Can you share with us your Odfjell story?
I joined Odfjell in July 2003 straight after college as a Deck Cadet on board Bow Cecil. I was on Bow Cecil for two years and then I sailed as a deck officer on Bow Flora, NCC Riyad, Bow Cedar and finally, Bow Flower.
After a few years at sea I started as a ship operator in the shore organization. As a Ship Operator, I handled various types of vessels, both time-charter vessels and our own vessels on trades all over the world.
In 2012, I left Odfjell to work as a teacher at the Bergen Maritime Fagskole where I educated future officers and captains in subjects like cargo handling, stowage, ship stability, and ship simulator. The main driving force for that decision were my kids, because I wanted to be able to spend more time with them. I started there with no teaching experience at all, but the seven years I worked at the school has been interesting and fun. While working in the school I went on further education in Pedagogy and Didactics, and Online Pedagogy.
When this position came up, I was ready to do something new. I’m very glad I got this job and it’s a bonus that the company is Odfjell.
What made you decide to join the maritime industry?
Unlike others, I never had this dream job or profession that I planned to pursue from an early age. Some in my family are fishermen, so I have been in boats since I was a child. I didn’t think of a career at sea before I was 19, when I joined an old-fashioned sailing boat sailing along the coast north of Norway. I really loved it, even though I was seasick a lot.
Still I was not sure about becoming a deck officer so I didn’t apply for Maritime college until the last minute of the application deadline.
I decided to pursue the education when I worked at Christian Radich (a full-rigged sailing vessel) in the summer break between first and second year.
What do you consider to be the highlights of your career?
The five years I spent sailing were definitely a highlight. Another highlight I consider is the online textbook I made with two other teachers last year. It is about ship stability and cargo handling for operational level positions on board ships.
Ship stability and cargo handling were my specialization in the years that I was teaching; I also handled minor topics like ship simulator and leadership.
As Manager Competence Development, what will be your highest priorities in the near future?
My top priority is to review the course matrix of both internal courses and onboard training. The focus areas these days are cargo handling, vetting and leadership.
In reviewing the courses, the first question I ask is: Is the course really needed? Another thing I consider is whether the course is relevant to the position or not.
Right now, we are working with Thome and started a cargo handling course. It's an Odfjell-specific cargo handling course designed for junior officers (Third Officers, Second Officers and Pumpmen) and it may also be attended by some Chief Officers. The first course was in November, and we received good feedback. We are adjusting the next course with the feedback we received from the first course.
We are also planning a training system for becoming a Pumpman. A lot of people who wanted to be a Pumpman say they do not get enough training, so we are discussing on how we can make a training package that will make the Pumpmen feel more confident in doing their job.
In terms of competence, how do you see the Odfjell crew pool in the next five years?
I see the Odfjell crew as competent and reflective seafarers who get the training they need for their position.
My goal is for the seafarers to feel that they benefit from all the trainings we send them to.
How can the seafarers contribute to the achievement of these goals?
The seafarers can contribute by giving their honest but constructive feedback on courses, onboard training books, and CBTs.
This is especially important when we try out new training systems onboard on some vessels. I also hope that those who have good ideas regarding training will reach out to me and share their inputs. Everyone, whether they are officers or ratings or new hires, can send their feedback and ideas to me at karianne.gronseth@odfjell.com. They can also approach me at the conferences or during my visits on board.
Who is Karianne outside Odfjell?
I am married with two kids — an eleven-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy. I like to go hiking in the mountains and spend time with friends and family. Although right now, most of my time goes to my kids and their activities.
