, empathy, forging connections, and having understanding while having many personal challenges are probably the most important skills you can have.
It was a pleasure hearing Kayla's stories and remembering how it was to get into the maritime world for the first time. For more information and advice on building your career in this exciting and challenging industry, check out our blog.