Women at the helm- She to sea!

Where women's are contributing at every field equally in comparison with the men seafaring still remains in the experimental phase for the women.Seafaring is considered as one of the most challenging profession where employees have to adjust with various natural hazards along with huge work loads. Facing such difficulties women's are also holding the helm of ship! No wonder one day we may find equal contribution from women in this field. Presently we may find many women seafarers at operational level on board specially from European countries. Asian countries specially south Asian countries seems slightly slagging behind in comparison with Europe. Singapore & Indonesia are presently in better situation at employing women's in seafaring among Asians.

What are the problems? Where women's are conquering whole world's with pride why they are lagging behind in this field ? One of many reasons are men dominated environment of ship. As the full crew set consists of all men women's are feeling insecure in such environment.  On the other hand MLC 2006 recommends special and separate living room facilities for women seafarers. It also recommends to arrange separate  sanitary facilities for them. For these reasons many ship owners have been reluctant  to invest for special arrangements on board ship.

Why we are giving emphasis on women's participation at seafaring? A report warns that there will be shortage of 38,500 officers/engineers within 2018. How we will make up this shortage keeping our half population aside from this profession? International maritime organization giving heart & soul effort to bring our women power into this profession. Keeping this vision ahead IMO developed a program called Integration of women in maritime sector (IWMS) since 1988. The role women should not be restricted at house hold jobs. Today's world need their contribution.
Despite of all the difficulties There is still some pioneer women who did the job! 'Anna Ivanova shchetinina' said to be the first women of world to get that glorious four stripe on shoulder-Captain! . 'kate mcCue' was the first american womens captain who works for celebrity cruises. 'Ms Sonali Banerjee' was the first bengalee female marine engineer(kolkata).

Female seafarer is a unique combination of strength and beauty capable of performing with their spontaneous excellence! And so goes for our young girls of the future! Bon voyage!