Merchant Mariner - Super Yacht Industry

From Colombo 05 to the open ocean: twenty five years of stage lights, ship decks and stories worth telling.

Colombo 05,
Sri Lanka
30 March 1983

The eldest child of the family, Ramesh grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, discipline and curiosity. His childhood was shaped by two powerful influences: from his father's side came a deep love for music and dance, while his mother's side inspired a lifelong passion for sport.

His early years were spent on the rugby fields and cricket pitches of school, where teamwork, resilience and determination became second nature. Beyond the classroom, he embraced music as a percussionist, discovering the rhythm and creativity that would stay with him throughout life.

These experiences laid the foundation for a life driven by adventure, discipline and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward.

Portrait of RameshColombo 05, Sri Lanka

Isipathana College

Ramesh completed his education at Isipathana College, where he built a strong foundation in leadership, sports and the arts. He represented the college in Under-13, Under-15 and Under-16 cricket, as well as Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and First XV rugby. His passion for music led him to the Oriental Band, he served as Vice President of the Sinhala Literary Society in 2002, and contributed to the media and computer societies before completing his Advanced Levels that year.

First hustle, age 16

At just 16, he began his working life as a door-to-door book seller, building confidence, resilience and valuable people skills. After completing his Advanced Level studies in 2002, he worked at a refrigerator manufacturing company in Ratmalana, then as a potter at Tangerine Beach Hotel in Kalutara. These early experiences shaped a work ethic that laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Before the sea, the stage

The first ethnic fusion rock band in Sri Lanka. Drums first, everything else after.
  1. 1999

    The Kreators form

    Co-founds the band as percussionist in Sri Lanka's first ethnic fusion rock band.

  2. 2002

    Animal Farm & TNL Onstage

    Backing band for the stage play Animal Farm; finalists at TNL Onstage.

Two decades on deck

M/V Parana & M/V Talca

2005 - 2007

M/V Parana & M/V Talca

Deckhand (OS / AB), merchant marine

A rock-solid maritime foundation on a 150m reefer and a 144m container ship: large-scale anchoring, heavy commercial crane operations, mooring and structural steel maintenance on demanding routes between Brazil, the Philippines and the Gulf.

M/Y Amevi / Aalto / Batallo

2007 - 2023

M/Y Amevi / Aalto / Batallo

Deckhand → Deck Instructor

Fifteen years aboard the 80m Oceanco, joined straight from build and became its longest-standing crew member. Trained incoming crew, worked 10-year refits at MB92 Barcelona, La Ciotat, Malta and Singapore, and ran VVIP watersports at the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival.

M/Y My Brother Brancusi

2023 - 2024

M/Y My Brother Brancusi

Bosun (promoted during probation)

A transatlantic crossing and Caribbean season on the 67m expedition yacht. Promoted from deckhand to bosun by the owner and captain, overseeing deck operations, crane workflows and anchoring through intensive owner trips across Colombia and the Caribbean.

2024 - Present

97m Lürssen

Lead Deckhand (promoted from Senior Deckhand)

Two Med seasons and two yard periods between Sète and La Ciotat: main guest tender driver around France, Monaco, Italy and Greece, majority of the paint work in the yard, and relief bosun. Added RYA PWC Instructor, Helideck Assistant and professional spray painting qualifications.

Stories from the water

Since leaving Sri Lanka in 2005, the journey has spanned the world, with professional training in modern water sports and adventure activities.

Filmed where the action happens, these stories capture unforgettable experiences on the water while showcasing the innovation, excitement and beauty of modern water sports. They also demonstrate why Sri Lanka's spectacular coastline deserves recognition as one of the world's premier water sports destinations.

Created to inspire, educate and encourage more Sri Lankans to discover the endless opportunities the ocean has to offer.

Playlists

Visit the channel
Ramesh in RYA instructor gear on a jet ski

Ride with confidence

Learn to ride with confidence through professional RYA Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) training. Courses are designed for both beginners and experienced riders, with a strong focus on safety, practical skills and responsible operation. Gain the knowledge and confidence to enjoy every ride safely on the water.

  • RYA qualified professional tuition
  • Safe, confident riders
  • Learn skills for life
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Years at sea & on stage

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Superyachts served

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Album released

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Ventures co-founded

Ventures & advocacy

2022

Universal Green Solutions

Co-founded with entrepreneur Roshan Yaheya to develop waste-conversion machinery for a cleaner Sri Lanka.

Ongoing

Isipathana Online Information Center

CEO of the alma mater's online information hub, keeping the school community connected worldwide.

Advocacy

Henry Pedris Ground

A public voice for Isipathana College's custodianship of the ground for school rugby.

Advocacy

Water Sports Tourism

Championing water sports development as a growth engine for Sri Lankan tourism.