Life at sea: Key insights from active seafarers

Danielle Centeno’s path began with an interest in the U.S. Navy, where a special program allowed her to earn a license to sail, sparking her passion for the maritime world. She described her time at sea as adventurous, offering invaluable experiences that shaped her career in the maritime industry.

Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, on the other hand, initially aspired to be a journalist, drawn by the allure of travel and cultural exploration. He eventually became attracted to the maritime industry, seeking a more financially rewarding career to support his family. Yrhen reflected on his career progression, noting his experiences on bulk carriers, general cargo ships, and oil tankers.

For Kenneth Gabais, becoming a seafarer was a personal dream from childhood, inspired by early travels on ferries with his family. He explained that the challenges of the job made it even more rewarding, allowing him to grow both personally and professionally.

Jomel Mallorca’s inspiration came from the dream of climbing the ranks in the maritime world. As a child, he aspired to become a seafarer, and now, as a third officer, he views his career as an opportunity to prove his dedication and hard work.

The rewards and challenges of seafaring

When asked about the most rewarding aspects of their careers, all panelists shared a common appreciation for the opportunities to travel and engage with diverse people. Yrhen, in particular, emphasized the excitement of meeting crew members from various cultures, offering him a unique perspective on human behavior and team dynamics at sea.

Kenneth cited the challenges of solving complex machinery problems as both the hardest and most rewarding part of his role as an engineer. Despite the long hours required to fix machinery, the sense of accomplishment in overcoming technical obstacles provided immense satisfaction.

Jomel shared that his most rewarding experience was his promotion to third officer, a testament to his dedication and perseverance in the field. However, he also highlighted the emotional challenges of being away from family, which could sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

Danielle, as a woman at sea, mentioned the added challenge of overcoming gender-related barriers and the need for strong camaraderie on board. She emphasized that when she felt included as part of the crew, the experience was incredibly fulfilling. The key takeaway for her was that the skills gained as a female seafarer—while challenging—have propelled her career and ensured job security.

Embracing the changing maritime landscape

The discussion also touched on how emerging trends, such as automation and decarbonization, are reshaping the maritime profession. The panelists recognized the need for proactive adaptation to these changes to remain relevant in the industry. While automation promises efficiency, it also brings the challenge of re-skilling to stay competitive in the evolving workforce.

Kenneth acknowledged the complexity of keeping up with new technology and emphasized the importance of being open to learning. Similarly, Yrhen advised the younger generation of seafarers not to limit themselves to one niche within the maritime sector, encouraging them to explore opportunities beyond traditional roles, whether in the military or port management.

Overcoming communication barriers and social isolation

Communication is a critical component of life at sea, especially when it comes to staying connected with family and fostering crew cohesion. While advancements like Starlink and satellite communication have made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones, the panelists noted that this shift has led to a reduction in socializing among crew members.

Jomel recognized the cultural and linguistic diversity on board as potential barriers to socializing. However, he pointed out that these challenges could be overcome through thoughtful initiatives such as crew gatherings and open spaces for informal interactions.

Danielle echoed this sentiment, noting that while communication with family has improved, it sometimes contributes to isolation between crew members. She suggested that fostering stronger crew connections would help improve overall morale and mental well-being on board.

Valuable career advice

When asked about the best piece of career advice they had received, the panelists offered practical wisdom for aspiring seafarers. Kenneth stressed the importance of embracing the profession’s challenges, as the rewards—both personal and financial—make it all worthwhile.

Jomel encouraged future seafarers to stay determined and flexible in pursuing their dreams, even when things don’t go according to plan. He emphasized the importance of setting goals and remaining resilient, while always trusting the journey.

Danielle highlighted the value of mentorship, advising young seafarers to seek guidance from seasoned professionals to navigate the challenges of life at sea.

Yrhen shared advice given to him early in his career: “Seafaring is not about besting others, but relating to them.” He emphasized the importance of camaraderie, particularly in creating a supportive and cohesive work environment on board.

What makes a good seafarer?

Finally, when asked about the essential qualities for success in the maritime profession, panelists agreed that resilience, adaptability, and a true passion for the work are key. They emphasized that seafarers must be able to handle difficult situations with a calm demeanor and cope with the inherent challenges of life at sea.

Above all, a genuine love for the profession makes it easier to navigate the demanding and sometimes stressful nature of the job. For many, being a seafarer is not just a job but a calling, and those who thrive in this industry are often those who truly care about the work they do and the impact it has on global trade and the economy.

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