Nishchal Blouria: Our Curious Voyager
Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, India, Nishchal Blouria embarked on a seafaring career driven by her curiosity and passion for exploration.
“The idea of voyaging around the world excites my already curious mind,” she shares. “It’s a challenging yet rewarding career that allows me to develop valuable skills, experience diverse cultures, and contribute to global trade.”
Joining Scorpio in 2020, Nishchal has spent four years progressing through the ranks, starting as a Third Officer before earning her current role. Her daily responsibilities include navigation, passage planning, and maintaining navigational equipment. She also oversees medical inventory and serves as the ship’s Garbage Management Officer. While in port, she assists with cargo operations, ensuring smooth and efficient loading and unloading. Life at sea offers both challenges and rewards. “I enjoy the sense of freedom and tranquility that comes with being out in the open sea,” she says. “The solitude has allowed me to grow personally, and witnessing breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and marine life is an added privilege.”
Nishchal’s journey has been shaped by rigorous training, including a Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), GMDSS certification, STCW courses, and tanker-specific training. This foundation has helped her thrive in an industry that demands technical expertise, adaptability, and resilience. One of her proudest moments came when she was promoted to Second Officer.
“The change of epaulettes, the celebration with the crew, and the appreciation from the Captain and the company—it was truly a career highlight,” she recalls. “Earning this rank was not just about career progression but about proving my capabilities in a demanding industry.”
A Woman in Maritime – Scorpio’s commitment to inclusivity has been a key part of Nishchal’s experience.
“The recognition and appreciation of being a female officer at Scorpio is worth applauding. The company actively works to uplift its female officers by introducing policies that ensure a safe and supportive work environment.”
Her time at sea has taught her invaluable lessons. “Adaptability and resilience are essential in this industry,” she explains. “From unpredictable weather to demanding work conditions, staying calm, thinking critically, and working as a team are crucial for success.”
Beyond work, she has developed unique interests, including stargazing. “Identifying constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and the Southern Cross has become second nature. It’s incredible to think sailors have used stars for navigation for centuries.” She also enjoys learning new languages and accents from her multinational crewmates, making life on board even more engaging.
With a passion for the sea, a commitment to excellence, and a spirit of continuous learning, this Second Officer is charting a course for a bright future in the maritime industry.
This article featured in Beacon 27, Scorpio seafarers can access and download all issues of the Beacon from DocMap while onboard.
