Soaking up the Seaside: A Captain's Perspective During a Cruise Ship Rebirth, Boris Becker
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Captain Boris Becker's duties when his ship is in dry dock: - How does a ship's captain handle his vessel during dry docking, Boris Becker?
A captain's duties extend beyond the open sea. Case in point, the seven-week spell I spent aboard the "Aida Diva" during its dry dock refurbishment in Marseille. With up to 2000 souls on board - workers, providers, crewmembers, and all - it was practically a bustling cruise.
Rumors of captains catching forty winks? More myth than fact. My stint at the shipyard kept me wide awake 24/7, always at the beck and call. With continuous activity during a ship refit, not everyone's nose is to the grindstone at the same time, but you'll find that the busy periods are intensive, demanding "all hands on deck" situations.
Time on the Bridge—Maybe Four Hours
On an ordinary cruise day, I might spend four hours on the bridge during arrival and departure. These nautical tasks account for about a third of my time, with the remainder spent on leadership duties. As a captain, I'm akin to an operations manager and CEO, making sure all the ship's systems run smoothly and efficiently.
Transitioning to the shipyard, I remain the quartermaster, ensuring teams work together harmoniously and maintain a positive atmosphere. As the days in the dock begin early, at 6 AM, and conclude late, I've traded sea drifting for landbound beats. The sounds of drills, saws, and hammers echo through the workday, leading to coffee and meetings with the teams, project managers, and partners to discuss progress and unforeseen hiccups.
Unsurprisingly, I'd planned to replace just a few theater windows on the "Aida Diva." However, once the replacement began, it became apparent that all of them required an upgrade. So, I decided to go for a complete window overhaul, adding some unexpected challenges and expenses to the project; after all, the ship deserves to sail for the next 15 to 20 years stronger than before.
I don't make these tough decisions alone; the project's complexity necessitates collaboration.
Two Captains Afloat
For every sector, I have my specialists: technology, navigation, engineers, hotel services, and so on. My right-hand man is the staff captain, who keeps things shipshape on the bridge: watches, route planning, arrivals, and departures. In the spirit of teamwork, disagreements are inevitable, but that's when I step in as the captain, resolving conflicts and ensuring everybody plays their part to maintain the ship's safety and readiness.
Following the transportation of the "Aida Diva" to Italy, we had two senior captains aboard. Upon handing over command in the port office at Rome, I donned civvies, waved my uniform goodbye, and watched the ship depart from my cabin. It felt peculiar, a reversal of familiar roles. "I should be ascending to the bridge now, not here," I mused.
The "Aida Diva" was constructed in my presence during 2007, then as a security officer, and now refurbished under my guiding watch. They often ask me to participate in these projects - any requests I rarely deny, for I relish the challenge. However, it's an arduous task that leaves little free time for family and other pursuits.
The project draws to a close after four months. It's not the last time I'll be needed for a challenge of this size. I'll return home, spend two or three months with my loved ones, and then prepare for the next waves that undoubtedly await me.
Transparency note: This research trip was financially supported by Aida. However, this assistance did not influence our editorial independence in any way.
- Aida
- Seaside
- Construction
- Boris Becker
- Workplace
Enrichment Data:
Overseeing a cruise ship refurbishment, the captain primarily transitions from on-sea command to consulting and oversight roles on land. Here's a breakdown of their responsibilities:
- Coordination and Communication:
- The captain communicates with shipyard officials, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that the refurbishment aligns with the company’s operational goals and regulations.
- Safety regulations and marine standards during dry docking are often managed by other specialized personnel like safety superintendents.
- Inspection and Oversight:
- The captain may participate in inspections to verify that repairs and upgrades meet the required standards.
- They provide expertise and ensure that any changes or modifications do not compromise the ship’s safety or operational capabilities.
- Preparation for Return to Service:
- The captain is responsible for overseeing final preparations before the ship returns to service, ensuring all systems are functional, staff are trained on new features, and the ship is ready for passengers.
- Compliance and Documentation:
- The captain or their representatives ensure that all work is properly documented and certified to comply with maritime regulations.
- The captain, Boris Becker, found his role expanded during the refurbishment of the "Aida Diva" in Marseille, overseeing a bustling shipyard with up to 2000 people, including workers, crew members, and providers.
- As the project progressed, a complete window overhaul was decided upon, bringing unexpected challenges and expenses. Collaboration with various teams was essential to make such decisions.
- Though the "Aida Diva" was built under Boris Becker's watch in 2007 and refurbished during this project, his role transitioned from on-sea command to consulting and oversight during land-based refits, ensuring the ship was ready to sail for another 15 to 20 years.
