Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 479 - 337 ’Safety Officer’_2

"Then send several more people aboard the ship."

"This isn’t just about boarding; it also involves loading."

"Director Feng, I don’t quite understand."

Director Feng realized he had to clarify, and explained, "This Dutch shipping company is very small, just a few people, and the superiors aren’t very confident in them."

Han Yu whispered, "Why not choose a bigger, more powerful shipping company?"

"European and American shipping companies are capable, but do you think they would help us transport submarines?"

Director Feng retorted with a question, and with a bitter smile, said, "Russia has several capable shipping agencies that can handle transportation, but their prices are astronomical; we can’t afford them. Therefore, when deciding how many people to send abroad for the operation, we also have to consider the budget."

In the end, it still comes down to lack of funds, and concerns about politics and security.

Han Yu was just reflecting on how difficult it is to purchase and safely transport a submarine back, when Director Feng continued, "You understand technology, so can supervise the loading; you understand marine navigation, have experience with ocean voyages, are familiar with routes and sea conditions, and can ensure safe navigation;

You have served as an Apprentice Chief Officer on a ten-thousand-ton marine vessel, you know English, know how to interact with foreign ship captains and crew, and also know how to negotiate with the port authorities when docking;

You joined the police system at sixteen and became a reserve party member at eighteen, having performed guard duties. You are absolutely reliable politically, ensuring the safety of personnel.

You know, those participating in the transfer include Navy sailors, Russian experts, and a few domestic maritime experts. We are not concerned with the Russian experts, but the others—we have to bring back as many as we go."

Naval operations in recent years have been fraught with serious incidents.

This trip is so far, transporting such important and expensive equipment; the superiors must consider all aspects, otherwise, they would never be at ease.

After a moment of silence, Han Yu whispered, "So, if I go, how many people can I replace?"

"One more person means spending money for an extra person."

"But I’m neither a Navy officer nor an employee of Cosco."

"Now you are; you’ll be participating in the transfer as a representative of Cosco."

"Cosco representative?"

This matter is very complicated, but it must be explained clearly.

Director Feng organized his thoughts and explained, "Salted Fish, you’re very familiar with the character of foreigners; their dictionary doesn’t include the word ’modesty.’ For example, in loading and reinforcement, if you say they’re doing it wrong, they will definitely not be happy, thinking you’re questioning their technical expertise, they might even quit.

And, regarding navigation, if we send an experienced captain over, their own captain and Chief Officer certainly won’t be pleased. But can we afford not to supervise their work? Can we afford not to monitor their navigation? Hence, a person with communication experience and skills is needed."

Dealing with foreigners is not easy, and Han Yu feels this deeply.

Director Feng seized the moment to say, "And after loading the submersible, there will be several groups of people on the submersible ship, including Navy officers, Russian experts, and crew from the Dutch Shipping Company including captains, Chief Officers, and mechanic sailors.

According to international customs, our Navy officers, our experts, and the Russian experts, once they board their ship, must adhere to the captain’s orders. But we are transporting a submarine; how can we listen to them on everything? So, we need someone to communicate and coordinate."

This is no small matter.

Either refuse, or if agreed, accept great responsibility.

If anything happens, it would be a national crime.

Just as Han Yu was about to say something, Director Feng changed the topic: "You will be the safety officer during the transfer period, responsible for the safety of loading, navigation, personnel, and firefighting. In short, you must act according to the situation, overcome all difficulties, and safely bring back the submarine!"

"Director Feng, I’m worried I may not be competent."

"If you’re not competent, then I’ll have to step in myself. Do you think it’s too late for me to start learning English now?"

"Director Feng..."

"Salted Fish, every time there’s a task, the superiors always say it is the organization’s trust in you. Now I need to tell you, letting you participate in the transfer is the nation and the people’s trust in you!"

Director Feng knew the immense pressure Salted Fish would face once he took on this task, and said with emotion, "If your master were here and knew you were undertaking such a mission, he would be very proud."

Why did his master create conditions to train him if not for this moment?

Han Yu took a few deep breaths and asked, "I am willing to participate in the transfer, when do I leave?"

"We need to hurry with the visa; where is your passport?"

"At the subdivision, the new Director He knew I had a passport and asked to hand it over to the Political Office."

"Your Seaman’s Certificate and Competence Certificate should be at the Port Authority, right?"

"Yes, at the Port Authority."

"I’ll contact them to have them urgently send it to Binjiang Airport by air freight, then arrange for someone to help you with the visa."

"And me?"

"Tonight, there is a flight from Guangzhou to the Capital; I’ll arrange for a colleague from the East Guang Branch to book a flight for you, and the General Staff Equipment Department will contact the Mao Ming Military District to arrange a car to take you to Baiyun Airport."

"That soon!"

"Hurry in handing over your current tasks, I will call Ningning and ask for her understanding and support."

Just as Han Yu was about to mention the trouble he encountered in Gaozhou and that he couldn’t just leave, Director Feng hung up the phone.

Just stepping out of the secretary’s office, Minister Yang of the Military Department’s pager rang.

"Comrade Han Yu, I need to return a call."

"Sure, no rush."

Chen Zikun and Zhang Lan approached, about to ask who had called and what it was about, when Chief Dai quickly approached, extending his right hand from afar.