To touch new
shores, meet new people, new nation and new community, a dream to be an officer
and a gentleman, only for the boys, alas!
For me it
was not only a dream but a challenge to conquer male bastion when opportunity
came knocking.
It’s a
journey less traveled by any Indian women. Having embarked on the path to
become an officer & finally a Captain in the Merchant Navy has made me
realize the numerous unheard of sacrifices the seafarer has made for the
society and being a part of this distinguished breed makes me proud knowing our
service delivers 90% needs of every household, every industry in the world.
Although not
directly, but I’m aware that my career path in the shipping industry provides
for much inspiration to young and determined women in our country who have an
earnest desire to choose a career that is challenging and less explored in a
world striving for Gender Equality, thereby establishing
a continued commitment towards social & economic progress.
When the
nation believes that the girl child should be empowered with all necessary
education & support, hereby a nation’s girl takes this opportunity to share
the life of a sailor thus far on board a merchant ship.
I was studying
Mechanical Engineering at Bhopal NIT so as to join Indian Navy when I received
the call letter from The Shipping Corporation of India to join as apprentice
Navigating Officer in 2003 on basis of IIT prelims exam. I was the batch
commander during my training to command a batch of 35 cadets. I being among the
first batch of girls in SCI Ltd and the Indian merchant navy have been part of
a rigorous life on board mostly on crude oil tankers, containers &
passenger ships without any senior women sea farers to guide.
The first 24
months I have worked in shipping parlance as an apprentice and had a grueling
time. Besides odd jobs, women on board have to face discrimination not only on
terms of gender but also professionally as we have to constantly prove ourselves.
On
completion of trainee sea time, attended maritime college to complete the
courses and examinations required to acquire second mate's license. After being
3rd Officer, I was promoted as 2nd officer – who’s in
charge of navigation, later completed the courses & examination to obtain a
Chief officers License followed by grabbing Master’s Certificate of Competency
to command a foreign going vessel.
I have
sailed with SCI Ltd, the Navratna Company for 10 long years and finally was
accepted by the Japanese company – NYK Ltd. They offered a wonderful
opportunity to become the first and only Indian Lady Officer to be inducted in
their fleet, which in a way has created an opening for other women officers
willing to join a Foreign Company. My present stint with NYK has been since
2012 as a Chief Officer and on the verge of getting Command – The Captain of a Foreign
Flag Ship - The Pinnacle making me the First Indian Women to Command a Foreign
Flag Ship.
Marine world
was considered way out of a woman’s domain. It’s still a male dominated
industry having extremely low percentage of women professionals. It’s been a
huge step so far that one of the largest Japanese Company is even thinking
about allowing another national woman to be in line with their national men.
They have yet not had their national women at this rank so far.
Women have
taken the world by storm on different occasions, for different reasons. Sadly
that has never stopped world from judging them as ‘weaker’ sex. But that only
means women have sought even greater pleasure in proving their mettle time and
again. It would be misleading to the budding officers if I say that I’ve
reached this position due to some support. In my 13 years of sailing there was
not a single event to mention where I was asked not to do a particular task/job
as I’m a woman, rather was nominated for a job with those questionable eyes of accepting
a challenge. So, bluntly I say, I’m at this position because I deserve to be
here.
Life on ship
is no bed of roses and no one knows better than a mariner. Climbing up the
hierarchy level on ship is no chills play. It requires guts along with steady
mental and physical strength. Being a Second In-Command of a ship is a big
deal; being a Female Second In-Command is even bigger one!
I have been
working mostly on crude oil tankers and now products. My Job is not something
that other women cannot do. Though the work on ship requires considerable
amount of physical strength, a trained women officer can easily handle it. Many
men think that women do not have the capacity, but it is upto the women to
prove these men wrong as there is intelligence which is required apart from
force. And it is very much possible if there is enough dedication. I want women
to explore several great opportunities that the shipping industry provides.
The question
isn’t who’s going to LET ME! But its rather who’s going to STOP ME!
A woman in
the maritime industry lives several lives simultaneously. She has to play the
role of a mother, a wife, a girlfriend, a boss, and finally a warrior!
Something not everyone can do!
With this
platform I want to inform all the women out there not only in India but to
the world that they have immense potential to seek a respectable position in
the maritime field. It’s important for women to believe in themselves and look
for unique career opportunities in the maritime industry. Hoping my
achievements thus far not only creates windows of opportunity to women
seafarers in India
but also provides for a reason to dream big.
SHIP AHOY.
“Behind
every successful woman, there is the woman herself.”
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