What interested you to join the maritime industry and why did you join Anglo-Eastern?
Growing up in Olongapo City, I was immersed in the maritime environment due to my father’s work at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. My high school was also located within the Freeport Zone, which provided me with daily exposure to ships at the port and ship maintenance activities at the shipyard. This environment sparked my interest in the maritime industry, especially as I interacted with seafarers during their shore leave and listened to their captivating stories. It was a fortunate coincidence that, upon completing my pre-sea school, Anglo-Eastern selected cadets for their cadetship programme, allowing me to pursue my passion for the maritime industry.
How long have you been in the maritime industry? Can you briefly walk us through you career journey?
I began my maritime career with Anglo-Eastern on 2 November 2001. After completing my exams, I joined as a third officer on a container ship on 31 August 2006. On 21 July 2007, I transitioned to sailing on LPG gas tankers and have been doing so ever since. Anglo-Eastern entrusted me with the command of an LPG gas tanker owned by Petredec on 6 March 2016. Additionally, in July 2017, I served as a maritime training instructor at a training centre in Manila, where I handled simulator courses. During my vacations, I furthered my knowledge and teaching techniques in maritime education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Maritime Education at a maritime university.
My career journey has been marked by continuous learning and growth, from my early days as a third officer to taking command of a vessel and contributing to maritime education. Each step has provided valuable experience and opportunities to develop my skills and expertise in the maritime industry.
What are the things you like most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the incredible opportunity to meet people from various nationalities, each bringing their unique perspectives and cultures. The diversity enriches my experiences and broadens my understanding of the world. Additionally, my job allows me to travel to new and exciting places, offering a sense of adventure and discovery.
The sea itself is a source of endless fascination for me. I am captivated by its serene beauty and its powerful, untamed fury. Each journey brings a new appreciation for the ocean’s vastness and its ever-changing nature.
Moreover, I take great pride in the larger impact of my work. By transporting essential cargo, I play a crucial role in the global supply chain, ensuring that vital goods reach people who need them. This sense of contributing to the world and making a difference in people’s daily lives is deeply fulfilling and motivates me every day.
What is the most remarkable milestone/proudest moment in your career?
The most remarkable milestone and proudest moment in my career is achieving what every seafarer dreams of: taking my first command. It was an incredible mixture of emotions when I was finally entrusted with the responsibility of ship management and the trust of the ship owner. The promotion came as a big surprise while I was onboard, and I was informed that I would be taking over from the then ship’s Master. Although I was prepared for the role, the overwhelming emotions led to a restless first night as a Master. This experience marked a significant turning point in my career, symbolising both personal and professional growth.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your job and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I have faced as a seafarer occurred when the ship under my command suffered an engine failure in southern Norway while en route from Portugal to a port in Norway. The vessel was experiencing heavy rolling due to gale-force winds and high seas, and it began drifting towards the shallow and rocky shores of the Norwegian coast. Various options were considered, such as dropping anchor near the rocky shores or attempting maintenance while the ship was rolling heavily.
Ensuring the safety of the crew was my immediate priority. The office quickly activated the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and arranged for a salvage tug. It was the first time in my career that I signed a Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF). With strong faith, the support of the crew and office, and the reminder of my family and the crew’s families, I was able to navigate and overcome this significant challenge in my career.
How do you prioritise work-life balance and are there any wellbeing initiatives that help you do this?
Prioritising work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. My approach includes setting boundaries, effective time management, regular breaks, physical activity, a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Given the stressful environment onboard, being away from family, challenging weather conditions at sea, and other factors unique to life at sea, these strategies help me stay focused and maintain my mental and physical well-being.
I set boundaries by clearly distinguishing between work hours and personal time, which helps me stay focused during work and fully relax during my downtime. I use time management tools and techniques such as to-do lists, calendars, and time blocking to efficiently manage my tasks. This ensures that I complete my work within designated hours and have time for personal activities.
Maintaining regular breaks throughout the day helps me stay refreshed and prevents burnout. Engaging in physical activities like morning jogging and maintaining a balanced diet supports my overall well-being and improves productivity. Lastly, I practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to stay grounded and manage stress effectively.
These strategies collectively help me maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure that I am both productive and well-rested.
