Life at sea: Key insights from active seafarers

Moderated by Sandra Psychogiou, Editor in Chief of SAFETY4SEA, the panel provided a fascinating and candid discussion with active seafarers about the realities of life at sea. Panelists included Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis, Third Officer and President of the Office of the Youth in Maritime (YIMO); Danielle Centeno, Loss Prevention Executive at The American P&I Club; Kenneth John Gabais, Third Engineer at Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.; and Jomel Mallorca, Third Officer at Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.

Why choose a life at sea?

Every panelist brought a unique story of how they found their way to the sea.

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 Balinis once dreamed of being a journalist, drawn by the idea of traveling and exploring cultures. But when he saw an opportunity to support his family while still seeing the world, he set sail. His journey has taken him across bulk carriers, 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 highs and lows of life on board

What makes it all worth it? For many, it’s the travel, the cultures, the people. Yrhen spoke fondly about learning from diverse crews and how those interactions opened his mind. 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.

Adapting to a changing industry

With automation and decarbonization transforming the maritime world, the panelists agreed: staying ahead means staying curious and flexible. Kenneth admitted, “It’s not easy to keep up with new tech. But being open to learning is the only way forward.” Yrhen encouraged young seafarers not to box themselves into one role. “Explore different paths,” he said, “whether it’s port operations, maritime law, or even the military.”

Staying connected, while staying human

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

Each panelist shared career advice that has helped them along the way. 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?

At the end of the day, qualities like resilience, adaptability, and genuine passion make all the difference. The panelists agreed: life at sea isn’t always easy, but if you love what you do, the tough moments become stepping stones, not obstacles.

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.

Being a seafarer isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And for those who answer it, the rewards can be life-changing.

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