26 March 2021
Capt. Orazio La Pira
Interview
Orazio La Pira, Master / Offshore Installation Manager at LDPL Middle East
1/ What has been your career path so far?
I graduated from a nautical school, got my Nautical Competency certificates and started my career in the maritime industry as a Deck Cadet on a transhipment vessel. I continued working with this kind of ships but the need to step up to a Chief Officer role made me decide to go to an ocean-going-vessel (bulk carrier) to learn more about the job.
I continued for about 2 years and got my Master License. I try to keep my knowledge up to date during my sea service (how to manage ship including crews, cargo, documents, loading/unloading, mooring/unmooring, liaising with authorities, agent, clients, etc).
I eventually got the opportunity to work with LDPL ME as an Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), who is the person in charge of all offshore transhipment operations in Kamsar.
It is a new role for me as I act as the middleman between onshore and offshore operations. It is exciting to me as it is a totally new challenge. I had a steep learning curve, but I am blessed to get connected with many people who are highly experienced in transhipment vessels.
I have been working with LDPL ME for almost 2 years now, and I appreciate the opportunity I was given as we continue together to achieve the company’s goals.
2/ Could you tell us more about your current role / your missions?
As the OIM, I am entrusted with the duties of how to speed up the loading rate and make sure loading operations go smoothly. Of course, I need to work and liaise with other departments (Technical, Crew, Logistics, QHSE, etc.) and to align with the company management system as well.
I assist with manoeuvres as the Mooring Master with STS (Ship-to-Ship) operations.
3/ What do you like the most in this job?
Organising, planning and monitoring the main stages of our operations (loading/unloading, mooring/unmooring, crew management, etc). Planning daily operations for our fleet, facing all the challenges brought by bad weather season. Changing the set up and looking for new ideas on how to improve.
4/ Could you name 3 must-have qualities for this job?
Passion, experience in transhipment and good attitude.
5/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?
We have 2 seasons in our Kamsar transhipment area, the tropical season and the rainy season. Our main challenges are during rainy season. The bad weather comes with strong current and wind, and we need to protect our assets in Kamsar and avoid any damage to our fleet, cargo and especially our crew.
6/ Are you a land or sea person?
I am a sea person.
7/ What are your hobbies and interests?
Travel and jogging. I love traveling with my Vespa.
8/ What is your motto?
Nothing is impossible if we can work together as a team to achieve our goal.
