“Small things matter onboard,” he says. “Favourite snacks, familiar items from home. Those things really lift morale.” 

He also notes how much onboard welfare has improved in recent years, particularly internet access. “When I first sailed, ship Wi-Fi was very limited,” he says. “Now some vessels have fast enough internet for proper video calls. That really helps with homesickness.” 

Sean is also a SMOU member, just like his father. The union’s educational grants helped offset his training costs, while its mental wellness workshops, youth engagement programmes, and mentoring sessions reminded him that he is not alone in this career. 

Today, Sean remains passionate about sailing, although he is already looking ahead. 

He plans to pursue a master’s degree and sees himself eventually transitioning ashore into sustainability-focused maritime roles. Alternative fuels, cleaner shipping systems, and future energy technologies continue to hold his interest. 

His company’s investments in LNG, LPG, methanol, and ammonia-ready vessels only reinforced that direction. “You can see the industry changing in real time,” he says. “I want to be part of that transition.” 

For now, however, the sea still calls.  

And every time Sean signs on for another voyage, his father’s SMOU watch goes with him, a quiet reminder that while every generation charts its own course, some journeys are connected by more than just blood. 

They are connected by the sea.