FROM a seafarer to a shipping executive to an editorial vlogger.

While most mariners have a strong opinion on things, not everyone has entered the arena of regular public commentary, especially executives who might jeopardize business connections.

Among the handful of daring men is Chief Engineer Artemio “Art” Serafico, president of TSM Maritime Services (Phils.) Inc. and anchor of “Usapang Maritime,” a social media commentary vlog on maritime education, training and manning sectors.

As with many of his contemporaries, Serafico’s hands were already full in running a company that trains and supplies crew members for various vessels sailing under the Singapore-based TSM Group. Part of his duties and advocacies was disseminating information to aspiring seafarers.

“In the beginning, I was only going around schools, doing symposiums. Our goal then was to enlighten the students on the profession and find out if they are ready for it, especially the young Internet generation. I also wanted to dispel the myth that seafaring could make you rich,” Serafico said,

A seasoned mariner himself and a graduate of the prestigious Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) Class ‘84, Serafico said, “The dollars indicated on our contracts are earned alongside danger and difficulties. It is only by loving the profession that it will love you back.”

Serafico was also part of the commentary segment of a maritime radio show in the early 2000s where he became a regular resource person on manning sector issues. His penchant for open discussions on the maritime sector eventually led him to create a video blog on June 11, 2021.

“I have decided to vlog so I can reach more people and open their perspectives in the maritime profession. They deserve to hear from the authorities the logic behind their actions, as these impact on and bear consequences to our seafarers and their capacity to provide for their families,” he explained.

Serafico may have already retired from seafaring for decades, but the man still talks like a true sailor — simple, daring and straightforward.

Such qualities define “Usapang Maritime” in the way it handles its commentaries.

“We bravely shoot questions, even to authorities in hopes that they will give answers to issues affecting the industry,” he said.

Even as Serafico threads the risky waters of antipathy among certain personalities by laying out even some of the most sensitive issues in the industry, the man continues to utilize the power of social media platforms to get information and updates across to seafarers. After all, he was one of them.

“The program does not intend to discredit anyone, however. Having a platform where seafarers can have their voices heard should not be seen as a personal crusade against anyone, neither should this cause any rift with the personalities we are seeking answers from,” Serafico said, adding that such efforts to gain clarification from certain authorities remain unanswered.

He added that his vlog endeavors to share views from all sides and thereafter leaves the discernment to their viewers.

“Being a seafarer myself, I understand the philosophy of the profession. With this understanding, I am confident that I can contribute to forging harmony between the shipowners and the seafarers,” he said.

For decades, Serafico has advocated setting the right mindset among seafarers, that theirs is a “Profession of Professionals.”

“There is great potential in this industry. This is a profession where we and our families can take pride in our contributions to keeping the world going. We have played a very important if not crucial role during the pandemic,” he explained.

Despite all the bustles and commotion inherent in his job and advocacies, Serafico is a man who loves quiet time. He would listen to music, observe people, cook or paint. If he had his way, he would have been a priest. But finances and fate led him to seafaring and to all things he stands for today.

“I am proud of this profession, as it allowed me to a2ccomplish so much. But what I am most proud of is my family, especially my supportive wife and my independent, goal-oriented, loving and caring children,” he concluded.