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One of Stena's chief engineers, Rabe Welcome's career is as remarkable as it is impressive – 40 years at sea working for the same company.
When the 273,000 ton Concordia Class ships were launched at Kure Shipyard in Japan in the mid-70s, he had already gathered the experience of half a professional life - and since then he has practically become a part of these ships.
Rabe Welcome has come up the hard way. He began as an A.B., continued as a greaser in the engine-room and then rose through the ranks via, among other things, studies in New York until he was appointed Chief Engineer in the mid-70s.
– “My philosophy is that the engine-room should always look and function like it did when the ship was launched. That's why I'm proud to say that I have never had a single serious engine breakdown in all these years.” |
As chief engineer, Welcome is very safety-oriented, with certificates from the U.S. Coastguard's demanding courses in fire-fighting, oil handling and gas handling.
– “I have built up a lot of know-how over the years, but the industry is developing all the time and there is always something new and exciting to learn. None of the jobs in the engine-room is new to me - I've had them all myself.”
Rabe Welcome spends his time ashore with his wife and son in their newly built house in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. We wonder whether he doesn't long to return to that paradise for good. Rabe Welcome shakes his head.
– “I've saved enough money to retire and, sure, I've thought about it. But I'm afraid that I would waste away if I went ashore for good. I wouldn't leave this job even if somebody offered me double the salary.
That's how much I enjoy it. ” |