There is no field today where women have shown no value. To great success, women have shouldered all kinds of responsibilities. Women’s entrance into the maritime trade is a small but growing trend. As maritime traffic is the world of a man conventionally, many women are afraid to take it as a profession. I think, however, that fear is nothing but a product of our imagination. Being honest in the maritime industry is an arduous task. Before choosing this as a profession, one must be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally. It requires strength and courage, but you’re good to go with a positive attitude and approach. Like every profession, the maritime industry has its own set of challenges. Being over the years an overwhelmingly male dominated industry, it presents some unique and unusual challenges, especially for marine women. The first and foremost challenge is the acceptance of a woman in an entire group of men. Given the strict male dominance of the environment, women at sea may feel left out or ignored. The only way I found it is to work together and earn their respect. Take action.
Why becoming Sea Woman is like Taboo?
Sometimes I’ve been questioned about my abilities. Women are often pushed to prove their worth harder. Be strong and participate actively in all you do. The maritime world is the place where different cultures, people and religion mix. People learn to live together with their differences and in mutual respect.
Most seafarers are stereotypes (no offense to anyone) and have a common belief that there is no business for women on board. It’s their world alone and they’re the only rulers. Some even suggested that I leave my career and look for ashore jobs. They saw household work as women’s sole responsibility. They have always stressed the negative aspects of shipping as a career and often tried to make me realize that I am too weak and incompetent to do a man’s job. But I strongly believed that that the universe favors the brave. Willpower is the essential virtue of a fully actualized life. Improving career awareness and preparation is necessary. The schools can provide career guidance and address young women in the maritime world’s careers, making them aware of the prospects for bright careers. Educators can also help students translate their awareness into a career pursuit of seafaring. Higher education institutions should have policies to help women understand and know better about maritime careers in order to attract women in the industry. Career-related magazines can be a source of information, and maritime industry newsletters can be used as a medium for promoting and highlighting maritime transport as a potential career for women (as well as men). Many women are afraid to enter the world of man because they believe they may face physical harassment and violence or severe verbal abuse as well as low levels of co-workers support. But that’s not the real story.
Company hiring seamen have strict policies to protect their rights and identity. They have a lot of procedures for complaint. This obstacle can be easily removed with more aspiring women seafarers. We need to find a way to make women feel that their gender does not govern how they perform in a working environment, making it easier for women to pursue and fulfill their dreams. Parents must be made aware of this field, in order to motivate and encourage their daughters who are willing to make a difference. Lack of support is one of the reasons why women get upset, disappointed, and eventually retreat from the career of seafaring. That’s also why they’re not seen as decision-makers. These changes can certainly make women’s merchant navy more acceptable.
Reasons To Work at Sea
- Early Responsibility: From the beginning of their careers, officers of ships enjoy considerable responsibility. They guarantee the safety of their ships and cargo, their shipmates ‘ lives and marine environment protection. Within 10 years it is possible to qualify as a Captain or Chief Engineer with total responsibility for the operation of a ship and the management and safety of its crew.
- Opportunities to Travel: Despite the fact that modern ships spend less time in port, the ICS still believes that a shipping career gives the opportunity for amazing global travel. This gives seafarers the opportunity to experience interesting and unusual places, not just the typical business or vacation destinations that many people have visited.
- Good Long Term Prospects: There is a great need for more qualified ships’ officers to meet the skills required by international shipping companies. There is a massive shortage predicted, so the demand for good people will increase.
- Career Flexibility and Job Security: Shipping is an ideal occupation for young people seeking something exciting and different to just working in an office, which in the long run will also lead to an enjoyable and well paid executive career in a major international industry.
- International Recognition: Ships’ officers hold internationally recognized qualifications meeting standards, so most officers are qualified to work for the thousands of international shipping companies located all around the world, on ships flying the flags of almost every country.
- Good Wages: Wages earned by seafarers are normally above similar professions ashore. According to the ICS, in developing countries, ships’ officers working on internationally trading ships are amongst the very highest paid in their countries. Opportunities for accumulating savings, even when young, are considerable.
- Transferable Skills: Qualifications and experience gained at sea are also readily transferable to other industries outside merchant shipping. Career opportunities extend to thousands of shore-based management jobs, which require people with seagoing experience.
- A Career that is Different: A ship is a unique working environment, and those working on board ship often develop lasting friendships with their colleagues and have a stimulating life which is different to the experience of many people working ashore.
