CAPT. KSHITIJ MATE

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY: Good day to all hardworking, sincere, courageous, and practical seafarers. It is my pleasure to be in conversation with you all.

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I am Capt. Kshitij Mate, ex. T.S.Rajendra 1979-80 batch. Having left active sailing some years back around 2017, I am now into a shipping-related business of my own. I have a company operating out of the UAE where we deal in preparing OSVs for their ISM and ISPS audits and inspections particularly OVID inspections. We also consult for chartering of and manning of OSVs.

However, as time permits from my business activities and travel, I am now becoming more active in following my hobby of singing and taking it to a professional level. Apart from personally performing on stage with live music, I have set up an orchestra brand of my own called Chaitanya Entertainments. It is real enjoyment to sing as well as organize a live musical show for any event or just public entertainment.

Actually, I am very happy to discuss this hobby with seafarers as I feel that music is one of the rare hobbies one can actively pursue at sea without compromising on the watchkeeping abilities and competence of both the Bridge as well as engine room staff. I mean, "due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision etc."

During our days of sailing in the 1980s and 90s, the voyages and port stays gave us quite some leisure time and opportunities for get-togethers. This provided us, the music enthusiasts, ample opportunities to practice and display our talents in public.

The appreciation and encouragement I received during those times were great boosters, which drove me to stand on stage and perform in front of unknown spectators.

ON MENTAL WELLBEING:

"A HOBBY, ESPECIALLY MUSIC, IS A VERY CONVENIENT AND POSITIVE COMPANION TO WIPE OUT EVEN AN IOTA OF ANY FEELING OF DEPRESSION ON BOARD."

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR TRANSITION TO MUSIC?