Stories
/
May 16 2025
Some careers start with a calling. Others with curiosity. For Jr 3rd Officer Ein Zhyandrae Dacumos, it started with both.
Ein Zhyandrae S. Dacumos always aspired to work at sea. However, following her father’s advice on pursuing a different path, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management. Later, she started a career in HR Recruitment at BPI.
But her passion for the maritime world never faded. Inspired by her father, Zandro L. Dacumos, who had a long career as a captain at Grieg Star, she decided to chase her dream and study Marine Transportation at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.
“When I told my father, he was shocked and immediately encouraged me to pursue a different career,” she shared. “He believed life at sea would be too tough for a woman like me.”
Unwilling to give up, Ein enrolled at the academy in secret and later applied for a cadetship at Grieg Star—quietly on her own. She only informed her father after completing her probationary training.
“He was onboard when I finished probation. I called him on video chat—short hair, tanned skin, and in uniform. He didn’t recognise me at first. I could tell he was stunned. Maybe even upset I went behind his back. But deep down, I know he’s proud.”
Now 27, Ein is sailing onboard Star Lindesnes as Junior 3rd Officer. She is just recently promoted—steadily progressing toward her ultimate goal.
Ein first thought about pursuing a maritime career right after high school. But her father—realistic and protective—encouraged her to choose a path on land. Trusting his guidance, she followed his advice.
“Even after earning my degree in Business Administration and working in Recruitment, I never stopped thinking about life at sea,” she recalled.
Eventually, she enrolled in the Marine Transportation program at Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and applied for a cadetship with Grieg Philippines—a company she was familiar with through her father’s long career. Still, she had initial reservations.
“I’m worried I’d always be seen as just his daughter. That I’d be stuck in his shadow. But that wasn’t the case. People gave me room to prove myself and grow.””
Ein’s first vessel sailed from Canada to China in winter, through rough seas and heavy weather. The learning curve was steep. Most of the crew had worked with her father before.
“They shared stories about him, and I felt the weight of expectations. But I didn’t want to be defined by his legacy. I wanted to earn my own.”
One early lesson was the importance of communication. She noticed she was being given lighter tasks compared to her male peers. So she spoke up.
” I told them I could handle the same work—and they gave me the chance. I trained in deck operations, operated cranes, and took on the responsibilities, not just the administrative ones.”
She credits that to a good culture and a strong team.
Not all of her challenges were at sea. During her time in school and training, Ein faced subtle but sharp bias. Some classmates questioned whether she deserved her spot. Others assumed she wouldn’t make it through.
“There were times I was told I wouldn’t succeed—just because I’m female. That I’d end up in an office. That it was too tough.”
She stayed focused.
“I’ve seen women do it. I’ve seen female captains. I know it’s possible. So why not me?”
When asked whether she would recommend Grieg to other aspiring seafarers—especially women— Ein doesn’t hesitate.
“Yes, Absolutely.”
She speaks of the company’s fairness, structure, and professionalism, and how Grieg supports cadets, regardless of background or gender.
“There’s real equality here. I never felt like I was given anything I didn’t earn. And I’ve always felt safe.”
She’s also noticed real progress: improved maternity benefits, more flexible contracts, and more women joining both onboard and in office roles. For her, this is just the beginning.
“There’s still work to be done, but if a 15- or 16-year-old girl is thinking about going to sea—I’d tell her, yes, this space is for you.”
And to the hesitant parents out there, like her father once was?
“I get it—it comes from love. But I’d say this: trust your daughter. You might be surprised by what she can do.”
Ein has a clear direction. After finishing her time as an Ordinary Seaman on the Star Lindesnes, she became a Junior Third Officer; she knew where she was heading.
“In eight to ten years, I want to be a captain. That’s my goal.”
She’s also open to office leadership roles in the future—maybe even at Grieg Philippines. She laughs at the idea, but she’s serious.
“Ambition doesn’t cost anything, and I want to grow in this industry. I want to help open the door for more women, too.”
