BST's 1st local Chief Cook, Able Seaman
By Mark Dolman

Emil and Rusni.

Belanak CatStaff.

Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd (BST) and Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) recorded a success in its Bruneianisation project when marine staff Hj Md Akinorbaishu bin Hj Suhaili and Hj Rusni bin Hj Saidil were promoted as the first BST Bruneian Chief Cook and the first BST Able Seaman respectively.

Hj Md Akinorbaishu was promoted on Dec 13,2003. Hj Rusni was promoted on Jan. 1, 2004.

Since the BST and BGC's Bruneianisation project started in February 2002, some 183 Bruneian Ratings were recruited.

Hj Md Akinorbaishu was recruited among the first batch of catering staff BST employed on Feb 24, 2002. He was initially employed as a catering trainee/messman. After completing his initial pre-sea safety courses, he joined his first ship, the S.S. Bebatik.

On that first trip he showed his potential and capabilities. After two months, he was promoted on merit of his performance from the Master of the vessel.

He completed three trips as Second Cook and completed his training portfolios.

With hard work and dedication he was recommended as the first BST and BGC rating to be promoted to Chief Cook.

He is now serving on the BST vessel, S.S. Belanak. As Chief Cook, his daily responsibilities are reporting to the Master of the vessel for the safety and proper performance of duty of all catering staff on board. He presents a sensible and well-balanced menu and ensures the food is correctly served and presented. He ensures all parts of the ship related to catering functions are kept clean and tidy.

He manages and administers the catering function on board and keeps a catering standard within the consumption limits and budget. He is in charge of obtaining victual or provisions stores, bonded stores and associated accounts, and documentation and customs formalities.

BST and BGC also announced the success of the first Bruneian, Hj Rusni Bin Hj Saidil, to qualify as Able Seaman.

Hj Rusni was among the first batch of deck ratings employed by BST, on February 24, 2002. He was employed as a Deck Trainee for three months when he began pre-sea training. He and the rest joined their first ships with confirmation as Junior Ordinary Seaman (JOS).

Hj Rusni was presented with a training booklet for onboard training guidance and he obtained his steering certificate. After completing his second trip at sea, Hj Rusni was placed on a Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft course, a requirement for the watchkeeping certificate he was training for.

Hj Rusni applied to the Marine Department Brunei Darussalam for his Watchkeeping certificate and was successful.

Based on past merit from Masters of the vessels he had previously sailed on, Hj Rusni was signed on his next ship as Ordinary Seaman (OS).

After two months onboard, Hj Rusni's hard work and dedication was rewarded when, on recommendation from the Master of the vessel, he was promoted to Able Seaman (AB), and became the first BST and BGC Bruneian rating to reach this rank.

Hj Rusni presently serves onboard the BST vessel Belanak as AB. His ensures the safety and safe working practices for himself and all personnel that he is working with.

He reports to the Chief Petty Officer/Bosun and carries out duties vital to safety, navigation, operation, maintenance and security of the ship. He will also take charge of mooring/anchoring stations tasks when he has acquired the experience at the discretion of the Master. Two Filipinas were brought to the Magistrates' Court yesterday to face separate charges of theft of valuable items.

Janna Cadair, 24, was charged with stealing one gold earring, one gold brooch and one white gold ring while Nurhimah Kadir, 21, is facing a charge of stealing a diamond necklace, one Nokia and a Panasonic handphone.

They allegedly stole the items on various occasions from January 2002 to January 27 this year at a house in Kampong Jerudong.

Deputy Public Prosecutor, Hjh Anifa Rafiza Hj Abd Ghani, said that each defendant was also found with 50 other items in their possession which are suspected to be stolen items.

She said the police are conducting further investigation into the case.

Both suspects would be remanded at the Central Police Station for a week.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin