Completion of an unfinished work

Almost 2 years ago, I embarked on my quest to achieve my dream to be able to drive a boat.

So, in 2004, when my friend approached me to take up the powered pleasure boat license course with him, I jumped onto the bandwagon without any hesitation.

After the evening theory lessons, held at a yacht club in an obscure corner of West Coast area, I quickly signed up for the theory test.

The regulations stated very clearly that I had to pass my theory test first, before I could sign up for the practical handling test. I planned to clear all these tests within the space of a few months and I couldn't wait to lay my hands on the boat licence.

The theory test seemed straightforward enough: There were only 30 MCQ questions and in order to pass this test, I had to score 27 points and above.

So I studied hard, but complacency did set in. I've always had the ability to retain much information without much effort when I study, but I think I might have carried this thought a little too far that time.

Sitting for the theory test in a musty old computer laboratory in Singapore Polytechnic, I sat dumbfounded at two or three questions, where the answer proved to be elusive.

Nonetheless, I clicked quickly at the answers I thought should be correct.

When I received the score sheet a short while later, I received a rude shock.

My score? 26 out of 30.

I was infuriated with myself. It was scant consolation that my friend, and a few others also received similar results.

Why should I feel better just because everyone else is doing just as badly?

So, I quickly signed up for the next available re-test, and this time, I made sure I studied the notes thoroughly.



As I sat for the test again in early 2005, some of the questions stumped me again. Again, some of the answers I put down were pure guesswork. My score for this test?

27 out of 30.

I did it!

My friend passed too, so mutual congratulations became the order of the day. We agreed to book the practical test date as soon as possible.

That was in Jan 2005. Months passed. Endless work committments thwarted our plans to take the practical test. In fact, the thoughts of booking the test date diminished from our memories as our work load demanded our fullest attention and energy.

The critical juncture came last month, when I realised that our theory test result would expire in Jan 2007. That meant that we had to urgently book the test date for the practical handling test. Once my theory test results expires, I would have to re-sit for the entire theory test again. I certainly do not want that to happen.

And so, my colleague and I went to book the test, and we were relieved to be able to have the test in early November.

The test itself required us to show competence in driving the boat, to be able to unberth the boat safely, to be able to perform the man overboard manoeuvre, and to be able to berth the boat at a designated jetty.

On the test day, the weather certainly wasn't on our side. While waiting for the testers to arrive in the boat shed, the dark skies poured relentlessly. Looking at the choppy waters in the bay, it was very easy for all of us to be anxious.

When it was my turn, I went through all the pre-start checks with the tester perfectly. The unwieldy waters did not matter at all, as I executed the manoeuvres well enough, even in the chilly rain. I was already drenched as I stepped out of the boat after completing the test, and waddled back to the boat shed, where it was much warmer and provided welcome shelter from the incessant rain.





Inside the tester's office, I sat opposite the tester. This was the final part of the practical handling test where I would be asked a series of questions on the regulations of the sea in Singapore waters, and what I would do in situations of potential danger, such as collisions between vessels in the open sea. I answered his questions in the best way I knew: calm, sensible, and logical.

And so, the tester extended his hand to me, and my hand reached out to meet his in a firm handshake, and he then congratulated me on passing the test.





Getting this boat license is definitely a high point for me this year. It marked an end to a quest that started over 2 years ago. With this done, I can now move on to other challenges for the future. Among other personal targets, I hope to be able to get the Kayaking and Basketball Coaching certificates.

A more immediate and daunting target looms over this weekend.

This Sunday, the Big Race is here - the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

I'll be running in the full marathon - all 42.195km of it.

My personal goal for this race? It would be to finish the marathon, and get that medal and the finisher t-shirt!

And once that's done, it's straight back home to pack my luggage, for that long flight to the Middle East that's scheduled on the very next day, for my 2-week holiday.

Quite an exciting next few days, isn't it.

Not a bad camp at all

It was unexpected.

Moments before, I was on the raft, paddling over a rapid that did not seem too threatening to us.

Next thing I knew?

My upper body went over the side of the raft, and the swirling cold water engulfed me as I toppled into the river!

My plan had been to stay on the raft and stay dry. Looks like nature had other better ideas! You see, I had primed myself to be the rescuer of students in case they fell over. But I didn't have a Plan B - I just didn't see myself losing my balance on the raft over the treacherously fast waters of the river.

I didn't think that I would die from drowning. Dying of embarrassment? More likely!

I just couldn't stop laughing at myself in disbelief, as I dragged myself up onto the boat, completely soused, and continued paddling.

What made it better was when my colleague (sitting next to me) also tumbled into the water. And further down the raging river, when even the guide slipped into the water with great aplomb, that was the icing on the cake!

So those were some of my favourite moments of the Sec 3 Adventure Camp, where a group of teachers, including me, and some intrepid students headed to Adeline Campsite in Gopeng, Perak for an adventure of a lifetime.

I am sure most participants would agree with me that this camp was utterly fun and enriching.

Even to me, I have no qualms in saying that I had a rolling good time. I am never quick in dismissing anything or anyone as boring.

What I always try to do is to make the best out of any situation, no matter how challenging or unbearable, and try to have a good time and learn something out of it.

Other than personal adventures, another memory of this camp would surely be our visit to the Vision Home - a sanctuary for orphans - tucked away in a quiet corner of a small quaint town.

As we arrived, the boys in the Home scurried out to peer at us. Their smiles broke down any ice that might have stood between them and us.

It was with great pleasure when we handed them gifts - books, shirts, toys, stationary. I am sure that our gifts will bless them richly.

It was with a heavy heart, when it was time for us to bid farewell to these kids. Though fate may have dealt them a seemingly cruel blow, I believe that their future remains bright. With proper guidance, teaching of the correct values, and sheer hard work, they will rise above their present circumstances and achieve success in lfe.




Through this camp, I have seen facets of my students that I have never seen before. I elected to observe keenly those students, ever on the lookout for acts of valour, selflessness, resilience.

When I see students overcoming their fears in conquering the caves, bravely crossing the swollen rivers in the torrential rains, traversing steep slopes inch by inch, pushing on in spite of injuries, I feel proud of them. They have done well.

But my greatest salutations must go to my boss, Mr Maran. On the first day, he suffered horrific injuries to his hand - two large wooden splints had embedded themselves into his palm, while he was sliding down the slope on the way to the river crossing - and he endured the entire camp with the pain (sleepless nights even) and the swell that accompanied the injury.

He suffered all these without a single complaint.

And so it is with great men - they do not make a big deal out of unfavourable circumstances. They just get on with it and do the job.

Indeed, we need more young men of fine mettle in Fajar who possess the same spirit of endurance and fighting spirit.