Not only captains and engineers are important in controlling ships.
There are other people who are not recognised for their job but are equally important.
Looking after the plumbing system in a ship is an important job that most people do not always think of.
A 55 year- old Marine Plumber Randy Aaron from Tumbanga in Marovo, Western Province shared his experience with the Solomon Star when the MV Kosco he now works aboard arrived in Auki.
Aaron is an experienced Marine Plumber and served in various ships as an Assistant Engineer and Plumber for more than 20 years.
He started his Marine Plumbing job when he was just 14 years old and worked for the Solomon Taiyo Fishing Company.
Aaron served in Tulagi in the Central Islands Province and later Noro in the Western Province.
He told the Solomon Star that there are three important things in ships that must be always checked before it sets sail.
He said chief captains and engineers always work closely with ship plumbers to ensure that everything is right before departure to their next destination.
“For passengers boats, toilets and water system are more important because all passengers will always use them.
“Toilets and bathrooms system must be regularly checked to maintain cleanliness.
“Just imagine boarding a boat without toilets and water. What will you do when nature calls? I think the only way is to directly relief oneself into the sea which is not safe,” Aaron said.
Aaron said at times there were problems encountered with the toilet and water system on the ships he was working aboard and everyone relied on him to fix it.
He said Marine Plumbing is not an easy task because there are many connections leading to ship engine as well as the electrical system.
“All plumbing systems are normally located at the part of the ship that is not easy to access. So during bad weather, I have to go into the trap doors to find the problem.
“Most times, I risk my life trying to make my way between pipes and narrow corridors to fix the problems,” Aaron said.
He said he usually touches ‘bad fluid’ or human waste before fixing toilets or the water system.
“My boots, clothes, hands and sometimes my face come into contact with other people’s body fluids and waste. I take a good shower every time thereafter.” Aaron said.
“In ships, water and sanitation are very important services that must be checked to be in order before sailing. The captains and engineers always work together to ensure safety and welfare of passengers.
“Lots of cargo boast use sea water for toilet cleaning,” Aaron added.
Aaron said he normally releases human wastes two miles away from shore.
SOLOMON LOFANA
in Auki
