My road to success might not differ from anyone else. If you have faith in Almighty God and believe in yourself, you can be successful in your career!
Same with others, I also started with humble beginnings. After I graduated from LPU, applying for an international apprenticeship was not that easy. It took me a year before I finally found the company that will accept me as a cadet. This was the reality during those times when it was very difficult for Filipino seafarers to become senior officers onboard because Europeans are mainly holding those positions and most of the Filipino officers get stuck on junior officer levels. That is one reason why very few companies accept Filipino cadets for the Maritime cadetship program.
To get hired as a cadet on my first company you will need to pass their written exams including a psychological test. I remember that time when the recruitment officer showed me how thick the file was for the application forms that they have accepted per day for cadet position only but at the end of the month, it was narrowed down to 7 persons including myself who were selected for the final interview. Unfortunately, I was not selected.
To climb up the ranks is another chapter. After my contract as a cadet which I had served only 9 for months, was not enough sea time for me to take the licensure exam. And that left me with no choice but to come back on board as a wiper or rating position. It was only after the third contract that I had the opportunity to take the licensure exams. Through the grace of our Almighty God, we were the first batch who passed the exam under the PRC to become Officers-in-Charge in January of 2003. I was also among the topnotchers of that batch ranking Top 4 for in the written phase.
I was finally promoted to the Junior 4th Engineer position in 2006 and became 2nd Engineer in 2010. In 2017, I bought a franchise from Dman Maritime Review Center and founded/owned the Dman Maritime Review Center Batangas branch.
Presently, I am still sailing on the high seas. My journey to success might not be that easy if I didn’t have enough faith and determination. Therefore, my fellow Lyceans, please accept my simple advice. I believe that this institution, the Lyceum International Maritime Academy, has already given you the tool, which is your knowledge gain, but the application of this to your profession lies in your own hands. Through Faith in God, determination, a good attitude hard work, and humility, surely you will accomplish the same thing as I did. But please do remember your responsibilities when you have reached the top! High rank/position comes with big responsibilities! It’s not just about the salary that you will earn, you must always remember the families of the crew under your command onboard. Keep in mind the four heavy stripes on your shoulders that you must take care of- Human life, Vessel, Cargoes, and the Environment!
I am proud to be among you, as a true-blooded Lycean this institution has taught me the discipline and determination in achieving success. #ButiNaLangNagLyceumAko
C/E Joeylito Pineda, BS Marine Engineering 1998
Founder/Owner, Dman Maritime Review Center, Batangas Branch