Ivan, a cadet with Pacific Basin Shipping, is making a name for himself in the Philippines by creating educational content about maritime life on his TikTok channel, @ivangodsman. Through videos narrated in Tagalog, he shares insights and experiences from his time at sea, focusing on the practical aspects of a seafarer’s job rather than merely theoretical knowledge learned at university.
In a conference interview with Felix Pace, Head of Growth for Kadmos, Ivan emphasizes the importance of his mission: to educate aspiring and current seafarers about the realities of maritime work. He condenses complex maritime concepts into short, engaging videos, aiding those interested in the field. His most popular post—a 1 minute and 46 second explanation of the ballast water exchange process—has impressively garnered over 10.6 million views and 503,100 likes.
Ivan candidly discusses the cultural shock he faced when transitioning from academic studies to real life on board. He recalls a significant disparity between theoretical navigation skills taught at university and the physical tasks he undertook, such as rust removal, during his first job at sea. This contrast drives his commitment to provide an unvarnished view of the seafarer’s experience.
He started his TikTok journey while on a 10-month contract at sea, intending to share his knowledge with others. Upon returning to the Philippines, he was surprised by the recognition he received, with fans approaching him in public places, eager to engage and take photos, further amplifying his influence.
When asked about any restrictions imposed by Pacific Basin on his content, Ivan expresses pride in the educational focus of his videos, noting that the company supports his initiatives. He received permission to feature the company’s branding in his posts, provided he maintains the organization’s positive image.
As he prepares to embark on his third contract at sea, Ivan acknowledges that while he is still relatively new to the maritime industry, he is passionate about living purposefully as a seafarer. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world maritime challenges, making his platform a valuable resource for current and future seafarers. Through his efforts, Ivan contributes to a greater understanding of life at sea, enriching the knowledge of those within the maritime community.
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