It's an impressive list: president and CEO of Cosco, chairman of the China Shipowners Association and soon to be Commodore of the Connecticut Maritime Association. "I prefer the title of Captain," says Wei Jiafu, "It's the most respected title in the industry. It gives you legal authority and responsibility. It's difficult to earn that title so I'm proud of it."rnHe had to work hard to get there. "I was drawn to Cosco in 1967 as a radio officer. During my voyages, I learned navigation and studied all the necessary books from university. Then in 1978,1 got my STCW licensed captaincy."rnFour years later, at the age of 32, he made his first international voyage, to Corpus Christi. "I manoeuvred my Panamax, carrying 30,000 tonnes of ore, through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. Then the US Coast Guard came aboard, with 20 men."rnThe young captain invited the men into his room and offered beer and cigarettes - as Chinese hospitality required. Both were declined with a curt "no". Checklists came out and an unperturbed Wei offered his assistance, which was accepted.rn"So, first we went to the bridge. I'd already prepared everything. The officer in charge clicked his pen and began 'One: US charts?' Here, I pointed. 'Two...' and so on. We went down the checklist quickly, his inspection was very easy."
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