Adrift

It’s so interesting that you work as a boatman. Can you tell us more about what you do on the job?
I drive a launch boat from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier out to ships, then I take people from these ships to their home countries or back to the pier. I’ve taken people all over, like Denmark, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. But I myself am from West Coast, Singapore (laughs).

Where did you first learn to drive a boat?
From my dad. He was a boatman as well, and he used to bring me to the beach every week when I was younger, so I would just stand there and watch him.

What do you like most about boating?
The freedom. I have the freedom to lie down, smoke, and do whatever I want (laughs). There are no supervisors or superiors, just me. And I love the ocean—it’s very peaceful, just me and the water.

Aside from boating, what else do you like to do?
On the weekends I like to hang out with my friends and go skimboarding. It’s like surfing, but instead of going out into the water, you go from the sand to the shore by running, jumping on the board, and skimming.

What about music? Any favourite songs or artists?
I like listening to rap and R&B. My favourite artist is André 3000, who used to be from Outkast. My favourite songs would have to be Hey Ya!, or Da Art Of Storytellin’ by OutKast.

How about food? What do you like eating most?
Wanton mee—it’s so good with the sauce! The one at Clementi is the best, under this coffeeshop named Sedap. It’s really sedap wanton see (laughs).