
Waan Mulyadi
Waan Mulyadi: From a Seasoned International Fisherman to an Educator for Indonesia’s Next Generation of Seafarers
Waan Mulyadi is a figure who has navigated diverse oceans of experience within the fishing industry, from working as a fisherman on foreign vessels to now dedicating himself as an educator for Indonesia’s prospective seafarers. His career, spanning over three decades, reflects dedication, resilience, and a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of the nation’s fisheries sector.
Gaining Experience on the International Stage (1990 – 2010)
Waan Mulyadi’s journey in the fishing world began in 1990. For twenty years, until 2010, he built his career as a fisherman on various foreign-flagged fishing vessels. His rich experience was honed on the decks of fishing boats from countries with advanced fishing industries like Japan and South Korea, extending to European waters aboard vessels from Italy and Spain. Working in multicultural environments with diverse work standards and technologies undoubtedly forged Waan Mulyadi into a tough, skilled seafarer with a global perspective on fishing practices around the world. This extensive experience gave him a profound understanding of the harshness of life at sea, the challenges faced by fishermen, and various international techniques and work ethics.
Transition to Crewing Agency Management (2010 – 2020)
After two decades sailing the seas, Waan Mulyadi decided to bring his experience ashore. From 2010 to 2020, he transitioned roles and worked in management at a crewing agency. During these ten years in the sector, he delved into the intricacies of recruitment, placement, and management of vessel crews. His background as a fisherman provided him with a unique and valuable perspective in understanding the needs of fishermen as well as the standards expected by shipping companies. This role enabled him to bridge the interests of job seekers in the fisheries sector with global market opportunities, and to contribute to improving the quality and welfare of Indonesian crews.
Serving as an Educator at INFISA (2020 – 2025)
Equipped with comprehensive experience both as a practitioner at sea and in management ashore, since 2020, Waan Mulyadi has chosen to dedicate his knowledge to the next generation. As of the current year (2025), he is an active instructor teaching practical work on fishing vessels at the Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA). At INFISA, he shares the practical knowledge and skills he has accumulated over decades with aspiring fishermen. His role as an educator is crucial in preparing a competent, professional Indonesian fisheries workforce ready to compete in the global fishing industry, in line with INFISA’s vision. This dedication demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the valuable experiences and lessons he learned can be passed on and benefit the advancement of Indonesian fishermen.
Waan Mulyadi’s journey reflects the evolution of a professional in the fisheries field, from a seasoned seaman exploring world waters, to a manager understanding the industry from a corporate perspective, and finally, to a passionate educator shaping new talents. His contributions at each stage of his career have had a significant impact on the Indonesian fishing world.