“Every day is a new lesson… an addition to your knowledge that you can then share with others”
“I’m the kind of person who finds ways to make every situation in life easy – no matter how challenging it is,” says Marlon Molinar, Pumpman onboard the Shenlong Spirit of the Teekay Tankers fleet. In his six years at Teekay, Marlon has been promoted three times – and credits his success to his commitment to continuous learning. “What excites me most about my work is the fact that every day is a new lesson… an addition to your knowledge that you can then share with others.”
“We share a common goal of working to provide for our families”
His first trip onboard happened to also be his first challenge. Being away from his loved ones doesn’t come easy to this dedicated family-man. While tough, he also found this new experience exciting. “We’re living onboard the vessel with people from different walks of life, with different cultures and points of view but we share the common goal of working to provide for our families.”
His dedication did not go unnoticed and Marlon advanced
Marlon’s first job was a General Purpose Trainee as an Administrator onboard. In time for his second contract, Marlon became a Messman and then made the decision to transfer on deck. He spent his third and fourth contracts as an Ordinary Seaman, always eager to learn and earn more responsibilities. His dedication did not go unnoticed, as Marlon advanced to the position of Able Bodied Seaman and then again to Pumpman.
“I constantly change myself into a much better person”
Marlon has accomplished a lot and he couldn’t be more proud. “Teekay appreciated my hard work and granted my promotion in a short span of time. I’ve got a lot of good friends onboard of many different nationalities. And most of all – I constantly change myself into a much better person.”
“I still keep in contact with previous shipmates”
“My family is my inspiration. I have their pictures posted on the wall near my bed so when I wake up I see their pictures right away. When I see their pictures I tell myself to get up, put on my boiler suit and work.” When times are tough, fellow crew members become your family. “My relationship with my colleagues at sea and shore is very good,” he says. “I still keep in contact with previous shipmates.”
“Even if the job is tough and the pressure is on, we still find time to smile, tell jokes, tease each other”
Ensuring the job is done right is critical but the crew always ensures they take the time to also enjoy the work. “Even if the job is tough and the pressure is on, we still find time to smile, tell jokes, tease each other just to refresh and to think of new ideas how to finish the job properly.” They find ways to celebrate special occasions and ensure holidays and birthdays don’t go by without acknowledgement.
“Teekay… challenged my capacity to perform my duties and challenged me to reach my goals no matter how tough they may be”
Marlon can sum up his entire experience at Teekay in just two words: life changing. “For me, Teekay has made an impact on my career because it challenged my capacity to perform my duties and challenged me to reach my goals no matter how tough they may be.” He has already reached the highest position he can acquire onboard. His next challenge on the horizon would be a chance to work ashore and continue his career with Teekay.
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