Vinod Suthenthiran
Summary
Experienced maritime professional with over a decade of leadership and operational expertise across both commercial and military sectors. A licensed harbour pilot with substantial experience in ship manoeuvring, navigation, and safety. Concurrently, serving as a Ship Master in the Republic of Singapore Navy's Civil Resource Unit, specializing in multi-disciplinary operations, team management, and strategic problem-solving. Recently completed an MSc in Sustainable Maritime Operations, in pursuit of personal development, to enhance capabilities in driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in maritime operations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Harbour Pilot
PSA Marine Pte Ltd
Singapore
04.2016 - Current
- Provide pilotage and berthing services to vessels calling at Port of Singapore and ensure the safe and expedient movement of vessels entering and departing the port, while complying with port regulations and emergency response plans
- Played a vital role in maintaining the reputation of maritime services by consistently delivering high-quality pilotage assistance to vessels transiting in and out of ports.
- Mentored new marine pilots as they transitioned into their roles, sharing valuable knowledge gained from years of experience in the field.
- Developed strong relationships with port officials and other industry professionals to support efficient coordination during vessel movements.
- Trained in emergency response efforts during maritime incidents, helping to prevent further damage or loss of life.
- Managed challenging situations calmly under pressure, maintaining the safety of crew members and cargo at all times.
- Collaborated with ship captains and crews to facilitate seamless communication during critical operations.
- Prioritized safety procedures when operating vessels, controlling speed, berthing and unberthing, giving optimal protection to crew and equipment.
- Managing editor of the team behind the 'Singapore Pilot Times' which is the Pilotage Services Department's Newsletter
- Emerged as the top trainee in the cohort and was given the opportunity to give the 'valedictorian' speech during the Pilots' Commissioning Dinner
- Actively takes the opportunity to attend and participate in Maritime events and forums
- Participated in the MPA Safety @ Sea 2019 forum as a member of the team presenting on safety of Pilots at sea
- Participated in a program (Train The Trainers Basic Program) that was designed with reference to IALA 1103 Guidelines and IMO Model Course 6/09, to equip participants (management level) with the competence to conduct maritime pilotage training and assessment in practical and simulated environment for the Singapore Maritime Pilots, by adopting a standardized approach.
Mooring Master
Psa Marine Pte Ltd
Chittagong, Bangladesh
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted over 100 ship-to-ship (STS) operations, facilitating safe and efficient cargo transfers between vessels in a high-demand project secured by PSA Marine Pte Ltd.
- Managed a team of lighter vessels and personnel to maintain efficiency and safety throughout complex maritime operations.with VLGCs (Very Large Gas Carriers).
- Ensured the safe transfer of cargo between vessels under challenging monsoon conditions, demonstrating effective risk management and operational oversight.
- Implemented problem-solving strategies to overcome weather-related obstacles, ensuring the continuity of operations despite adverse conditions.
Commanding Officer/Ship Master (National Service)
Republic of Singapore Navy
Singapore, Singapore
06.2022 - Current
- Maintained high morale within the unit by recognizing exemplary work performance contributing towards a cohesive and dedicated team.
- Established strong relationships with external partners to facilitate cooperation and support during joint operations.
- Adapted quickly to evolving situations, demonstrating flexibility in managing unforeseen challenges during critical missions.
- Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams effectively, maximizing individual strengths to achieve collective goals.
- Evaluated unit performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Mentored junior officers, providing guidance and support in their professional development and leadership growth.
- Fostered an atmosphere of trust among subordinates through open communication channels and transparent decision-making processes.
Naval Combat Officer
Republic of Singapore Navy
Singapore, Singapore
10.2010 - 05.2015
- Served as a Navigation Officer onboard a warship, Officer Of the Watch both in harbour and at sea
- Supervising the navigation department with respect to training, welfare and discipline, conduct passage planning, oversee operational maintenance and upkeep of bridge equipment, accountability of charts / publications, etc
- Served as a Gunnery Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Deck / Cargo officer supervising and conducting a multitude of shipboard operations from running the day-to-day operations of the warship
- In conjunction with the operational tasks of running a warship, administrative tasks such as drafting circulars and manual for the Navy were undertaken
- Organising and execution of shore activities such as sports days, seminars, meetings, investitures, fitness tests & many other events
- Selected as one the few Officers to attend a 'Para-Counsellor Preparatory Course' to be trained in dealing with soldiers undergoing mental health issues, 'PTSD' & other personal problems
- Trained to be the front-liners in the emergency response crisis team when breaking out unfortunate news to affected families so as to provide emotional support and a helping hand
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Optimized resource utilization by reallocating personnel based on workload assessment resulting in balanced workload distribution among the team members.
Outdoor Facilitator
Camp Challenge Pte Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Trained as a qualified instructor / facilitator for outdoor and indoor corporate teambuilding activities, running of school camps, supervising rock-climbing, supervising abseiling, supervising high-elements course activities, supervising kayaking and etc.
- Given the opportunity to facilitate corporate team-building activities while adopting the various teaching methodologies.
- Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
- Delivered high-quality training sessions, ensuring participants developed a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
Education
Master of Science - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University of Plymouth
10.2024
Post-Graduate Diploma - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University Of Plymouth
United Kingdom06.2023
Post-Graduate Certificate - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University Of Plymouth
United Kingdom09.2022
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Technologies, Leadership And Studies
Nanyang Technological University
08.2013
Diploma - Outdoor & Adventure Learning
Republic Polytechnic
01.2010
General Certificate of Education: Ordinary Level (GCE 'O' Level) -
Naval Base Secondary School
01.2006
Primary School Leaving Examination Certificate (PSLE) -
North View Primary School
01.2002
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Studies Course
Nanyang Technological University
06.2013
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Technology Course
Nanyang Technological University
06.2013
Skills
- Maritime Operations & Pilotage
- STS Operations & Mooring Master Expertise
- Leadership & Team Mentorship
- Emergency Response & Crisis Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategies
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Adaptability in Dynamic Environments
- Safety Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Communication & Relationship Building
- Training & Development
Maritime courses
- 02/01/21, Train The Trainer Basic Programme, PSAM
- 11/01/20, Maritime Resource Management Course, PSAM
- 03/01/17, Bridging course for Maritime Pilot, PSAM
- 04/01/16, 06/30/17, Pilot Training Course, PSAM
- 05/01/15, 09/30/15, Certificate of Competency (Deck) Preparatory Course, Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)
- 04/01/15, 10/31/15, STCW Short Courses, SMA, Advanced Fire Fighting, Personal Safety & Social Responsibility, Personal Survival Techniques, Basic Tanker Training (Oil, Chemical & Liquefied Gas Tankers)
Military courses
- 02/02/24, Command Preparatory Programme (National Service)
- 04/01/14, Maritime Air Operations Course
- 03/01/14, 05/31/14, Naval Advanced Officers Course
- 01/01/14, The Para-counsellor Preparatory Course
- 06/01/13, 08/31/13, Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Leadership Course, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
- 05/01/13, 06/30/13, Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Studies Course, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
- 05/01/13, 06/30/13, Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Technology Course, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
- 03/01/12, 09/30/12, Naval Junior Officers Course
- 08/01/11, Basic Diving Course
- 12/01/10, Fire Fighting & Damage Control Course
- 10/01/10, 07/31/11, Midshipman Course
Maritime licenses and certifications
- 06/01/17, Singapore Harbour Pilot License, Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- 10/01/15, Certificate of Competency (Deck), Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- 03/01/15, Port Limit Steersman, Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- 08/01/13, Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate, Republic of Singapore Navy
- 07/01/12, Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence, Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- 01/01/12, Certificate of Competency, Republic of Singapore Navy
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/04/90
- Nationality: Singaporean
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Mooring Master
Psa Marine Pte Ltd
07.2023 - Current
Commanding Officer/Ship Master (National Service)
Republic of Singapore Navy
06.2022 - Current
Harbour Pilot
PSA Marine Pte Ltd
04.2016 - Current
Naval Combat Officer
Republic of Singapore Navy
10.2010 - 05.2015
Outdoor Facilitator
Camp Challenge Pte Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University of Plymouth
Post-Graduate Diploma - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University Of Plymouth
Post-Graduate Certificate - Sustainable Maritime Operations
University Of Plymouth
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Technologies, Leadership And Studies
Nanyang Technological University
Diploma - Outdoor & Adventure Learning
Republic Polytechnic
General Certificate of Education: Ordinary Level (GCE 'O' Level) -
Naval Base Secondary School
Primary School Leaving Examination Certificate (PSLE) -
North View Primary School
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Studies Course
Nanyang Technological University
Undergraduate Professional Military Education and Training (UGPMET) - Military Technology Course
Nanyang Technological University