Author – Sai Aravind
Joining My First Ship
On October 17, 2023, I embarked on my first sea journey as a Trainee Marine Engineer on M.V. SAKTHI, a General Cargo Ship. My journey began from Haddo Sea Port, Port Blair, marking the start of an unforgettable seven-month adventure. During this period, I sailed across 6-7 islands regularly and even completed a two-way voyage between Port Blair and Chennai, covering over 750 nautical miles each way.
The Life-Changing Experience
These seven months provided me with invaluable experiences:
- Witnessing breathtaking landscapes and serene ocean views under the full moon
- Exploring diverse cultures and cuisines
- Adapting to a disciplined routine with structured shifts
- Building strong camaraderie with crew members from various regions of India
- Facing and overcoming challenges in a demanding work environment
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A Hidden Paradise
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands consist of over 500 islands, out of which only 38 are permanently inhabited. The majority remain untouched, covered in dense forests and majestic mountains. The islands are home to a mix of cultures, with Bengali and Tamil-speaking communities forming a significant portion of the population.
Transportation and Accessibility
Port Blair is the only city with an airport, which primarily serves as a Defence airbase, permitting civilian flights under specific conditions. The relatively short runway makes landing a thrilling experience. Alternatively, passenger ships connect Port Blair to other parts of India.
The aerial view while approaching Port Blair is mesmerizing, offering a glimpse of the islands’ pristine beauty.
Daily Life in Andaman
The lifestyle in Andaman is calm and peaceful. Tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing ample job opportunities. Public transportation, including buses and auto-rickshaws, is affordable and widely available. Government and private buses ensure smooth connectivity across the inhabited islands.
Unique Island Transportation: Ferries and Jetties
A fascinating mode of transportation in Andaman is the ferry system, which allows passengers to travel between islands with their vehicles. Several terminals (jetties) serve as docking points for these ferries. One such convenient route is from Hopetown Jetty to Chatham Jetty, which significantly reduces travel time compared to the road journey. Many students and workers rely on these ferries for their daily commute.
Culture, Cuisine, and Religion
Andaman is a melting pot of cultures. The predominant languages spoken include Bengali, Hindi, and Tamil. The islands offer a variety of cuisines, heavily influenced by their diverse population and tourism industry.
Seafood is abundant and relatively inexpensive. Unique culinary fusions can be found across different islands. For instance, the paneer wraps and noodles in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) stood out as my favourites. In Campbell Bay, located in Great Nicobar, I was intrigued by the local parotta, which was served with either fish curry (for non-vegetarians) or potato curry/coconut chutney (for vegetarians).
All major religious places are present on the islands, reflecting the region’s cultural harmony.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
One of the most commendable efforts by the local government is the strict plastic ban. Small plastic bottles are unavailable, and only tin-packed cold drinks are sold. Larger plastic bottles (2.25 Litres) are allowed but restricted in public places.
Natural Beauty and Unique Phenomena
Many islands remain untouched by human activity, preserving their pristine beauty. A fascinating natural phenomenon here is the time difference in daylight. Though Andaman follows the same time zone as mainland India, daylight begins and ends earlier due to its longitudinal position.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Andaman is before May or after August, as the monsoon season (June–August) often leads to flight and ship cancellations. During favourable seasons, tourists can indulge in various water activities like:
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking
- Scuba diving
- Semi-submarine rides
- Speedboat journeys
My Sea Journey: Islands Visited
During my voyage, I visited multiple islands and jetties, including:
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) – A lively island kin to Goa, famous for resorts, pubs, and water sports.
- Little Andaman (Hut Bay) – A picturesque island with scenic beaches.
- Car Nicobar, Kamorta, and Katchal – Remote islands with stunning natural landscapes.
- Great Nicobar (Campbell Bay) – Home to Indira Point and ancient Nicobarese villages.
- Port Blair – The only major port, resembling hill stations of Tamil Nadu with its steep roads and unique architecture.
Several islands are under the control of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, serving as training bases.
My Role and Job Satisfaction
As my ship is a General Cargo type, we carried a variety of cargo, including:
- Bulk goods
- Small and heavy vehicles (cars, two-wheelers, buses, trucks)
- Containers
- Oil cargo
- Hazardous materials (chemical barrels, LPG cylinders)
Importantly, some islands lack power production sources, making them dependent on Diesel Generators operated by the Electricity Board to supply electricity to entire villages. The diesel required to run these generators was also transported by my ship, which gave me immense job satisfaction. Working on a vessel that carried such essential supplies for the people living there made my role even more meaningful.
I vividly remember the joyful faces at the jetty whenever our ship berthed—people eagerly waiting to receive their new vehicles and other essential goods.
Port Blair is the only major seaport in the region, guarded by the CISF and managed by port authorities. The remaining locations are local terminals where people can access the ship directly to receive their goods.
Only the Port Blair Seaport can accommodate large Passenger, Container, and Tanker Ships. Beyond that, inter-island transit is handled by smaller ships like the one I worked on.
The Magic of a Full-Moon Night at Sea
Sea Journey – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
The one thing I keep telling all my friends and relatives after returning from my ship journey is this—everyone should experience a sea voyage at least once in their lifetime. And if possible, their journey should include at least one night voyage in the middle of the ocean during a full moon.
I find it impossible to truly express the breathtaking beauty of the vast ocean under a full moon. The moonlight spreads like a shimmering silver blanket over the water’s surface, while the gentle rhythm of the wind and the ship’s movement scatters the water, creating a foamy trail that glows like twinkling diamonds. The deep sea also offers an unobstructed view of the night sky, with countless stars shining brighter than ever, making it feel like stepping into a fantasy world. I was fortunate enough to witness this magical sight three times during my seven-month sea voyage, and each time was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Exploring Andaman During My Off-Duty Hours
During port stays, as my duty ended at 6 PM, I had the opportunity to explore nearby places before late night, allowing me to learn and experience so much about the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. After my sign-off, I also got three additional days to explore further.
During this time, I visited Ross Island, home to a Deer Park where visitors can touch and feed the deer—this island has also been featured in many Tamil movie songs. I walked along the scenic Marina Bay Beach Drive, enjoyed kayaking at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and visited the historic Cellular Jail, where I attended the mesmerizing Sound & Light Show that narrates the island’s history and the struggles of our freedom fighters who had been captured and imprisoned over there. Additionally, I had the chance to visit several temples across different islands, adding a spiritual touch to my journey.
A Life-Changing Experience
My seven-month journey in Andaman & Nicobar was a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. The vast knowledge I gained at sea strengthened me physically and mentally, shaping me into a confident sailor. I learned to navigate rough seas, endure long working hours, and adapt to life away from the mainland.
This voyage was more than just a job—it was an adventure, a challenge, and a privilege. If there’s one thing, I wish for everyone, it’s to experience a night voyage on a ship under the full moon at least once in their lifetime.
Final Thoughts
My ship, M.V. SAKTHI, was more than just a workplace—it was my home for seven months, giving me unforgettable memories and invaluable lessons. This journey has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the sea and the life of a sailor.
For anyone seeking adventure, personal growth, and the chance to witness nature’s untouched beauty, a sea voyage in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is an experience of a lifetime!
