Page 66 - Maritime Book 1

PROVING I COULD DO THE JOB
MARINE PILOT SABELO XULU PORT OF RICHARDS BAY
" The most important thing is to get the basics right and develop your own style of piloting."
Being part of the rst group to undergo the new pilot training programme in Rotterdam in 1999 was a big motivator for the young Sabelo Xulu from Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sabelo went directly into maritime studies from matric. He had completed his cadetship earlier that year and was serving as an of cer at sea when he was approached by Transnet and selected for the training.
On his return from Rotterdam, he undertook his practical training in the Port of Richards Bay from 2000. Working hard to prove himself he obtained his rst pilot’s licence in July 2001 and continued through six licence stages to achieve his open licence in January 2006.
“My biggest challenge was that I was among the youngest to become a pilot at the age of 24 and most ships’ captains could not believe that I could do the job. However, I was able to prove them wrong by making sure that my jobs were done perfectly.”
“I am grateful to a number of senior pilots who contributed a lot towards my training: Pilot Wim Van Es (designated pilot trainer), Pilot Graeme Barret, Pilot Mike Van Loon and Pilot Keith Marks. They took their time to teach me different skills
in piloting and I am not afraid to say that I am a successful pilot because of them.”
Sabelo may have had some near-misses, but believes those experiences made him a better and more cautious pilot. “I have never had an incident where a ship was damaged due to my piloting,
but I once had a life-threatening situation with a pilot boat some years ago. I fell into the sea while boarding an incoming vessel at about 02:00 in the morning. The incident taught me that life comes rst and that at no stage should I risk my life.”
“The changes in the maritime industry have created many opportunities for younger employees as tug masters, pilot boat masters, berthing masters, marine managers, deputy harbour masters and harbour masters.“
“My advice to young cadets who want to become pilots is that they should not be afraid. This job can be done. To be successful you need a positive attitude, courage and discipline.”
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