In our special column, we are pleased to host an interview with Dr. Michela Terrei, Psychologist at I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc. She shares what ignited her inspiration to join the maritime industry and how she considers her intensive training in psychological testing procedures the most valuable investment in her career, as it provided the scientific foundation for her work.
Dr. Terrei emphasizes the need for more scientific research on the psychological profiles of seafarers, supported by data analysis and experimental studies, to better understand their lives and working conditions onboard. Placing humans at the center, she is dedicated to understanding their behaviors—driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand others, which guide her daily, both in life and in her professional practice as a psychologist.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Michela Terrei: The sea has always been part of my life. My father was a seafarer for many years, and his work deeply marked my childhood. His absence was sometimes unbearable, but it strengthened my admiration for those who dedicate their lives to this job, allowing their families to live well through sacrifice and passion.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
M.T.: Working as an occupational psychologist supporting seafarers allows me to give back to those who play a crucial role in all our lives. I truly understand how tough this job is and how vital mental health is on board. I’m grateful for the chance to help those facing difficult moments at sea.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
M.T.:The first person that comes to mind is my father. From deck cadet at 19 to director of two shipmanning agencies and a maritime academy, he reinvented himself without ever compromising his values. He never let success blind him and always supported his people—from the youngest cadet to the most talented captain.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
M.T.: I can’t name just one. My entire family has always been my safe harbor, a source of inspiration and support. My mother’s determination, my sisters’ professional achievements, we’ve always stood by each other. Through constant advice and encouragement, we’ve all contributed to one another’s personal and professional growth over the years.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
M.T.: I don’t recall any truly bad advice. The best came from my dearest friend, who encouraged me to use my deep empathy constructively turning my ability to understand others’ emotions into a strength. That advice shaped my path and led me to become a psychologist, turning a natural trait into a profession.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
M.T.: My greatest investment was intensive training in psychological testing procedures. I dedicated a lot of time and a fair amount of money, but it provided the scientific foundation I now rely on in my work. It allows me to assess people psychologically using objective, data-driven tools—while always considering the human side as well.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
M.T.: I’d tell my eighteen-year-old self: never waste a single day by not acting. Time is precious, short, and it must be lived fully. I’d ignore, as I did, anyone who tried to suppress my individuality or push me toward safer, more conventional paths, both professionally and personally. Authenticity always matters most.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
M.T.: I’ve learned to be methodical, organized, and more focused on achieving concrete goals. This major improvement is thanks to my PhD supervisor. Under her guidance, I’ve developed the ability to manage deadlines and time effectively, without compromising the quality of my work. It’s been a transformative shift in my professional approach.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
M.T.: I wish more psychologists would choose to train and work in the maritime sector. We need scientific research, data analysis, and experimental studies to better understand seafarers’ lives and working conditions. Collaboration among professionals would greatly enhance human resource management and improve the wellbeing of maritime personnel on a broader scale.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
M.T.: ”I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” This quote by Einstein has always fascinated me. I truly believe that curiosity and the desire to understand have always defined me. They continue to guide me every day—in life and in my professional practice as a psychologist.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
