Capt. Rael Senas

Captain at MOL Tankship Management Pte. Ltd

Speaker

I was born on April 19, 1961, in Manila, Philippines. Raised in a humble household—my father a mechanic and my mother a homemaker—I grew up with my younger sister, who now works as an accountant in Dubai. From a young age, I was captivated by the sea. I would often gaze at the horizon, imagining the ships that sailed beyond it. The ocean’s vastness and mystery stirred a deep longing in me—not just to see the world, but to be part of it.

I pursued my early education at Bayanihan Elementary School and Judge Juan Luna High School in Quezon City. Driven by my childhood dream, I enrolled at the Philippine Merchant Marine School in Sta. Cruz, Manila, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation in 1980.

My maritime career began with Sweet Lines Inc. in Cebu City as an apprentice mate in 1980. I later joined Stolt Nielsen Inc. as a deck trainee in 1982, where I served until 1987. I earned my Third Mate license in 1984 and, after a brief stint with NFD International as an able-bodied seaman, I returned to Stolt Nielsen and was promoted to Third Officer in 1991. In 1993, I joined Hammonia Ship Management Philippines and began sailing with our principal, MOL Tankship Management Europe Ltd. I passed my Second Mate exam in 1994 and promoted to Second Mate in 1996. I passed my Chief Mate exam in 1996 and was promoted to Chief Mate in 1999. I achieved my Master Mariner license in 2004. In 2008, I was promoted to Master and served as a Tanker Master until 2024.

Currently, I serve as a Briefing Officer and Consultant at Magsaysay MOL Marine Inc. My role involves mentoring officers and crew, providing guidance, and supporting their professional development. I believe in leadership that is rooted in empathy, patience, and respect. As Simon Sinek aptly said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in our charge.”

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that teamwork and humility are essential at sea. I hope to see the maritime industry continue evolving—not just technologically, but in how it values its people. Better living conditions, consistent connectivity, and continuous training are not luxuries; they are necessities that reduce fatigue, prevent accidents, and improve retention. When we invest in people, we build not only comfort but also reliability and resilience.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy in agriculture, gardening, and raising livestock in a natural, non-commercial way. These hobbies ground me and remind me of the importance of sustainability.

To close, I’d like to share an African proverb that reflects my philosophy: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” As we navigate the future of shipping, let us move forward—together—with purpose, care, and a shared commitment to a better, more sustainable world.