From managing people and safety to protecting the environment and community, there’s a lot that goes into the running of LPC’s Dry Dock.
That’s why we’re lucky we have Dry Dock Master Lito Abarratigue at the helm to oversee operations.
What does your job involve?
As a Dock Master, I am responsible for the overall planning, operational, and day to day maintenance required to keep the dry dock fit for purpose. I ensure it’s a safe place to work for everyone and provide leadership for the many organisations that are involved in work here. I also maintain our environmental compliance, health and safety protocol and work with the community on any concerns.
What roles have you had in the past?
I started work as a carpenter/joiner back in the Philippines for five years. Then I went overseas to learn different skills in a US Military Base in Iraq. I started as an assistant baker and after 12 months became a supervisor and ran the department for two years. Then one of the construction companies at the base offered a job as a foreman and worked with them for two years before returning back home. After three years a company based in Christchurch offered me a job as a builder/carpenter. I started in 2014 and worked for more than 3 years before finally joining LPC in the Civil Maintenance team.
What’s the most unique part of your role?
The unique and challenging part of this role is bringing in multiple vessels at once on the same tide.
What challenges do you enjoy in your job?
The biggest challenge for me, although I really do like it, is planning for a new vessel coming in the dock. There is a lot of things you need to consider to make sure the vessel can safely come into the dock. You need to know the size and shape of the vessel, the condition of the vessel and the working drafts.
We also deal with many different people and customers which can be a lot to handle.
What is something you’re really proud of?
Bringing the vessel in and out of the dock safe and ensuring the safety of the people involved for dry docking.
How would your colleagues describe you?
I would say I’m a happy person, easy to work with and pretty quiet.
Who or what inspires you?
My family, friends and workmates inspire me.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Having a great time with my kids, playing basketball, riding a motorbike, going fishing and gardening with my misses.
