Captain Volkan Altun – Enjoying Freedom at Sea
Hailing from Hatay, “a perfect city” on the southern border of Türkiye, Captain Volkan Altun joined Zenith in 2013 as a Second Officer. Today, he serves as Master aboard STI Galata. His journey into the maritime industry began out of a desire for a more dynamic career than the usual options available. “I chose this path because all other options felt so boring,” he says. The first step out of that ‘boring’ fate was attending a maritime college in Türkiye, which he describes as the “perfect education,” at the best maritime college in Türkiye. There, aside from his studies, he built strong friendships that he holds dear to this day.
Despite achieving the rank of Master, Capt. Altun thinks most fondly on his role as Chief Officer, considering it the most exciting time of his career. As Master, his key responsibilities include overseeing vessel performance and planning ahead. The pre-arrival reporting and documentation are time consuming, but the most important task is the daily meeting with the crew. This is what makes for successful ship management. While the mundane administration could seem boring, he loves the constant challenge of the job. “It’s still exciting not being sure what might surprise you on a routine day. It keeps you focused and adaptable all the time.”
One of his most memorable experiences was in 2017 aboard the STI Soho, when his wife joined the vessel for a five-month contract, describing it as best contract of his life. Another standout moment was visiting Scorpio House in Mumbai in 2019: “Seeing all the departments dedicated to success, and one building directing everyone for the same purpose—it was like a giant machine alive, working for Scorpio’s future.”
A true seafarer at heart, it is the sense of freedom and connection with nature that comes with being at sea that really drives Captain Altun: “You can feel the meaning of freedom at sea,” he says. “Of course, there are lots of rules and regulations in place, but it is totally up to you which way to choose while the breeze is touching your face on the wing, and the ocean singing by your side.”
A piece of advice that has stuck with him throughout his career came from a former mentor: “At all stages of life, you should be patient. One of my mentors told me once: you should listen to a case the first time, but if you hear it a second time, you must take care of it.”
To new seafarers starting out, he recommends making the most of Scorpio’s development programs. “If you’re successful, stubborn, and lucky enough to start a career with Scorpio, definitely sign up for Maori. We are all in this business to build a good future. I wish Scorpio had this plan when I first started my career in 2013.”
Outside of work, he enjoys gardening while between contracts. He even has a long-standing promise to a fellow captain: “I promised Capt. Sadettin Akbas that I’d send him a lemon sapling six years ago so he could grow it in Istanbul. He will most probably read this—so, sorry for the late delivery! It is a big tree now.”
This article featured in Beacon 28, Scorpio seafarers can access and download all issues of the Beacon from DocMap while onboard.