The only skill I had was swimming - Jobless man narrates how he rose to become a marine officer in Dubai

A remarkable story of resilience and determination unfolds as Philips Michael, a Nigerian man who was once jobless, shares his inspiring journey of becoming a marine officer in Dubai, UAE. When Philips arrived in Dubai in 2013, he had only one skill to offer for employment: swimming. Although he had acquired this skill informally while growing up in Nigeria, little did he know that it would open doors to a new life in Dubai. Now, after ten years, he proudly serves as a marine officer with World Security, a DP World company that provides security solutions for various firms in the UAE.

Philips's upbringing took place in a remote area where fishing, timber, and agriculture were the primary occupations. Assisting his father, a timber dealer, after school was a regular part of his routine. Hailing from the Ijaw ethnic group and the Arogbo clan in Ondo, a southwestern coastal state in Nigeria, Philips faced financial challenges that prompted him to seek better opportunities outside his country of origin.

Through the connection of his uncle Love Torulolo, Philips got in touch with a friend working in the UAE. Initially, he flew to Dubai from Lagos on a two-week visit visa, without any specific intention of staying long-term. However, the moment he landed in Dubai in January 2013, his perspective shifted. Impressed by the infrastructure, such as the road networks and the metro, Philips made up his mind to stay and conveyed this to his uncle in Nigeria.

Motivated to find employment, Philips inquired about the job-seeking process in Dubai. He left the country, returned on a one-month visa, and received tremendous support and advice from the local community. When people learned about his swimming ability, someone suggested that he create a CV for a lifeguard position. Although he had no formal training in swimming, Philips, being a natural swimmer, took the suggestion to heart.

With the help of his friends, Philips distributed his CV to various places and received offers from three companies, including World Security. He chose World Security because of the better salary and the company's promotion of sporting activities. This decision turned out to be the right one, as Philips never had to seek opportunities elsewhere. World Security provided him with training and support to pursue his aspirations.

Starting as a lifeguard with no experience, Philips underwent training at the American Red Cross, obtained his certificate, and began his job. His dreams started to materialize, and not long after, he noticed an internal vacancy for the marine crew. Philip applied and was chosen for the position. The company deployed him and provided on-the-job training.

As a marine crew member, Philips was responsible for safeguarding lives, property, and waterways, as well as preventing illegal activities and managing access for different clients. While the marine crew stayed in one place, their officers patrolled the area. Philips worked in this role for about two years until he decided to acquire a boat driver's license, which he successfully obtained in 2016.

Driven by ambition and a desire to advance his career, Philips pursued additional courses in fitness training and fire safety to enhance his skills and increase his prospects. In 2019, he achieved his goal of becoming a Marine Officer.

Philips believes that everything is in the hands of God, and he aspires to use his experience and knowledge to establish a water sports and cruise company in his home country, Nigeria. He expresses his gratitude to Akhilesh Nair, Head of Security Operation at World Security, and Hamda Ateeq Rashed Harem Al Dhaheri, Head of QHSE at World Security, for their leadership, support, and ongoing inspiration in his job. Additionally, Philips thanks Kalfan Sultan, in charge of World Security's marine operation, for believing in him.