Page 65 - Maritime Book 1

CONTROLLING YOUR FEAR
As a navy veteran with seven years experience, mainly on strike craft, Devan joined Transnet in 1997 to become a tug master in East London before being enrolled in the Class of 99 to help change the future of the maritime industry.
He quali ed as a marine pilot and in 2003 was deployed to the Port of Durban – where he learned all about controlling fear, regaining calm, and managing incredible pressure.
“There were only about 14 of us when 22 were needed. I have never worked so hard in my life. It was also the rst time that I was being transferred onto vessels by helicopter. My heart would be pounding as I was lowered onto the vessel, which would often be rolling beneath me. It was before the entrance channel was widened and you had to go at an angle at full speed to get the vessel through the current. Some days you barely got back on dry land before you were back in the helicopter going out to sea to bring another vessel in,” he said.
Those early years were dif cult, and mentors such as Tsietsi Mokhele, Gerry Staverees and Don McGhee helped protect the young pilots as they gained experience in the South African port system.
“Tsietsi Mokhele came up with the fast-tracked piloting concept. I got to know and respect him in the Navy. Gerry and Don fended off all the guys that made life dif cult for us. They were also so willing to share their knowledge. We had to ght our way through the ports,” he said.
As for gender equity, Devan believes that there is no room to hide in this industry.
“Over the years I have seen and trained the ladies
on the water, and they are as good if not better than the men. You can’t fake it in this job, and women have pushed the boundaries. In management roles they are more subtle, and intuitive, which is de nitely a positive,” he said.
As a senior pilot, Devan continues to play a vital role in supporting the South African Maritime Economy – as a relief pilot to the Ports of Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and Mossel Bay and is also understudying to relieve at Saldanha, in addition to his responsibilities in the Port of Cape Town.
There are not many like him in the port system, as you have to understand the port and the different weather conditions in order to bring a vessel safely into port. Devan’s thirst for excitement means he is always up for the challenge.
MARINE PILOT DEVAN PULLIAH PORT OF CAPE TOWN
Pilotage is all about controlling your
fear, " My heart would be pounding as I was lowered onto the ve el , which would often be rolling beneath me."
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