Widely known as the “Nautical Philosopher,” Clint Mark J. “Ironico” Bañes was born to Elenita and Eddie Bañes on October 15, 1991. He hails from Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo, Philippines, and is the second child among three siblings.

He is married to Pencel Chin, a member of the Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and is the father of Celestchin Marris.

In 2013, he earned his Officer of the Watch (OIC-NW) Certificate, followed by his Chief Mate License in 2016. In 2019, he obtained his Master Mariner’s Certificate and completed his Master of Science in Maritime Management (MSMM) degree in the same year.

Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree, specializing in maritime management, while actively sailing as a Master Mariner.

He is a certified holder of 6.09, 6.10, and 3.12 certificates and frequently shares his expertise as an instructor and assessor in maritime institutions. Additionally, he is a licensed financial advisor and an accomplished inspirational and motivational speaker.

Under his pseudonym “Ironico,” he has authored several viral seafaring poems, proses, and insightful articles and blogs featured in both local and international maritime pages.

His works continue to inspire thousands of seafarers and their partners worldwide.