Growing up in the dusty streets of Katutura, a young and inquisitive boy dreamed of a future beyond the horizon. That boy was Harold Haoseb, whose journey from A.I. Steenkamp Primary School to Windhoek High School, and later the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), shaped his path to becoming a Vessel Master, a journey he describes as taking between 8 to 10 years of hard work and dedication.
Immediately after finishing school, he joined Debmarine Namibia as a Trainee Navigating Officer and was sent to CPUT to navigate his path to mastering vessel operations. His story is one of leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, both at sea and in life.
From navigating vessels to fostering a strong, motivated crew, Captain Haoseb leads with trust, patience, and purpose, ensuring that every mission is executed with precision and heart.
Captain Harold Haoseb, a Master for Debmarine Namibia’s MV Debmar Atlantic, has built his career on leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence. His role is not just about navigating the seas, it’s about ensuring safety, optimising production, and fostering a strong, motivated crew.
As a vessel captain, the day begins the night before, with careful planning and setting small targets for success. While unpredictability can sometimes take over, intentionality remains key.
Captain Harold explained “a typical day starts at 06:00 and stretches until 23:00, demanding discipline and focus. The morning begins with silent prayer, followed by a shower to prepare for the day ahead. The first task is to review daily production reports for the vessel and fleet, alongside weather forecasts to assess potential impacts on mining operations. A quick coffee serves as a reset before engaging with the office team. The day is filled with meetings, permit reviews, and safety assessments, ensuring smooth operations. A midday break allows for reflection, a quick nap, and a moment to recharge before tackling administrative work. The afternoon is dedicated to reports, planning, and operational trend analysis, followed by discussions with heads of departments on safety and production matters”.
As the evening approaches, Captain Haoseb responds to emails, finalises plans for the next day, and issues night orders to the bridge team for safe overnight operations. Before the day ends, there’s time for self-care, whether catching up on sports highlights or reading world news to stay refreshed and informed.
At the heart of Captain Haoseb’s role are five key priorities: crew safety, environmental protection, vessel seaworthiness, production performance, and team support. Beyond technical and operational aspects, crew well-being is a priority. He said leadership is about being visible and human, ensuring the team feels heard, supported, and valued. “Long periods at sea can be demanding, but motivation comes from understanding the deeper purpose. The work is not just about tasks or long hours – it’s about family, aspirations, and personal growth. Building relationships with the crew, fostering open conversations, and creating an environment where laughter is encouraged all contribute to a strong and united team” He emphasised.
For Captain Haoseb, the journey to leadership was deeply personal. Growing up in a challenging environment of Katutura, there was always a responsibility to lead by example, especially for younger siblings. The maritime industry provided an opportunity to serve, improve, and inspire. Encounters with exceptional officers early in his career reinforced the belief that leadership is not just about results, it’s about understanding the human being behind the uniform. The goal was clear: to become a captain who leads with heart, patience, and trust in people.
Debmarine Namibia’s social and economic impact has been a driving force behind Captain Haoseb’s passion for the field. The company represents excellence and progress, making it an inspiring place to work and lead. One of the biggest challenges in stepping into a captain’s role was learning to take a step back, especially when performance metrics weren’t favourable. While the instinct is often to act quickly, true leadership requires patience, deep analysis, and trust in the team. Sustainable solutions come from collaboration and thoughtful decision-making, rather than reactive fixes.
The most rewarding experiences are not just about operational success but about seeing crew members realise their potential. A simple, unexpected compliment from a catering staff member during a difficult time, acknowledging Captain Haoseb’s commitment to the team, became a defining moment. Leadership is about fighting alongside the team, not above them.
For those looking to lead in marine diamond recovery, Captain Haoseb’s message is clear: back yourself, be yourself, stay persistent, and trust your crew. A true captain stands with the team, not above them.
Speaking about his family, Captain Hoaseb said “balancing work and family requires intentionality. While at sea, focus is on the mission. But once back home, the captain’s hat comes off immediately, ensuring quality time with loved ones. Support from family makes it possible to excel in both worlds”.
Captain Harold Haoseb’s journey as a captain is more than overseeing operations, it’s about leading with purpose, supporting the crew, and making a lasting impact. Whether navigating the seas or guiding a team, the essence of leadership remains the same: trust, patience, and a commitment to excellence.
Contributed by Debmarine Namibia
