At 23 years old, with a degree in international transportation and logistics fresh in my hand, I joined Maryam Shipmanagement as an intern in August 2024. What I have discovered in this first year is not just a job but a family that teaches, supports and challenges me every day.
Finding My Department Through Exploration
My six-month internship was deliberately broad. I rotated through various departments: HSEQ, marine, technical, supply, crewing and procurement. Each offered valuable insights into how ship management functions; however, HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment and Quality) captured my interest completely. There is something compelling about ensuring vessels maintain proper certification, supporting technical and marine superintendents during inspections and being part of the process that keeps our fleet compliant and safe. When my internship concluded, becoming an HSEQ Administrator felt like the natural progression. Now I maintain all vessel certificates, ensuring everything stays in order and valid. I support our superintendents during port state inspections and RightShip inspections. Each task builds my understanding of how maritime compliance works in practice, not just in textbooks.
A Zero-Finding Achievement
The highlight of my first year was undoubtedly the Dalma SIRE 2.0 inspection, achieving zero findings on our first attempt. For someone who had recently transitioned from university to professional life, being part of that success felt significant. We did not just celebrate with congratulations exchanged over email; we maintained that positive energy and set an ambitious target: achieving zero findings on all remaining vessel inspections, whether RightShip or SIRE. We are actively working towards that goal now and being part of that collective ambition is motivating.
From Syria to Dubai: A Young Professional’s Journey
Moving from Syria to Dubai by myself to take this opportunity was daunting. For a young woman, relocating alone to pursue a career represents a significant step. The Syrian passport does not make international travel easy, so this move felt even more substantial. But when I arrive at the office each day, I do not feel alone. Everyone here understands I am new to the business world. They take that into consideration, not by lowering expectations but by providing teaching and support alongside the challenges. This is not about colleagues being merely polite. It is genuine family-like support. When I miss my actual family and friends back home, the office environment provides something similar. People step in to teach me, support my work and ensure I am developing properly.
Learning Every Single Day
If I were to describe my experience in three words, they would be learning, family and support. Learning comes first because it is constant. Every single day brings new knowledge, not abstract academic concepts but practical understanding of how ship management operates. From certificate requirements to inspection protocols, from communication with vessels to coordination between departments, the learning never stops. Family is not an exaggeration. When you are young, far from home and starting your professional life, that family feeling makes an enormous difference. It is what transforms a job into something meaningful. It is why I give my full effort because families support each other, and that is exactly what happens here. Support ties everything together. As someone still new to the business, I need guidance, and it is always available. When I ask questions or need help, people respond with patience and proper explanations. They are supporting my growth deliberately, helping me become the professional I want to be.
Plans and Personal Growth
Looking ahead, I see myself in five years as a Senior HSEQ Officer, handling more complex responsibilities and perhaps supporting newer team members the way I have been supported. The path is not vague; I can see the progression clearly because the company demonstrates that growth is genuinely possible. When you find a workplace that treats you like family while pushing you to grow professionally, you have found something rare. When that workplace provides constant learning opportunities while ensuring you never feel alone in the challenges, you have found something valuable. When all this happens during your very first professional role, you have found the right place to begin building a career.
Iman Mobayed – HSEQ Administrator Maryam Shipmanagement DMCC
