Durban maritime graduate proud to be delivering essentials in time of need

WHILE most industries have been shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, trade and shipping are still in operation as they fulfil an essential service.

Qhawe Ngcobo, 24, a Maritime Studies graduate from the Durban University of Technology has spent the last month at sea delivering essential goods that keep the economy ticking.

Ngcobo is a junior navigation officer aboard a bulk carrier filled with thousands of tonnes of wheat grain headed for the United Arab Emirates.

Although it is daunting to be at sea while an airborne contagious virus shuts down the whole world, Ngcobo said he is encouraged that he is delivering essential items to countries in times of need.

“There is fulfillment that one gets from working while people are sitting at home. We know what we are delivering is important, like coal for electricity, wheat for bread and stuff like that. I feel like I am doing some good to help the human race in some way,” he said.

Ever since the coronavirus was confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, a lot of countries across the world proposed strict immigration regulations on their borders and ports barring foreign crew members from disembarking.

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For the last two months, Ngcobo has not touched ground and it will be the same when he arrives in the UAE in two weeks.

“I joined this line of business to be able to travel and see the world. Right now we cannot step outside the ship like we used to because there are associated risks of potentially catching the virus and returning it on board,” said Ngcobo.

Even out at sea, isolated from the entire world, Ngcobo said there is still a fear of the coronavirus and the harm it could potentially cause for them.

“When you are at sea, you are isolated and on board there are little resources to help if you get contaminated. If someone coughs on board, it gets awkward because you are not sure if they have the virus or not but fortunately no one has shown any signs.

“Even if you detect the virus, the only help you can get is on the next port and that is usually about 21 days away so you can imagine in a ship with 24 people there’s a good chance it would spread to everyone,” he said.

Ngcobo has not set foot in South Africa since September last year and with the increased demand for shipping due to airlines out of commission, he is not sure when he will be back home.

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