On board Bow Olympus, 2025
A career built over two decades
Saly joined Odfjell in 2004 through school recruitment at John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation in Bacolod. “They had this interview with regular students. I wasn’t a scholar from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association program,” she says, “but I was proud that I was a regular student from my school.”
She remembers being interviewed by Capt. Johansen, Capt. Zamora, and Chief Mate Franje–names that stayed with her because they were part of a pivotal moment. “That was October 2004,” she adds. “That’s where it started.”
Her first assignment wasn’t in engineering, but in the galley. “I worked first in the kitchen,” she says. “But I always knew I wanted to work in engineering. So, I told myself, "I need to pursue being an engineer cadet.”
Stepping into the role of Second Engineer
That decision set her on a long and steady climb: from galley crew to wiper, motorman, fourth engineer, and eventually second engineer. Today, she holds one of the most critical technical roles on board.
As Second Engineer, Saly assists the Chief Engineer in the safe and efficient operation of all machinery and systems onboard. She supervises the day-to-day work in the engine room, plans and executes both short- and long-term maintenance, and ensures safe practices are followed at all times. In the absence of the Chief Engineer, she serves as Officer in Charge of the Engine Department.
From the naming ceremony of Bow Orion in 2019
“Every day is different, but you always have to be prepared,” she says. “I oversee the jobs performed by engineers and ratings. We start with toolbox meetings, assign tasks, inspect work, and make sure everything is carried out safely and professionally.”
She’s also in charge of reporting damage or irregularities, enforcing PPE use, and managing risks in line with Odfjell’s Safety and Quality Management System.
“I always remind my team: Follow the manual. Think about what you’re doing, especially when you’re working with fuel systems or confined spaces. Safety always comes first.”
Mentoring through experience
While Saly didn’t pursue her first dream of becoming a teacher, she found something close to it in her everyday work onboard.
“I didn’t have any opportunity to teach formally,” she says, “but onboard, I have the chance to teach cadets, trainees, and my lower ranks–especially the engine boys, the wiper, motorman. Every day that I’m working, I’m also a teacher.”
The Bow Firda engine crew, 2018
Each day starts with a pre-work meeting where Saly checks in on her team. “I always greet them with a smile. I ask how they’re feeling, how they slept,” she says. “Before we start, I talk them through the process. We don’t just tell people what to do. We explain why it needs to be done that way,” she says.
For her, the foundation of good leadership is trust. “Trust is number one. If you don’t have trust, you don’t have a team,” she says.
In front of the newly installed suction sails on Bow Olympus
She says her favorite part of the job is watching those she’s mentored grow into capable engineers. “I’ve seen the cadets become fourth engineers, even third engineers. That’s the best part—you see someone you trained standing beside you, doing the job.”
She also helps train newly assigned international cadets. “We have Norwegian trainees here now—first time onboard. I’m very happy to teach them,” she says. “They ask a lot of questions, which is good. I tell them, “Don’t be shy, just ask. I’ll explain.”
Living honestly, working professionally
Saly has been open about who she is since the beginning of her career. She says being upfront helped establish trust early.
“If you hide who you are, people can sense that. Then they don’t know how to treat you. But when you’re honest, they’ll know how to relate to you and work with you. It’s easier.”
She credits Odfjell’s culture of professionalism for making that possible.
“As long as you know your job, do it well, and treat others with respect—that’s what really matters onboard,” she says. “Here at Odfjell, I’ve always felt safe to be myself.”
Community and culture
Her presence on board brings energy to the crew. “Especially if I’m sailing with a full Filipino crew, they’ll say, ‘Oh, Saly Girl is coming!’”, she laughs. “Then I get asked to organize activities on board.”
Saly enjoys that part of the job, too. “I like parties,” she says. “They should be lively, friendly–and also safe, because we do it onboard.”
She values working with diverse crews and believes it makes the team stronger.
“I’ve worked with Portuguese, Ukrainians, Norwegians, Filipinos. Everyone has something to bring. You learn how other people work, how they think–and it helps you grow.”
Engine crew and cadets on board Bow Olympus, 2025
Environmental responsibility at sea
Part of Saly’s role includes supporting Odfjell’s environmental efforts. Onboard Bow Olympus, she has helped implement NOx reduction systems and is now preparing for biodiesel transition trials.
With the vessel preparing to load biodiesel, she says the learning curve is expected. “You have to mix it with ordinary fuel, so there are adjustments. It’s different from what we’re used to; biodiesel is made from coconut oil or vegetable oil. So, we have to adapt our purifiers and filters.”
Despite the challenges, she sees the initiative as a move in the right direction. “It’s good for the environment. We need to support these changes, not just onboard, but also with guidance from the company.”
In the engine room. PPE was removed for photo-taking purposes
Confidence and comfort
There are small things that help Saly stay grounded, even on long voyages. “One item I always bring onboard? My heels. And my dress,” she says with a laugh.
“They’re in my cabinet. I don’t wear them like I used to but just seeing them makes me happy. It makes me feel confident.”
And when the day winds down, she turns to movies for comfort. “I like fantasy: Disney princesses like Cinderella and Snow White. I like happy endings,” she says. “I don’t like sad endings. For me, if you’re happy before you sleep, you’ll wake up in the morning feeling beautiful.”
Still climbing
After two decades of consistent service, Saly still looks ahead: “I’m grateful for how far I’ve come,” she says, “but I’m not done yet. One more step: Chief Engineer.”
She doesn’t chase attention or accolades. For Saly, leadership means showing up, taking responsibility, and staying grounded. It’s in the way she mentors cadets, supports her team, and holds herself accountable each day.
That, perhaps, is the quiet power of someone who leads–not by being loud, but by being steady.
In Antwerp during the suction sail installation, 2025
