Captain Mohla doesn’t just mentor cadets; he models what it looks like to build a future in this industry.

“I was interested in UFOs, the Loch Ness monster, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea… all these things made the sea feel like a place of mystery and possibility,” he recalls. “The only real option was to become a sea captain. That’s how it all started.”

In Episode 031 of The Seafarer Social Podcast, Captain Mohla — now Head of Cadet Recruitment at Anglo-Eastern — sits down with Carl King to talk about how media, mentorship, and modern outreach can reshape the future of seafaring. His story is a powerful reminder that inspiration doesn’t always come from tradition — sometimes, it comes from a sci-fi series.

Making Maritime Careers Visible

Captain Mohla didn’t come from a maritime family. In fact, his hometown in the hills of Uttarakhand was a world away from the sea. But what he did have was curiosity — and exposure.

“When you ask cadets today what inspired them, so many say family. That’s great, but it’s not enough,” he says. “What about those who don’t have that connection? We need to be the external influence — just like Star Trek was for me.”

He’s quick to point out that most young people today still don’t know what merchant navy is — especially in landlocked areas. “There’s no curriculum that explains our industry. Most of them don’t even know it exists,” he says. “We need to change that.”

Mentorship, Media, and Mindset

At Anglo-Eastern, Captain Mohla leads with mentorship. From late-night voice notes to one-on-one guidance, he brings a people-first approach to recruitment — one that centers trust, visibility, and genuine care.

“You have to meet them where they are,” he says. “Sometimes that means being available on WhatsApp. It’s not just about hiring — it’s about being present.”

He also credits maritime influencers like Karanvir Singh and Ashar Parnani for expanding the industry’s reach. “They’ve put shipping on the map for young people. One video can change someone’s career path. That’s the power of social media.”

Debunking the Myths

Captain Mohla doesn’t shy away from the common misconceptions either:

• That merchant navy is military (it’s not).
• That life at sea is lonely and boring (modern ships have gyms, rec rooms, and fast Wi-Fi).
• That it’s only for men (women are rising through the ranks, and shore-side career paths abound).
• That it’s unsafe (“Crossing the road in some cities is more dangerous,” he quips).

And when it comes to career progression? He’s living proof that a maritime path can move fast. “I joined as a cadet in ’92. I became captain by 2007. And I’ve been with the same company the whole time,” he says. “If you stay focused, you can command a ship by 28.”

Loyalty Built on Trust

So why has he stayed with one company his entire career?

“It’s simple. They respected me,” he says. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, they’ll forget what you did — but they won’t forget how you made them feel.”

That ethos runs deep. Captain Mohla doesn’t just mentor cadets; he models what it looks like to build a future in this industry — one that’s modern, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

His final message?

“Go to sea — and the sea will make a man, or woman, out of you.”

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🎧 Listen to Episode 031 of The Seafarer Social Podcast to hear the full conversation with Captain Vinayak Mohla — available now on all platforms.