A marine engineer’s journey: from engine room to the world

“I graduated in 1994 in marine engineering,” Vladimir (Russia) chief engineer for OM’s ships begins. “I started work on commercial ships as a post-engineer and spent most of my life in the engine room.”

The schedule was steady, six months at sea and six months at home — enough to provide for his young family. But for a newly married couple, the long separations were hard. “Being apart for months at a time was difficult,” Vladimir admits.

He and his wife, Anna, both walking closely with Jesus, began to ask how God might want them to serve Him in a new way.

“We asked God what’s next.”

In 2001, they crossed paths with a marine engineer from Australia. “He told me about the ships, doing ministry, going around the world. It sounded so interesting.”

Soon after, the organisation’s vessel Logos II, was coming to Saint Petersburg. Without travelling far, he, his wife, and their young daughter stepped aboard to serve.

“The ships were similar to commercial ones, but the lifestyle, working with Jesus followers from all over the world, was a big joy. We visited many European ports and the Caribbean.”

Over the years, Vladimir and Anna lived and worked on several of OM’s ships.

Vladimir has seen the ministry “develop like a living organism”, always adapting to the world around it.

“God provides in surprising ways.”

As chief engineer, he has faced many technical challenges and experienced surprising answers to prayer.

He recalls one incident in Nacala, Mozambique. The ship’s fresh water pump broke, and they needed a specific stainless steel rod, impossible to source locally.

“Hours later, we visited another ship docked next to us. In their engine room, in a corner, were stainless steel rods, exactly the right length and diameter. They said, ‘Take two.’ We made the repair, and the pump was working again. God provides, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.”

Serving on OM’s ships has been more than a job. It has been a training ground for life and faith.

Their travels have taken them to countries of all kinds, each experience deepening their appreciation for what they have and teaching them through the lives of others. “…It helps you appreciate what you have, and you learn so much from others. The life stories of the people you meet really impact you.”

“No regrets — only gratitude.”

Looking back, he has no regrets about stepping away from commercial shipping to serve in ministry. “Whether short-term or long-term, you will have an unforgettable experience. Just pray, maybe one day God will bring you to the ships.”

Today, he is still in the engine room, currently working on a stubborn refrigeration system, but now his work carries a deeper purpose. It is about sharing hope with the nations.

For those considering joining OM’s ships, his encouragement is simple: 

"If you feel God is [asking] you, just come... and when He [does], He also provides: finances, time, everything."

He understands that committing one or two years can be difficult. “But even if you have a few months, come and see the ship, work alongside the crew, and you will know if it is for you,” says Vladimir.

Take your first step today — come on board, work alongside the crew and see where God might lead you. Find out more here.