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The Viva (Oral Examination) goes online!

Updated:
Nov 30, 2024
/
Published:
Sep 03, 2020
Synergy marine goes for online viva in covid-19

Will the integration of information technology be further accelerated, and online Viva’s will eventually become an integral component of competency exams?

In recent times, with distressing news all around us and the darkness of fear on everyone’s mind due to the global pandemic, a light of hope embodied me with the most significant achievement of my life.

I have been an aspirant of the MEO Class 1 Examination since last year, but due to COVID-19, the Mercantile Marine Department had to announce the cancellation of all MEO examinations indefinitely.

Since I had cleared my written exam, I was left with no choice, but to wait for my Viva. Lockdowns led me to form a study group where we would have discussions over the phone, which, in a way, motivated me to put in maximum focus and hard work in completing my syllabus. However, despite my continuous efforts, there was no news from MMD about the exam dates.

On the other hand, I had also been down for more than a year. I was looking forward to going back to the high seas to help relieve my fellow seafarer, who had been serving extended tours of duty, due to the pandemic related travel restrictions.

The visionary leadership of our CEO, Capt. Rajesh Unni meant that Synergy was leading the way in conducting safe crew changeovers all across the world. The hard work and the intense level of coordination and back-end preparation by the Synergy shore staff meant that we were flown to Japan on a chartered flight and signed on our vessel the ‘Pusaka Java’, without the slightest of hassle!

A few days later, I heard about MMD’s announcement of conducting the oral examination online for those who had cleared their written exams.

It was nerve-wracking even to imagine attempting the Viva amidst my responsibilities on board, but after speaking to C/E Sai Kishore, who encouraged me not to lose the opportunity and try and give my best.

Capt. Sagar, who is in command of the ‘Pusaka Java’, continuously motivated me and assured that a lack of internet data would never come in the way of my clearing the elusive Viva.

Also, a big thank you to C/O Vijay who helped me fix technical issues on the day of my exam, so there were no disturbances. While we were at anchorage in China, due to the good internet connectivity, I was able to attempt and complete my examination which lasted 45 minutes before, I finally heard the golden words – ‘YOU PASSED’, and much to my surprise the entire team was outside my cabin, waiting to congratulate me!

This moment was overly emotional for me as it was the culmination of all the hard work and effort that I put in over the years, with the support of my family and the Synergy team to reach this level in my career.

I am very thankful to the Director-General of Shipping for proactively adapting to the current situation and conducting such virtual Viva’s to make sure seafarers do not miss out on the opportunity of attempting their examination and eventually progress in their careers.

COVID-19 has brought in the ‘New Normal’, at least for the time being!

– 2/E Nishant Verma

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Getting to Zero

Synergy Marine Group is a member of The Getting to Zero Coalition, dedicated to launching zero-emission deep-sea vessels by 2030 and achieving full decarbonisation by 2050. The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, founded and manages the Coalition.

MACN

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global initiative striving for a corruption-free maritime industry, promoting fair trade for the greater societal good.

INTERCARGO

Synergy Marine Group is a part of INTERCARGO, an association championing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly shipping. INTERCARGO collaborates with the International Maritime Organization and other global entities to shape maritime legislation.

IMEC

Synergy Marine Group is part of IMEC, a top maritime employers’ group championing fair and sustainable labor practices. Representing global employers, IMEC negotiates seafarers’ wages and conditions, and invests in workforce development.

IMPA

Synergy Marine Group is involved in IMPA Save’s initiative to reduce single-use water bottles at sea. The IMPA SAVE council comprises top global shipowners and suppliers, representing over 8000 vessels with significant combined purchasing influence.

All Aboard

Synergy Marine Group is a key participant in The All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea initiative. As one of eleven prominent maritime companies, we aim to foster inclusivity at sea and directly address challenges faced by women seafarers.

CSSF

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF), a global B2B network dedicated to enhancing safety and management standards in the container shipping sector.

Danish Shipping

Synergy Marine Group is affiliated with Danske Rederier, the primary industry and employers’ association for Danish shipping—Denmark’s top export sector. Danske Rederier actively engages with authorities and policymakers both domestically and globally.