Maritime is such a vast domain of culture that more than what is written in books, told in movies or even taught in school lives in the minds, memories and stories of sailors, captains and fishermen. There are such things that only those who have experienced them themselves can know about them. Our new article series "3 Vital Things You Cannot Know Unless You Experience Them" focuses exactly on such special knowledge. The first guest of the series is Osman Kalfa, one of the symbolic captains of Setur Marinas Çeşme.
Sina Sunay, Setur Marinas Çeşme Front Office Representative
Osman Kalfa's journey spans more than 40 years, from being a seaman to being a captain, from being a captain to maintaining boats. He first met the sea in 1968 on his father's fishing boat. Just when he was a child, he stayed in the sea for three consecutive days and made it clear that he would never leave the sea again.
As soon as Captain Osman completed his military service, he started working as a seaman on a boat in Altınyunus Marina. Back then, of course, there was no GPS, no radar! Experiences gained only by observation. After working for 7 years as a seaman, he took the helm in 1984 and started working as a captain. He spent 23 years on different boats in different seas, navigating many winds and reaching many horizons.
Captain Osman attributes his expertise to being curious. When he was working as a captain, he not only steered the boat, but also took care of the engine and under the boat. He wanted to learn every aspect of trade. "But sailing is not only about knowledge, but experience is also very important" he says. Reminding us of Socrates, he adds: "After all these years, there are things even I do not know." Now that is a true sage of the sea!
To him, the sea is not a job, it is his whole life. He still works personally with the boats and their maintenance. "I cannot leave the sea, I will be at sea until I die" he says. When we ask him for three vital pieces of maritime knowledge after all these years, he responds without a second thought:
1. If the weather is too unstable, stay in the harbor
"Seeking adventure at sea is foolish. You have to interpret the weather forecast well. If the weather is unstable, do not go at all, stay in the harbor. The wind may turn before you even know it. The sea hates the courage of ignorance. A safe harbor is the right place. Do not challenge the sea!"
2. Everything on the boat should be foolproof
"No detail is trivial. Even the smallest malfunction can turn into a disaster in the middle of the sea. All equipment on the boat shall be sound and reliable. Because the sea does not forgive mistakes!"
3. You cannot be distracted at sea
"There is no room for distraction at sea. You must always be alert. You must not be distracted for even a moment. Especially when maneuvering. There is no joking at sea."
This is a 40 second summary of 40 years. This valuable knowledge is the result of a unique experience and a genuine passion.
