An interview by Tony Amatulli

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin Osborne, the Operations Manager on the MSC Cruises.

TA: Tell me a little bit about what being a Cruise Operation Manager on a large company like the MSC Cruises entails. I’m sure it’s a lot more than what the passengers are visible to.

KO: My function is very much behind the scenes, I am responsible for the terminal operation from the time passengers board the ship. This of course involves the Port Authorities, the check in staff, baggage handling, immigration services, parking facilities and then of course their destination. I am responsible for the crafts which take passengers ashore at the island, to ensure the smooth transfer of passengers from ship to shore , to ensure the facilities on the island are ready and in good order to cater for over 2,000 passengers per call which land at the islands.

TA: That’s a lot more work than I think most passengers imagine. What’s a typical day like for you?

KO: Up early of course to be at the port by 06:00 when the passengers disembark the vessel and to ensure that this goes smoothly, and to ensure everyone manning the stations for the very quick turnaround of embarking passengers as the ship must leave by 14:00 latest in order to arrive at the island early in the morning. I sometimes go with the ship to watch the disembarkation of the passengers onto the landing crafts and to double check the facilities at the island are all running well.

TA: What’s the career path for a cruise Operation Manager? How did you get to where you are now?

KO: I had a passion for cruise ships from a very young age when I worked on board as a cruise host at 18 years old. I experienced travel and tour operating from then and never doubted for a minute that this is exactly what I wanted to do.

TA: One thing I’ve noticed about cruising on MSC is that there’s a wider age range than on other cruise lines. How do you plan activities to ensure that people my age (in their 30s) are just as happy with the activities as people my grandparents age (in their 70s)?

KO: Many years ago cruising was considered for the older client with and was regarded as a leisurely holiday. Now however cruises have become an attractive option for a much broader client base. Its great for families with young children – they are entertained all day with activities, young people come on board and it’s a party with a wide variety of entertainment – honeymoons, anniversaries, conferences – and the entertainment and ship facilities cater for all age groups.

TA: One thing I was impressed by was the number of religious offerings you have on board. I haven’t seen that on other cruises in the past.

KO: (I have no comment on this) I do know we cater for vegetarians and provide halal menus to ensure all our guests are happy, but I do not know anything about religious offerings on board.

TA: Finally, what do you have to say to our readers who may be skeptical that a cruise vacation is the right thing for them?

KO: Cruising is still the best value all inclusive holiday for any age, and with an eat as much as you like buffet open 20 hours a day, entertainment day and night for all ages, game shows, theatre, comedians, singers, bands – all in the price of your holiday , it is well worth an experience people repeat year after year.

TA: Thank you Kevin!

SA MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY, AGE 40.

An interview by Tony Amatulli

On the 2nd of September 2016 around midday the Maritime School team met with Mr. Rowley at the Mediterranean Shipping Company situated on St. Langalibalele Dube Street, where they enjoyed a good cup of Italian coffee and appreciated the beautiful scenery of the Durban Harbor before commencing with their interview.

TA: Mr. Rowley, thank you for accepting this interview. Please can you start by telling us a bit about your educational history?

MR: After completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree, I spent a year working in the U.K. during 1999, in order to fund my subsequent LLB degree which I started the following year. Thereafter it was articles and then admitted as an attorney in 2004. Around the same time I got engaged (to my current and ever so lucky wife, Joelle) and we decided to return to the U.K to work and travel. During our stint there I completed the qualified lawyers transfer test and was admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales and ended up in the pension law department of a big city firm.
We returned home in 2010 and had a beautiful boy on 9 August 2014. Everything since then has been a complete blur (not for the faint hearted).

TA: What does your job entail and how did you get onto this path?

MR: I continued working in pensions upon my return but the SA pension law field is a bit mundane and so found myself wanting something a bit more interesting and in no time I was employed at Mediterranean Shipping Company, co-managing its legal department. After about a year in the legal department I ended up as HR Manager by default!

TA: haha, by default! So how has the transition from law to HR contributed to your development of leadership skills?

MR: My personal view is that you are born with these skills. Some have it and others don’t. The key is developing those skills by learning from those you have worked with and under and also from people in your social circles be it friends, acquaintances and through sport (in particular team sports).

TA: What do you like best about your job in shipping and what did you learn from it?

MR: I enjoy firing people (only joking)! I had no shipping experience or knowledge before I joined MSC. To learn something new (not only in shipping) but also in HR has been a steep but good learning curve. It is also always good to expand your knowledge and not be scared to try something new.

TA: Can you describe what you enjoy about working at MSC?

MR: I have had the great opportunity of learning and gaining knowledge from some inspiring minds and characters during my time here. The culture of MSC is one of family, trust and loyalty. I am a family man and believe strongly in loyalty. MSC is run by a family who looks after their staff and really care about the employees. We spend most of our lives at work and so this concept makes sense to me. This culture is also filtered outside of the business by way of assisting various communities and initiatives. From a work perspective there is literally something new to learn every day.

TA: Do you believe that a team produces more successful results then if you work on your own?

MR: I have always participated in team sports which played a big role for me whilst growing up. I believe the same principle applies in the work space.

TA: What skills should a person have and what should they study in order to pursue a career with a company that is recognized worldwide?

MR: It is a busy industry so no matter which department you end up, you need to be diligent and hardworking. It really depends on which area you want to get into on what studies are most appropriate. There are various short and long term courses or degrees one could complete. There are legal, operations, logistics, clearing and forwarding etc.

TA: What selection process does MSC follow? What is the benefit of working at MSC?

MR: If we are unable to fill positions internally then we would look externally. These positions are advertised and we would interview and appoint the most suitable candidate. As I mentioned above once you join you become part of the family.

TA: To conclude what advice would you give to all the individuals that are interested in joining the shipping industry?

MR: Shipping is really an interesting and exciting industry. Countries rely heavily on both exports and imports. As with any other industry make sure you do your research into what area you think you would enjoy. There are many different areas within the industry. If your area of interest requires you to study then enrol and complete the necessary courses. Practical experience is vital so get out there as soon as you can!

Thank you Mr. Rowley.