The Bedok Passenger

This story happened to my uncle long time back, he had never told anybody about it except me. It happened during one of the usual night when he went out for dinner with my aunt and were on their way back, they saw a young lady signaling them to stop and ask if they could drive her to the nearest police station to make a police report.

My aunt feel very uneasy about it but my uncle had been a very helpful person, they let the lady get on and start heading towards the police station at their neighborhood. They couldn't seem to be able to locate the police station even though they are very familiar with the area, my aunt happen to view the back mirror and couldn't seem to find the lady at the back seat.

After a long duration of wandering around the neighborhood, they finally managed to locate the police station and let the lady get off. As they watch the lady walk towards the police station my aunt decided to told my uncle about the minor incident which she had encounter while they were looking for the police station when they finally left the location and we're on their way home.

My uncle felt that something wasn't right and decided to head back to the police station to find out what happened to the lady. They ask the duty officer inside about whether he had seen any lady coming over to make a police report, but the duty officer told them about his strange encounter.

He was very sleepy and thought his eyes are playing tricks on him, he did see a lady standing at the doorway for a moment but she kind of disappear when he blink his eyes. After trying to recall the whole incident, he seem to remember seeing a pair of scissors sticking out of the chest of that lady near the position where the heart supposed to be.

All of them felt something wasn't right and decided to go to the location where my uncle pick up the lady so that they are able to conduct a search and investigate on the incident. The police officer start knocking on every door on the block near to that location and ask if anybody had seem a lady that fit their description.

A few of the neighbors had point them to a unit which they think they would be able to find the lady they had describe, to their surprised they found the lady dead in a pool of blood with a pairs of scissors sticking out on her chest near the position of the heart.

They had arrested the lady boyfriend who is being suspected for the murder, and my uncle thought that would be the end of the story. My uncle happened to buy 4D with his car number and manage to strike first prize, buy the next day his car was smash by a fridge thrown from above. The money he win from the lottery was just enough for him to buy a new car, guess it kind of close the circle and end the story.

Security:

 

https://www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Apply-for-Security-Officer-Licence/Security-Progressive-Wage-Model-Requirements 

https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/progressive-wage-model/security-sector

https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/employment-practices/pwm/stc-report-on-enhanced-training-requirements-jan-2023.pdf 

I had initially only plan for completing the SO courses with PAPP for Ad Hoc Events, but they could not get enough people for SSO courses and ask for my help. After I completed SSO courses, I thought I might as well go all the way to complete the Diploma for CSO. But after finding out from a few people I met during the courses who got more experience in this industry, they had given a few advice which make me adjust my plan to suit the present situation better.

One of the advice is that I only need to go until SSS which enough to cover all kind of different duties and responsibilities, another advice is that Light Industry, Data Center, Hotel, Office Building and School are better than Auxiliary Police. Airport, Shopping Mall and Condo. Of course that are advantage and disadvantage for all but overall it is all depend on our personal preferences. There are also many other option like Traffic Marshal and Mobile Patrol, In House and Ad Hoc are better than Full Time as there are less responsibilities, higher pay and better benefit without the need to tie down to a fixed commitment and more freedom.

I had choose Acestes over NTUC as they response faster and their course fee is cheaper, I later also found that smaller class allow for more dedicated teaching which benefit us better than the refreshment provided for the morning and afternoon tea. As they only have courses for SO and SSO only, I will still have to do my further study in NTUC later after I had completed all my basic courses with them.

We can apply for the Security Officer License at Go Business website with $16 payment, we can then go to the Union for Security Employee at Textile Center to apply for the Security ID Pass with $25 payment. The notification will allow you to register with 2 companies and the new requirement doesn't require you to do full time which I will explain later.

https://www.use.org.sg/ 

SO (Security Officer)
2023 $1650
2024 $2650 ($2175) $10.10
2025 $2870 ($2315) $10.95
2026 $3090 ($2475) $11.80 ($140)
2027 $3310 ($2635) $12.65 ($150)
2028 $3530 ($2795) $13.45 ($160)

*Incident Response (HSIS)
9th to 12th Dec
$186 ($241.80)
Kallang 
Acestes

Incident Response (HSIS)
21st Dec to 3rd Jan
$225 ($255.25)
Paya Lebar
NTUC

*Guard and Patrol, Access Control (PGPS) Management 
16th to 19th Dec
$150 ($195)
Kallang 
Acestes

Guard and Patrol, Access Control (PGPS)
28th to 31st Jan
$180 ($196.20)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

*Threat Observation (RTT)
19th to 21st Jan
$150 ($195)
Kallang
Acestes

Threat Observation (RTT)
9th to 12 Jan
$225 ($245.25)
Paya Lebar
NTUC

Additional:
Deterrence (PAPP)
29th to 31st Jan
$126 ($137.34)
Kallang 
Acestes

Deterrence (PAPP)
21st to 26th Jan
$145.50 ($158.60)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

Total Acestes = $612 ($667.08) $336 ($436.80)

Total NTUC = $741 ($807.69)

SSO (Senior Security Officer)
6 months as SO
2023 $1830
2024 $2950 ($2375) $11.25
2025 $3170 ($2515) $12.10
2026 $3390 ($2675) $12.95 ($155)
2027 $3610 ($2835) $13.80 ($165)
2028 $3830 ($2995) $14.60 ($175)

*Deterrence (MDTB)
26th to 28th Jan
$156 ($170.04)
Kallang 
Acestes 

*Deterrence (MDTB)
28th to 30th Jan
$145.50 ($158.60)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

*Security Surveillance (SSM)
11th to 13th Feb
$156 ($170.04)
Kallang 
Acestes 

*Security Surveillance (SSM)
11th to 13th Feb
$139.50 ($147.70)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC 

Total Acestes = $312 ($340.08)

Total NTUC = $285 ($310.65)

 

As I am able to meet more people from the industry after I started my courses in NTUC, I start to get more information on various aspect of the different career paths. I sign up for more additional courses like CCTC, CSSPB, First Aid and Fire Safety so that I am able to have more options and meet most of the requirements. I have been thinking that I would need to do full time for the 3 years experience require for my SSS License but after meeting one of the Trainer who is in charge of PLRD before I found out that I can continue to do Ad Hoc as the notification is only for the old requirement.
 

Reschedule my CMSI and AASR to an earlier date due to new CMSI schedule available at Paya Lebar, initially I will only complete all the courses in Jun with about one and a half months free time from mid Apr to end May. But after reschedule the two courses together with CCTC and CSSPB, I am able to complete all by mid May.

 

https://www.police.gov.sg/Business-E-Services/Check-Private-Security-Licence

 For the courses which are In House Assessment and not by Powell, the trainee had to submit their Certificate download from Skill Future Website and submit through Go Business. You can check the status of your training record at PRLD Website under View Train Record in View License Detail, as some training center will do it for the trainee it is better to check before you do renewal for your License. I had decided to complete the other two optional In House courses as they are trying to get enough trainee to confirm the class schedule, so it will extend my course completion from mid May to Mid Jun.

 https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/community-and-volunteers/community-resources/myresponder-app 

First Aid is so far the most interesting course I had ever attend, as I had already attended both First Aid and Fire Fighting courses twice during my Secondary School in Uniform Group and again in Singapore Polytechnic for my Pre Sea Modules. I thought it will be boring and repetitive like most of the higher level security courses that I am attending now, but to my surprise there are a lot of additional knowledge on workplace safety and new update with other type of medical condition which I had never encounter during my previous courses.

As I already had a lot of experiences when I am working onboard ship, I am back to the inquisitive engineer personality which ask the trainer a lot of difficult questions. I had try my best to control myself when I complete my SO and SSO courses at Acestes and start my SS and SSS courses at NTUC, but I guess a leopard cannot change its spot so it was the different in knowledge that crash with my personal experience that trigger this chain reaction.

I was seriously injure during my national service in one of the exercise which could had ended my life, but I was very lucky that I did not went into shock like what the course material had indicated. I had verify with the trainer and he had confirmed that it is not possible that the situation that I had encountered is true, as his many years of experience had prove that all the medical situation he had encountered actually led to shock after serious injury.

I would not say it is not true and I had also encounter a few cases on board ship which I observe that it does usually develop that condition, so far only my own incident and another incident that cause a Burmese fifth engineer to crush 4 fingers are rare where the serious injury didn't led to shock condition. In other situation like the 70% 2nd degree chemical fire burn and the finger crush by auto backwash filter gear arrangement, the victim does display sign of shock.

I am not sure if I ever wrote about my military training incident but I does remember I wrote about all the shipboard experience, the fifth engineer incident happen on my cadet ship Orion and the other two incidents happen in new built vessel Austin and an old vessel Auriga. There are also a few other incidents that happen on other ship where even well train ship crews start to panic and completely forgot how they are suppose to react when the real situation happened. Most of those are on Kelana Satu where I really gain a lot of experience due to the condition of the vessel. 

As what one of my lecturer in Singapore Polytechnic like to say, Marine Engineer should be Cool, Calm and Collected. And also what one of my army officer told us, Rank is only what you wear, but Respect is what you earn. Better speak up and be a fool for a day, than to remain silent and be a fool forever. There are no stupid questions, only inquisitive idiot.

https://hydro73.blogspot.com/2019/10/sea-life-chapter-1-neptune-orion.html 

https://hydro73.blogspot.com/2019/10/sea-life-chapter-5.html 

https://hydro73.blogspot.com/2019/10/sea-life-chapter-7.html 

https://hydro73.blogspot.com/2019/10/sea-life-chapter-12.html 

A lot of changes recently, decided to take LMSO and PSD. LMSO is night class and it might be cancelled together with PSD because of not enough people enroll for the courses, my AASR was postponed to Mid May together with LMSO. Lucky both are at the same training center, and I happen to stay nearby. I was told that they require CSSSV for Data Center, so I am planning for it at End of Jun, I had already confirmed two ad hoc events jobs in End May and Mid Jun.

 

 

 

 

 There are 2 Telegram Group which post a lot of Ad Hoc Security Jobs, you just need to Search for Singapore Security Officer Jobs and you will be able to find it. There are 7 Facebook Group which post a lot of Permanent Jobs, you just need to Search for Security Jobs in  Singapore and you will be able to find it. 

Another changes came by surprise, the Robotics course which I had waited for 6 months finally available at End Jun. This had make me decide to delay the CSSSV course from End Jun to Early Jul, as the Robotics course seem hard to come by I think it would be a wise decision to put it as priority.  

 

 Receive an email which say that I am able to include my First Aid as a Skill in Job Street, I went through the trouble to upload all my previous Education Certificate on Skill Future Website so that it will also show on my Job Street Profile too. I had know about the PSLE and GCE O Level are available at Skill Future Website long time back, now I am able to keep a record of my other Education Certificates for easy access.

Manage to confirmed another F1 Race Job at Early Oct, had already decided to do Relief Duty for Acestes after I completed all my courses. Had been trying to get all the stuffs I need, at the same time also helping another classmate to get some stuffs which he need too. Been having a lot of meet up with two other close friends which I only get to know after I start my courses at NTUC, we decided to do as many Ad Hoc Events to gain experience since we are the only three that complete all the courses until SSS and still haven't start any security job until now.

Been busy with getting Part Time Relief and Ad Hoc Events Jobs, manage to join another WhatsApp Group named Advance Security Jobs. Manage to get Part Time Relief Jobs at a Hostel near my area and also get a Part Time Relief Jobs at Kallang Stadium from a company recommended by one of my Trainer. I was interested mainly because it is using technology to reduce manpower required for security, and my course in Robotics will be useful if I continue working with the company.

One of my classmate still unable to decide on what he wants to do, so we happen to drop by another company which do a lot of events for interview. Both of us manage to join the company, it will ensure that we are able to get more ad hoc events jobs in the future. I also manage to get a Part Time Relief Jobs from the company too, it will give me more options to try out before I decide to settle down with a permanent job posting.

Advance Security Jobs WhatsApp Group

 

 Finally completed my PSD and going to start my 2nd Event after this, the company also inform me that they will be sending the schedule of my Part Time Relief Site soon. Manage to fine tune my WhatsApp Group by putting the QR Code for Invite Link as the Group Icon for easy management for other members, I also put the Invite Link to other WhatsApp and Telegram Group so that it will help those who need to find Security Jobs.

The only setback is that my Robotics course had been cancelled due to lack of student, guess I will have to postpone it until later when I can find some friends who are interested in this course. There is a major event by the company which do bag check for MRT Station in Aug and Sep, I am still not sure about the details yet but just join the Group to secure a slot.

I had try to post some Event Jobs which are not related to Security in the Group so that they can do it when they do not have any Notification Free, they can also forward it to their family members too if they really need help with the financial status of their family. I had gone through the same when I was young and do not want to see the same happen to others, I will always try my very best to help in any way I could and I guess that is why I gain the respect from others.

I am not planning to take up other module as a lot of people had advice me against it, the most important task at hand is to gain more experience to get my SSO Grade soon so that I am able to open myself to wider job scope. Recently a few of my friends from Offshore Industry seem to become interested in Security Industry, my experience and knowledge which I had share in this blog will help those plan their path in the future if they are planning for a job switch.

https://sxc.sg/ 

SS (Security Supervisor)
12 months as SSO
2023 $2040
2024 $3250 ($2605) $12.40
2025 $3470 ($2745) $13.25
2026 $3690 ($2905) $14.10 ($170)
2027 $3910 ($3065) $14.90 ($180)
2028 $4130 ($3225) $15.75 ($190)

*Guard and Patrol (SSO)
23rd to 26th Feb
$180 ($196.20) $234
Paya Lebar 
NTUC
LLI-SSO-26-0651
1265879

Security Risk Analysis (AASR)
16th to 19th May
$195 ($212.55) $253.50
Paya Lebar 
NTUC
LLI-AASR-26-0653

1321874

Capability Development (ISP) 
In House
18th to 26th Mar
$180 ($196.20) $234
Paya Lebar 
NTUC 
LLI-ISP-26-0653

1285578

xSecurity Operation Compliance (PSD)? 

In House 
5th to 12th Jun
$210 ($228.90)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

LLI-PSD-26-0652

1341962

Total = $555 ($604.95)

SSS (Senior Security Supervisor)
18 months as SS
2023 $2240
2024 $3550 ($13.55)
2025 $3770 ($14.40)
2026 $3990 ($15.25) $180
2027 $4210 ($16.05) $190
2028 $4430 ($16.90) $200

*Manpower Planning (MRSO) D
27 Feb to 2nd Mar
$180 ($196.20) $234
Paya Lebar 
NTUC 
LLI-MRSO-26-0650
1265881

Manpower Planning (COBD) D?
11th to 13th Mar
$180 ($196.20) $234
Jurong East
NTUC 
DNI-COBD-26-0654

1291945

Incident Response (CMSI) D
1st to 5th Apr
$225 ($245.25) $292.50
Paya Lebar 
NTUC
LLI-CMSI-26-0653

1307110

Access Control (DSE)
4th to 6th Mar
$180 ($196.20) $234
Jurong East 
NTUC
DNI-ACM-DSE-0653
1291943

xPerformance Management (LMSO) D 
In House 

13th to 23rd Jun 

$294 ($320.46)
Paya Lebar
NTUC 

LLI-LMSO-26-0650

1322889

Additional:
Security Screening (CSSPB)
20th to 23rd Apr 
$145.50 ($158.60) $94.58
Paya Lebar 
NTUC
LLI-CSSPB-26-0658

1301026

Security Screening (CSSSV)

9th to 11th Jul

$145.50 ($158.60) $94.58

Jurong East 

NTUC

DNI-CSSSV-26-0655

Crowd Control (CCTC)
9th to 12th May
$145.50 ($158.60) $94.58
Paya Lebar 
NTUC
LLI-CCTC-26-0661

1321720

First Aid (OFA)
9th to 11th Apr
$91.12 ($118.46) $59.23
Bras Basah
NTUC
NTUH-OFA-26-0678

1321566

Fire Safety (RFEB)
14th to 15th Apr
$126 ($163.80) $81.90
Benoi
NTUC
BN-RFEB-26-0669

1324606

Total = $765 ($833.85)

CSO (Company Security Officer)
24 months as SSS

*Security Operation Compliance (MSALF) D
$240 ($261.60)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC 

xQuality Assurance and Audit (MSO) D
$297 ($323.73)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC 

Conflict Resolution Management (MRCSE) D
$240 ($261.60)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

Capability Development (AWESE) D
$240 ($261.60)
Paya Lebar 
NTUC

Total = $720 ($784.80)

Grand Total = $3230.76

 As I am still in progress of completing the courses for SS and SSS, I will update on the Role Play later as I clear the Assessments. (Finally completed all the courses require for SSS, there will not be any more update in future.)

Role Play for Assessment

SO

HSIS
1 Prepare for Patrol
   Injure Worker
   Falling Ceiling 
   (Pocket Book, Occurrence Book)
2 Office Break In
3 Small Fire
   Big Fire
   Evacuation 
4 Fire Alarm 
5 Bomb Threat 
   (Bomb Threat Call Checklist)
6 Suspicious Person 
7 Court Procedure 

PGPS OBSE ACM
1 Prepare for Duty (Clocking Point)
  (Equipment Register) (Occurrence Book)
2 Access Control (Staff Pass)
3 Guard House Duty 
   (Lost and Found Report)
4 Phone Call (Message Form)
5 Patrol Duty (Clocking Points)
   Fire Extinguisher 
   Door Ajar (Pocket Book)
   Access Card Reader
   Block Emergency Exit
   Loading Bay Theft*
   Chemical Agent Attack 
6 Intrusion Alarm

RTT
1 Suspicious Person 
2 Suspicious Car (Pocket Book)
3 Suspicious Package

PAPP
1 Access Control (Visitor Log)
  (Body Search) (Bag Search)
2 Suspicious Person (Bag Search)
3 Suspicious Car (Move On Order)
4 Suspicious Person taking Photos 
5 UAV 

SSO

MDTB
1 Grooming (Equipment Checklist)
   Private Sales Event
2 Female Queue Cutter
   (Occurrence Book) (Incident Report)
3 Wheel Clamp
4 No Pets Allowed 
5 Crowd Gathering Fighting 
6 Banned List

SSM
1 CCTV
2 Site Map
3 Theft at Loading Bay 
   (Boardcast) (Incident Report)
4 Suspicious Bag
   Crowd Gathering 

SS

SSO
1 SOP Briefing (Inspection Checklist)
2 Duty Briefing (Shift Schedule)
   Patrol
   Key
   Guard Room
   Fire SOP Briefing 
   Change Shift 
3 Construction Safety and Health 
   Wire Dangling 
4 Performance 
   Late for Work
   Lost and Found 
   Smoking
5 Barrier Fault 
   Fire Alarm Fault 
   Big Fire
   Fire Alarm Servicing 

ISP

1 Induction Checklist 

2 OJT Guide

   Access Control Duty 

3 Patrol Duty

4 Security and Alarm System 

5 Reception Duties 

AASR

1 Access Client Security Status (Preparation)

   Review SOP

   Review Incident Report 

   Prepare Work Plan

2 Conduct Site Assessment

   Review Site Plan 

   Review Inventory List 

   Review Security System 

   Conduct Site Assessment 

3 Address Security Deficiencies 

   Assessment and Analysis 

   Recommendations 

   Estimated Cost 

   (Site Assessment Checklist)

4 Submit Findings and Recommendations 

   Presentation 

   Findings and Recommendations 

PSDLF 

1 Employment Act

2 Security Service Agreement 

3 Clients Interest

4 Penal Code  

SSS

MRSO
1 SOP (Inspection Checklist) (Duty Rooster)
2 Prepare for Duty 
   Report Sick
   MP Visit Briefing 
3 Smoking at Carpark (Dossier Entry)
   Additional Manpower 
4 Review Security Operation 
   (Occurrence Book) (Equipment Checklist)

DSE
1 Security Gaps
   Carpark
   Thief Side Gate 
   Fire Bin Center 
   Palm Tree CCTV
2 Briefing 
   Vehicle Barrier 
   Access Card Reader 
   Finger Print Reader
   Faulty Access Card Reader
   Unauthorized Person 
3 Intruder Alarm
4 CCTV

COBD

1 Assignment Contract 

   Operation Order

   Action Plan

2 Operation Briefing (Power Point)

   Attendance 

   Handout

   Site Plan

3 Operation Debriefing (Power Point)

   Attendance 

   Handout

   SOP

   Post Event Review (Power Point)

CMSI

1 Trapped in Lift 

   Alarm Activated 

   Confirmation 

   Technician 

   Rescue, Rectify Faults 

   Normal Operation (Incident Report)

2 False Alarm 

   Fire Alarm 

   Sprinkler Burst

   Action at Lift Landing 

3 Gas Leak

   Strong Smell from Canteen 

   Take Action after Confirmation 

4 Break In Theft

   Patrol Report at Warehouse 

   Arrested and Stolen Item Found

   Corrective Actions to Enhance  Physical Security Control Measures

LMSO

1 Operation Documents (Contact, SOP, Site, Map, Deployment) 

   Operation Order 

   Site Inspection Checklist 

   Regulations (Private Security Industry Regulations)(Conduct, Private Investigation and Security Agency)

2  Tasks (Weekly Duty Roster, Daily Deployment Roster)

   Methods (Duties and Responsibilities)

   Strategy (Check)

   Take Action (Investigation and Finding)

   Supervision (Performance, Conduct, Disciplinary)

   Interpersonal Skills (Interview, Counseling)

   Coaching (Explain, Guide, Monitor)

   Attire (Roll Call, Briefing, Explain)

3 KPI (Demonstrate, Induction, Enforce)

   Appraisal (Discuss)

4 Training 

   Improvement (Standard, Values)

   Monitor (Complete Tasks, Feedback, Encourage)

CSSPB

1 Prepare for Duty

2 Prepare for Screening 

3 Hand Held Metal Detector 

4 Pat Down Search (Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

5 Bag Search 

6 Conclude

CCTC

1 Preparation 

2 Concert 

   Queue Jumper 

   Trouble Maker (Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

   Molest (Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

3 IT Fair 

   Suspicious Item  (Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

   Old Man Fall

4 Stadium 

   Fan Blocking 

5 Shopping Mall 

   Car Accident (Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

6 Condominium 

   Drivers Quarrel 

   Illegal Parking (Pocket Book, Occurrence Book, Incident Report)

OFA

1 Triangle Bandage (1/2)

Arm Sling with Immobilized 

   Upper Arm

   Lower Arm

   Shoulder 

   Elevated Sling with Immobilized 

   Fingers 

   Collar Bone 

2 Crepe Bandage (2/7)

  *Eye

   Forehead 

   Neck

  *Scalp

   Spiral

   Palm

   Elbow 

3 CPR (2 mins) with AED

RFEB

1 SCBA

2 Fire Extinguisher 

3 Rescue and Evacuation 

Sea Life Chapter 1

Neptune Orion

2^nd June 1993 to 10^th March 1994

I join the vessel in America with another Engine Cadet Chung Hun, Chief Engineer Ahmad and Captain, it was a long flight to the other side of Planet Earth. We transit at Japan Airport, both myself and Chung Hun were like mountain tortoise and start taking photo at the transit area. We didn't know that we are able to clear the Security Check and enter the Boarding Area, we were waiting outside for the Boarding Information Display to indicate Boarding for our flight. When it finally show boarding there are already long queue in front of the Security Clearance, we are lucky that the Flight Attendant came looking for us and bring us to Express Lane. Chief Ahmad was not happy when he saw us just minutes before the Flight took off, the Captain try to put in some good words for us as it is the first time we travel for work.

After about 36 hours of Flight, we finally arrive at Portland Maine. The agent bring us to a very nice cottage style hotel to check in, I think we get special privilege because we are traveling with Senior Officer. The next day morning we had a very nice breakfast at the cafe, Chief Ahmad ask us why do we choose sailing as our career. Chung Hun say he came from a poor family and does not have a choice but to sign long term contract with the company, I say I join because I was told that I would be able to see the world. Chief Ahmad just give me a eerily grin, I do not understand it until much later.

We were so exited when we first board the ship, we carry our luggage to our cabin and change into our working clothes and start exploring the ship. As usual we took a lot of photos which we knew later in our life that most of it were unnecessary, as we settle down at our new environment we start to know that life would not be easy as we had join with one of the famous Chief Engineer in the company.

The Burmese fifth engineer came to our room in the evening to collect Telephone Bill and Electrical Bill, we later realize that it was actually SRC (Shipboard Recreational Committee) contributions. We are heard of other cadet getting prank for getting key to start the engine and standing by at the bow to lift the Equator Line or International Date Line.

The first party we have to welcome the new comer, they put a case of beer in front of me and told me that there are 26 personnel onboard and two are keeping watch. So I had to bottom up 24 bottles of beer with every single one of them for my orientation.

As we start our work in the engine room the next morning we met Chief Ahmad taking his round near the Control Room, he make a remark of no happy with the engine room colour. The next thing we knew is we had to spend the next three months of our life painting the whole engine room from top to bottom.

Our first Loading Port is Shetland Island in Scotland, it had a Seamen Center where we can drink and play billiard. I brought a Sheep Skin for US$50 to put it over my chair, Chief Ahmad say I got the most expensive ass in the whole ship when he saw that during the cabin inspection. Our first discharging port was in Houston Texas, we get the chance to visit the NASA Space Center. I brought some T shirt for my cousins.

Fourth Engineer Santana were signing off, we had a party onboard on night before he go. He is the SRC Chairman and Chief Ahmad also give permission for us to drink. He ask me to choose from Bacardi Rum, Jim Beam Whisky and Martel Cognac, of course I choose the most expensive of all. He say since there is only half bottle left, I can have the whole bottle to myself. I sit down quietly and drink my cognac and only realized that the after effect was so strong when I stand up to go back to my cabin. The whole ship was spinning and I know I had reach my limit, what surprise them is that I am still able to get myself back to my room, brush my teeth and still left a notice outside my door saying I am drunk do not disturb. They really let me sleep until noon the next day.

We had to wake up early at 0530 hrs and went down engine room for our duties of morning round and taking log machinery and sounding of tanks, one day when I open the gate of hell a smell of heavy fuel oil came together with the hot and humid air welcome me in the morning. I knew straight away that there is a fuel oil leakage some where in the engine room. I went around check every corner but could not found any leakage, as I return to the control room to finish my log I notice there is a fuel oil fountain at the Purifier Platform.

I activate the engineer call alarm to wake everybody up and change over the fuel oil booster pump, as we were cleaning the Purifier Platform which we had recently painted Chief Ahmad came by and say:”You say you wanted to see the world? Now you had seen it. That patch over there is Asia, and that patch over there is Europe. Not forgetting America and Africa to the left and bottom. When you are done with Australia, please carry on with the rest of the continents.” Chief Ahmad was discussing the mechanical seal issues with Fourth Engineer Koh, it was much later that I realized their theory were wrong as I had a very heated argument with my Classmate Tor Hai when we are doing our Class One and Class Two combine course.

The next three months became the best time of our life, we were doing STS (Ship to Ship) operation and transporting cargo up the 36 hours river passage of Mississippi, we got bad bunker fuel and it cause the Main Engine Fuel Pump Plunger to cease due to carbon deposit built up inside the barrel. The engine getting misfire on a few units and we were told to keep watch in at the Fuel Pump Platform. Second Engineer was not very happy about it and wanted us to do some cleaning job during our watch, and one night when Chief Ahmad came down in the middle of the night he found that no one was keeping an eye on the fuel pump and he had to get his uniform dirty just to ease up the plunger himself.

He finally manage to found me happily mopping the floor at the bottom platform and took my ear muff off and throw it away, Second Engineer was given a scolding for making us do cleaning during our watch and I owe Chief Ahmad a new set of uniform.

One afternoon the bridge call me at engine room and told me that there is water coming out from my room, I thought the ship is going to sink and I try calling Chung Hun but was unable to get him on the phone. I went to my cabin and found water rushing out from the tap while Chung Hun nicely sleeping with stuffs floating around in our cabins. He was not aware of the maintenance work carry out on the sanitary water supply system that morning and he forgot to turn off the tap before he go to sleep. That evening both Engine Cadets and Deck Cadets were busy scooping water out of our cabins.

Chung Hun and Fourth Engineer Koh like to play the Guitar, Chung Hun taught me about a song name Love Me by Colin Raye as he know I like Country Song. But he unable to accept the way I sing Take Me Home Country Road, I also brought a few CD of Garth Brook and Shania Twain.

Winter came and we were very excited, America was hit by cold front from the north and our ship encase in three inches thick of ice. Second Officer told us it was minus 40 degree Celsius, but the actual temperature might be lower than that as minus 40 degree is the lowest the thermometer can indicate. We arrive at anchorage but the windlass were unable to lower the anchor, whole ship were activate on deck to break the ice. We were having a bet before we arrive at the anchorage to see who can wear the least amount of clothes and take photo outside the accommodation, I wear only a pair of jeans with slipper but Chung Hun wear only his underwear. I lose a case of soft drink to him because of that, I later also lose a case of soft drink to Fourth Engineer Koh when I bet with him that he could not lift up the purifier bowl assembly with just his little pinky finger.

The Bosun manage to find a few lobster after bring up the anchor and we have famous Portland Maine Lobsters for supper before we left the anchorage.

The last three months we were preparing for dry docking of the ship, Fourth Engineer Koh decide to extend his contract to do the docking with us. Chief Ahmad knew we did not get time to do our shipboard assignments and he actually sign the whole book for us making us promise that we will complete it before we left the ship. The last three months we were rushing our assignment and manage various problems in engine room where the cylinder liner for main engine crack and the boiler not firing properly.

I start to miss home when I call back during the Chinese New Year, but our request for signing off after the Dry Docking was rejected by the company due to manpower shortage. Chung Hun was very depress after that, he receive a lot of letters from his girlfriend and he always share some news paper cutout which his girlfriend with me and Fourth Engineer Koh.

The company decided to dock the vessel at Alabama, one night I went out with Bosun, Second Cook and Fourth Engineer. As we return to the yard late at night we saw a few fire engine rush pass us at the gate, Second Cook make a remark of not sure which ship so unlucky caught fire in the yard. When we arrive at our ship we saw all the fire engine line up in front of our ship with thick smoke coming out from the Pump Room, Chief Cook rush down of the gangway and told us not to board as it might cause an explosion. I was call by the Second Engineer to don the BA (Breathing Apparatus) Set and the Fireman Outfit to prepare for Pump Room entry, before I could proceed the shore side fire fighters had already found the source of fire and put out the smoldering oil light up by cigarette from yard workers.

Fourth Engineer sign off just few day before the Dry Dock end, he make a lot of noise back in the office claiming that both the engine cadet are going to commit suicide. We manage to receive news of our sign off just a day before the vessel sail off from the yard, Chung Hun did not believe his eyes when I show him the telex message I got from the Captain. He finally doesn't have to suffer sea sick and love sick and can go back to Penang after nine months of suffering. We bid farewell to the new Eagle Orion as the company decided to change the tanker fleet to American Eagle Tanker from the original Neptune Orient Line. 

Me and Fourth Engineer visit Chung Hun about a month later in Penang and spend a few days there. We also visit Second Officer who claim that he was possess by some evil female spirit when he was onboard and was acting weird taking special interest in me. Well he is practicing the Lou Han Fist and at least I know he is not gay. He bring us to eat one of the famous Bak Kut Teh in Butterworth.