Danica Mae Madela, Junior Officer, says that shipping is a demanding and challenging industry and advises anyone who wants a career at sea to be prepared, resilient to changes and keep a respectful attitude. Despite the potential loneliness that comes with a maritime career, Danica encourages individuals to cherish the journey.
Danica advocates for fostering a safety mindset and maintaining a respectful attitude to establish a resilient safety culture capable of overcoming various challenges. Additionally, she underscores the significance of promoting inclusion within the shipping industry, given the inherent risks and potential accidents. Recognizing the harsh nature of the industry, Danica suggests making it more accessible, and inclusive by respecting the diversity of all individuals involved.
SAFETY4SEA: What do you love most out of your career at sea?
Danica Mae Madela: The sea. The profession. There is something about the sea which pulls me in, it is like it serves as a mentor, one which won’t let go of you not until you have learned all the lessons you needed to make it through life. And of course, the mere existence of the profession which i find really meaningful; making the world go round, delivering essentials, transporting people, the tradings, connecting the world.
S4S: What have you learned over the course of your career at sea?
D.M.M.: One of the most valuable lessons i got so far is that in order to get the most out of our career at sea, we must always look for the equilibrium, the balance in all things. In hard skills and soft skills, in logic and kindness, in time on board and on land, in acting as an officer and as a friend, basically in career and life.
S4S: How would you describe your daily life at sea/work in a few words?
D.M.M.: It was a vague equation of woe plus bliss. There is actually no totally happy and sad moment on board for me. Well, it must be the distance from my loved ones while enjoying my life at sea. But it was fulfilling; doing what you like, contributing something to an industry you admire, and providing not just for a life you want but also for your family.
S4S: What is the biggest challenge that you have faced on board?
D.M.M: I think it is still about how as a woman i can always be at par with the work performances of my male colleagues. It is a reality, that the maritime is still a male dominated industry. Alongside with that fact is this constant mindset of proving oneself to be deserving of the place we are in, and to contribute to creating a path for the next ones.
S4S: What is your piece of advice to fellow crew members onboard?
D.M.M.: Just be respectful as we are all different, and with that we can create a harmonious relationship with everyone and make our stay on board worthwhile.
S4S: What inspires you every day onboard?
D.M.M.: The sea, and the reasons of my work. The vast expanse of the ocean is captivating for me, it makes me appreciate all aspects of life. And the whys of my being there, the adventure, the learnings, my family, the profession.
S4S: What has been the most extraordinary thing that you have experienced onboard?
D.M.M.: It was when i accepted the duties of becoming a second officer and still keeping the responsibilities for a third officer at the same time. I thought of it as a challenge. That was when we delivered our vessel for a bareboat charter. It was a change of management so i needed to make an inventory of all our safety and navigation equipments for the turnover, make sure that they are still on good condition, ensure the bridge is in order, all while preparing our passage plan too.
S4S: What is the one thing that should change to make life better on board?
D.M.M.: I think it is not about changing but rather improving the seafarers’ culture in terms of safety mindset and respectful attitude. The work environment is hostile, there are high chances of dangers and accidents so instilling and improving our safety mindset is a must. And since it is already a harsh world, we might as well make it easy, friendly, and inclusive by respecting everybody, as we all are different.
S4S: What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking a career at sea?
D.M.M.: It is a demanding and challenging industry, so, one who wants a career at sea must also be prepared to give if not his or her best, the required work. Be resilient to changes and challenges along his or her career journey and keep a respectful attitude. It also gets lonely sometimes, but with our internet connections now this is alleviated. And, never forget to enjoy the journey.
S4S: What do you miss the most about your seagoing experience?
D.M.M.: Cargo operations, the art of navigation. As a seafarer who started in and is an enthusiast of the tanker industry, I find it fun how we load and discharge cargoes, navigate the high seas, maneuver through ports, and receive, give and execute commands. You know, the plain schematics of it all and the actual actions onboard. The adventure.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and do not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
