Meet Dave Patrick Rabaya: The unstoppable learner
Third Officer Dave Patrick Rabaya builds learning into every day on board Clipper Venus – even when planning Christmas at sea.
“The Christmas decoration award isn’t really about competition,” Dave says.
“It’s about making life on board feel a bit like home, which is a good challenge.”
At the age of 26, he has found his pace as a sailing officer on board Clipper Venus. Dave already spent more holidays at sea than many seafarers, including two birthdays during his one-year cadetship.
“We were the so-called pandemic cadets, hopefully the first and last of that category.”
Family, celebrations, and strong communities matter deeply to him – whether at home in Cebu, Philippines, or on board a Solvang vessel.
“I am deeply grateful to my mentors on board, and to my family at home – my parents, my brothers, and my partner, who works as a financial advisor and also is my personal advisor. But above all I thank the Lord God Almighty – who gave me the gift of life and called me to be a messenger of peace and goodwill,” says Dave.
More than employees
Dave began his career with Solvang as a cadet on Clipper Orion, progressed to ordinary seaman on Clipper Mars, and later became an officer on Clipper Wilma. Today, he is ranked Third Officer on Clipper Venus.
“Solvang is a remarkable company,” he says. “We are not just employees – we are part of the Solvang family, built on team spirit and mutual respect.”
A multi-year winner of the Solvang Quality Award, Clipper Venus is a perfect fit for Dave’s mindset.
“My personal approach is simple,” he explains. “I build a daily job order that always includes an element of learning something new, whether it’s a theory, a task, or a procedure.”
Sometimes, that means rethinking old habits. “We even have to unlearn things to learn them again,” Dave says.
“New technology and new processes require openness and flexibility. The goal is always to become a better version of ourselves – and of our vessel. It´s no lie that our lady Venus still looks brand new, more than ten years after leaving the berth,” says Dave.
Preparing for tomorrow
Dave describes a strong culture of trust and care on board, where every crew member is encouraged to grow and realize their individual potential.
“With the support of the Captain and Chief Engineer, anyone can report an issue safely and confidently,” he says. “That trust directly improves both safety and quality.”
The environment has motivated Dave to commit fully to his future with Solvang.
“When I told my officers I felt ready to move beyond my role as Third Officer, they immediately encouraged me to take the next step,” he says.
“That support meant a lot.” When asked to name an example of a senior crew member other than the Captain and the Chief Engineer, Dave
doesn’t hesitate: “The Flash! That’s what we call our bosun, Elmer Malbyuo. When he receives a task, he engages the crew immediately and gets everything done with full speed and an immense precision. He truly lives up to his nickname,” Dave says.
