Celebrating seafarers on International Day of the Seafarer

Wednesday, 25 June marks International Day of the Seafarer, a global celebration of the vital role seafarers play in trade and transport for NSW. Many of Port Authority’s team have lived and worked at sea, and their experiences bring valuable insight to our operations. To honour this year’s Day of the Seafarer, we spoke with four staff members whose time at sea continues to shape the work they do today.  

David Keys – Pilot, Newcastle

David began his maritime career on small boats along the Far North Queensland coast before moving to blue water shipping, where he spent 13 years aboard bulk carriers, gas ships, and product tankers.

Now a pilot in Newcastle, David says his seafaring background gives him a sharp eye for detail. “From the moment you step on board, you’re assessing everything – the condition of the ship, the crew, the way the Master speaks to the Chief Engineer. It’s the little things that matter,” he explains.  

“Those subtle cues can tell you a lot about how the ship operates, which is invaluable in challenging conditions.”

Nick Yatsenko – Deputy Harbour Master/Manager Marine Services, Port Botany

Nick’s maritime journey began in Ukraine, surrounded by a family of seafarers. Though he once dreamed of being a biologist, his father had other plans, and a mishap with a light fixture at sea sealed his fate as a Deck Officer.  

Years later, as Captain of the Iron Chieftain, Nick faced a real-life emergency in Port Kembla, just after his wife had shared news of their second child.  “Everything was covered in smoke,” he says. “The Chief Engineer appeared on the bridge in his pajamas, hopping on one leg trying to fit into his overalls, repeating only one thing: ‘Nick, it’s bad. Really bad.’” Nick says, “That moment on the bridge stays vividly with me in my memory”, and is a powerful reminder of the skills, training and resilience needed for handling tough scenarios at sea and beyond.

Now Deputy Harbour Master at Port Botany, Nick draws on his seafaring experience daily. “The sea teaches you to think quickly, work with limited resources, and always prioritise safety,” he says. “It also teaches you how to communicate with people from all walks of life – skills that translate directly to harbour management.”

Rahul Arora – VTS Operator, Newcastle

Rahul spent nearly a decade at sea, working on bulk carriers, tankers, and pure car carriers (PCCs), rising to the rank of First Officer.  

Now, as a Port Authority VTS Operator, Rahul draws on his seafaring experience to better understand the needs of ships. “When I’m on the VTSO seat, I can put myself in the Master’s shoes,” he says. “I know what they’re expecting and how to support them.”

Reflecting on the impact of simple gestures for seafaring crew, Rahul says, “Even something like a shuttle bus to the gatehouse can mean the world to a crew member. Small things make a big difference.”

Jimmy McGrath – Port Officer, Newcastle

Jimmy McGrath’s maritime career took him far from home – across Europe, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean aboard superyachts. One of his most memorable experiences was transiting the Suez Canal. “Departing Port Said, holding up in sections where you could only see the top half of ships through the sand dunes, then entering the Red Sea and embarking security personnel – it was a voyage I won’t forget.”

After returning to Australia, Jimmy worked for a tug and barge company in Sydney Harbour when a friend encouraged him to apply for a Port Officer role at Port Authority. “That was eight years ago, and I’ve never looked back!”

Jimmy’s time at sea gave him a deep appreciation for the complexity of the maritime industry. “There are so many people from different backgrounds and skill sets working together to make things run smoothly,” he says. “Each person’s role is valuable.”

To learn more about the International Day of the Seafarer, visit the IMO website.