University of Cebu

While a great number of students attend maritime schools with high hopes of one day making it big in terms of rank and paycheck in American dollars, not many are successful in hurdling the odds. It’s a rarity to find one who has achieved the master’s mariner level while still very young.

UC is proud to have produced one such young and successful seafarer– Robert Secuya.

He graduated in October, 1995 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nautical Transportation.

He attended classes at the UC Maritime Education Training Center at the Mambaling campus and took a few minor subjects at the old South Campus. He had his apprenticeship in 1997, two years after he graduated. He gained his shipboard training in Sulpicio Lines where he also earned his promotions. In 1999 he obtained a license as Third Mate. He self-reviewed and became a Chief Mate in 2005. In February, 2006 he took the board and a few days later was declared as the youngest Master Mariner at age 31.

As such, he belongs to an elite group of young seafarers holding the highest rank.

“A deck officer’s work is light but the responsibilities are awesome,” Secuya enlightened about his new status.

And how does he react to the general public’s pre-conceived notion of the seafarer’s way of life? – “It really depends on the person, to choose which lifestyle to live,” replied Master Mariner Robert Secuya who is the father of two kids.

By February, 2008 he will tackle the international seas with the manning agency, Philippine Transworld Shipping Corporation.