Embracing a Mother's Dream as One's Own A Navigator at Sea, and on Land
MOL Crew introduces MOL employees
at work across the globe. This edition features
the story of a dual-role navigator who applies
his experience at sea to jobs on land.
Profile
- Name
-
Ryan Gregana
- Nationality
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Philippines
- Affiliation
-
Maritime DX Co-Creation Unit
- Profession
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2nd Officer
Ryan Gregana is from the Philippines. After a career as a second officer, he switched to a position on land at MOL's Tokyo headquarters. Today, he applies his experience as a navigator to his work streamlining operations and reducing crews' workloads through digitalization.
The Path of a Navigator, Taken at Mother's Suggestion
Why did you pursue a career on a ship?
My home country, the Philippines, has a strong seafaring tradition, and we're known as one of the top countries in the world in terms of producing sailors. However, I actually didn't intend to pursue a career at sea. Growing up in an average Filipino family, I didn't have the luxury of having big dreams. But my mother suggested that I attend the maritime academy in Lucena. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study at this school, which MOL and the Philippines operate together, with the help of a scholarship. During my studies there, I gradually began to develop a love for this profession. In 2008, I started my career as an apprentice navigator on a bulk carrier. Now, I am proud to work for MOL. The dream my mother entrusted to me has become my own.
Choosing the Next Course in Ever-Changing Circumstances
What does the work of a navigator involve?
Until last year, I worked on PCCs (Pure Car Carriers), and 99% of my experience as a navigator was on those vessels. In addition to working as a second officer, I was in charge of medical matters, looking after the health of the crew. One of the most important jobs of a navigator is to pilot the course of the ship along its route. We decide on the passage plan while taking matters such as weather conditions into consideration. We analyze the various types of information coming into the ship to determine the safest course to take next. Of course, the basic route is predetermined, but as the situation evolves, we have the flexibility to make changes in consultation with the captain. We'll make a decision to make such-and-such change or to go in this direction, and we inform the crew about those changes. Sometimes we decide to alter course an hour before we actually do it. That's because dangers such as the weather and navigational warnings can be right around the corner. We have to respond calmly yet quickly.
Working from Land to Improve the Environment for Seamen
Tell us about your work now and your strengths.
Currently, I work on land. I’m in the digitalization department at MOL in Toranomon. Our aim is to introduce new technology for shipboard operations that reduce seamen workloads, streamline operations, and improve work-life balance at sea. I’ve experienced the hard life at sea myself, so I know exactly what needs improving. That’s my strength. I still vividly remember the difficulties I experienced when I was working as a second officer and handling paper nautical charts. In the past, it was very difficult to create a voyage plan, but now it takes much less time thanks to the shift to electronic charts. Right now, I’m involved in a project to automate the report data transfers by introducing electronic logbooks. This is a job where I can draw on my experience of adapting to different situations at sea. It’s rewarding to have my opinions incorporated to change sailors’ work environments for the better.
A Crew at Sea Becomes a Family
What do your shipmates mean to you?
People living at sea together for weeks at a time become like family. There are no rivals. We just help each other out. Even while off duty, we demonstrate good teamwork. If we're on a long voyage and it's a nice day outside, sometimes we'll set up a pool for fun. Filipinos really love poolside barbecues. On special occasions, we'll spit-roast a whole pig. We call that a lechón. It's a lot of work to prepare, but everybody's all smiles when it's time to serve it. We need this kind of relaxation to relieve our everyday stress.
A Second Home that Creates Positivity
What kind of place is the sea for you?
When a typhoon or a storm comes when you're at sea, the ship is stuck where it is, and you don't know what will happen next. Sometimes it feels dangerous being at sea. The most challenging place I've been to is the Strait of Magellan in South America. The narrowest part is only about two kilometers wide, and the winds and currents are usually unpredictable, so it's a difficult place to sail through. The sea can be frightening at times, but even so, it's a very beautiful place that makes you feel at peace. I like watching the sunrise and sunset there. The sea is also a place that makes me feel positive. You could say it's my second home.
First Sight of Mt. Fuji from a Memorable Spot. And First Time Seeing Snow.
How do you spend your days off?
When I was working at sea, I hardly had any time off, but now that I work on land, I can enjoy my weekends. I also use an app to connect with other Filipinos living in Japan. My hobby is climbing mountains. I've climbed Mt. Kita, the second tallest mountain in Japan, and recently I climbed Mt. Fuji, something I'd always wanted to do. The photo above is from when I climbed Mt. Kintoki. I love this view. I have precious memories about this shot. This was the first mountain I climbed in Japan. It was also my first-time seeing snow and it was where I first saw Mt. Fuji.
Embrace and Enjoy Change
What are your dreams for the future? And say something for your colleagues working around the world.
Right now, I communicate with my team in English, but I'm thinking of taking Japanese lessons next year, so I've started studying on my own. "Mina-san, konnichiwa! Ryan desu!" (Hello everyone, I’m Ryan) (Laughs.) Also, when I eventually return to a job at sea, I want to be a captain. I want all my MOL colleagues around the world to shoot for big dreams. MOL is a place where you can have various experiences and get opportunities to take on challenges. I hope we can all embrace new environments and technologies, share them with each other, and make the best of the changes together.
