Trainee seeks to be first Penan O&G shipping officer

MIRI: A trainee seafarer from Long Buang, Apoh, Ulu Baram seeks to be the first from the Penan community to become an officer in the oil and gas shipping industry.

Petrus John, 21, is the first Penan to take up a marine deck apprentice course here.

“I’m focussing on completing the three-month course, which started today (yesterday), and will continue to pursue further to fulfil my ambition to become an officer or captain of a ship,” he said when met yesteday.

Petrus said he first became interested to pursue a seafaring career after completing secondary school at SMK Marudi, when he saw social media posts on

I’m focussing on completing the three-month course, which started today (yesterday), and will continue to pursue further to fulfil my ambition to become an officer or captain of a ship. Petrus John

the challenges of the shipping industry and the high pay.

After getting more information about seafaring, he immediately applied for the course in Lutong.

He hopes to work in Singapore as many major shipping companies operate there.

“It is one way for me to help my parents and to uplift our standard of living in the interior of Baram by pursuing my interest working in the shipping industry, which not many Penans are willing to do,” he said.

Petrus said the course does not only involve working at sea but also learning disipline and teamwork – vital aspects for a seafarer.

“I call on all the young Penans in Baram and in Miri here to take up the basic course first and later follow up to get a certificate and a diploma in various job groups in the shipping industry, including to become a captain,” he said.

He added seafaring is a good opportunity for youths to earn good salaries and visit other countries.