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Ahead of this year’s Day of the Seafarer 2024, a Message from John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Group
As we look forward to this year’s Day of the Seafarer (DotS), I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible contributions of our seafarers. Social media, both a boon and a burden, plays a crucial role in this acknowledgment. The IMO ‘encourages governments, shipping organisations, companies, shipowners, and all other parties to promote and celebrate’ the essential work of those at sea.
Social media is our industry's most powerful tool for directly reaching our seafarers, acknowledging their vital role in global society, and advancing best practices for crew welfare and safety. The theme for this year's Day of the Seafarer, #SafetyTipsAtSea, aligns perfectly with this mission. The 2024 DotS campaign offers an opportunity to harness the strength of social media to spread important safety messages that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The role of social media in enhancing seafarer wellbeing, attracting new talent, and addressing critical issues like working in war zones, piracy threats, gender equality, sexual harassment, bullying, and mental health cannot be overstated.
At Wallem, we are committed to supporting the #SafetyTipsAtSea campaign. We will encourage our seafarers and shore-based colleagues to actively participate, contributing to a safer maritime sector. Our ambition is for all seafarers and the broader industry to engage online, driving the DotS campaign and supporting Wallem’s commitment to safety.
John Rowley,
CEO, Wallem Group
Wallem Group joins in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer
Discover the inspiring stories of these remarkable seafarers who are leading the way in the maritime industry. Click the images below to be inspired by their stories.
Samantha Delmo
Junior Watchkeeping Officer, Wallem Group
I got interested in joining the Merchant Navy after hearing about it from relatives. I wanted a challenging, fulfilling career that involved adventure, and the opportunity to meet different people and experience different cultures.
Capt. Maria Kristina B. Javellona - the first Filipina Master – was also influential in my career choice. Her exceptional leadership qualities and work ethic have been inspirational to crews and to my generation. She defied the odds in a male-dominated industry and succeeded in her own way.
I became a student at Davao Merchant Marine Academy in 2012 and joined my first ship in 2016 as a deck cadet. At first, it wasn’t easy. I’ve been fortunate because the majority I have sailed with have treated me well, but it’s also true that some looked for weaknesses: it was up to me to prove them wrong.
Now, I’d strongly encourage women to take up seafaring. Wallem and other companies have opened their doors to women to ensure that they get equal treatment in a safe workplace.
Women bring a unique perspective, an exceptional work ethic and valuable skills that lead to innovation, increased productivity, and a dynamic environment. With Wallem, that has happened as part of an organisation committed to crew safety and well-being which offers competitive salaries, always pays on time, and provides reliable internet onboard to connect us to our families.
There’s also a culture of career growth and development at Wallem for crew members who aspire to higher ranks, and support for physical and mental health. The culture is also all about equal treatment regardless of nationality, gender, religion or race.
My aim is to continue in a successful career, showing aspiring female seafarers what can be achieved and at the same time look after the well-being of my family. My immediate ambition is to enhance my skills and become a senior officer who inspires others.
Claudio Pereira
Chief Officer, Wallem Group
My older brother sailed as a chief mate; he was the first one to tell me about the merchant navy. I was attracted by a career that offered a good salary, the chance to see the world for free and meet different people, and to experience a variety of cultures.
I became a cadet in December 2006. Now I’m a Chief Officer, and my ambition is to get my master’s license and become a Captain on one of our suezmax tankers. After that, I would like to work ashore and support young seafarers coming through.
If someone asked me about becoming a seafarer, I’d say you will not regret it and the earlier you start the better. It’s a career where you can plan your future; if you work well, get your sea time and pass your exams, your career will advance.
When you’re working and living at sea, it’s important to stay fit. I visit the gym three or four times a week. I also spend downtime reading books and listening to music too - that’s like therapy for me. It’s vital to stay connected with family and friends, and having access to the internet makes life easier onboard.
Overall, my experience has been that seafaring is a beautiful career that helps you become more knowledgeable and a better person. At the same time, it’s four months on and four months off, which means you can also do completely different things part of the time.
Jancy Sweetlin Dhanaraj
Second Officer, Wallem Group
While there isn’t a history of seafaring in my family, my relatives first drew my attention to the merchant navy as a career path. I was persuaded to choose that path because the pay was excellent and it promised financial independence at a young age, while there was also the opportunity to travel and the prospect of relatively fast advancement. It is also an occupation where the vacations are long.
I became a seafarer in 2011 when I was 22, but I’m still looking forward to further opportunities to develop my skills and to expand my knowledge in this growing world. My ambition is to become a Ship’s Captain. In my experience, those companies which make the financial investments in training their young seafarers in best practice save money at the end of the day.
When I’m onboard, I spend my downtime listening to music, reading books, gaming, exercising and doing sports. Wallem also offers a welfare fund to support crew well-being. I’d advise any new seafarer that it’s important to develop techniques to manage stress because the job can be challenging and it’s essential to maintain resilience, both for your own well-being and to ensure the overall effectiveness of the team.
Christopher Paggao
Master, Wallem Group
Originally, I dreamed of becoming a Civil Engineer. Seafaring isn’t really in my family, beyond a distant cousin whom I’ve never met. I heard about it at a career talk by the Maritime Institute in my last year of school, and the idea of sailing around the world sounded like an adventure to my ears.
I joined the Naval Training Ship MV Emsstrom as a cadet on New Year’s Eve 2006 in Leer, Germany to begin my officer training. In the years since, I’ve come to believe that this wonderful career was intended for me – even my friends and family tell me “You were destined to become a Ship’s Captain.”
But the seafaring life is not forever, so it’s also important that there are opportunities ahead. A lot can change but one of my ambitions is to be a Pilot at a port close to home.
For anyone considering a seafaring career, it’s important to know that there are stresses involved in life onboard. Seafaring is also becoming more complicated, with new regulations, more inspections and more challenging weather conditions.
Whatever the rank, stress management is therefore vital. Good physical and mental health are essential, and key to safe operations, performance, and productivity. Wallem monitors crew wellness and wellbeing onboard, while its ships have gyms, internet connectivity, and well-being guides. There’s also a monthly crew welfare fund. Meanwhile, the Wallem Maritime Wellness Program nominates onboard champions who crew can approach for guidance or suggestions.
Personally, my routine involves jogging on the treadmill, and I set aside time for videocalls with family. I enjoy chats and laughs with the crew, and even if we’re on a tight schedule we find time for games and sports – especially basketball. I also give myself 30-60 minutes before lights out to catch up on reading.
Lorraine Traña
Third Officer, Wallem Group
My cousins are mates and engineers and I heard about the merchant navy as a career from one of them. I was attracted by the promise of financial stability and the opportunities to travel the world, and a career that would take care of the necessities of life while also meeting personal goals.
I completed my studies in 2015 but at that time there were only a handful of companies that accepted female applicants. It’s a male-dominated field and that has been challenging at times but overall my experience has been manageable. I joined Wallem in 2018 and I’m lucky to be working in a company with a strong commitment to enforcing anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies. That’s one of the reasons I've stayed.
During my downtime, I enjoy catching up with my family and watching movies. Wallem has also enhanced our onboard experience by providing activities that are aimed at improving crew well-being.
For aspiring seafarers, my advice would be to seize every opportunity that comes your way. It’s a stable career and I’m looking forward to gaining further valuable experience. My ambition is to become a Ship’s Captain, while there are also maritime industry opportunities beyond that ashore. I’d tell those considering seafaring to be bold in pursuing your goals but always ensure the safety and well-being of others. And remember to maintain respect, even in challenging situations.
Samantha Delmo
Junior Watchkeeping Officer, Wallem Group
Claudio Pereira
Chief Officer, Wallem Group
Jancy Dhanaraj
Second Officer, Wallem Group
Christopher Paggao
Master, Wallem Group
Lorraine Traña
Third Officer, Wallem Group
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