Bharati Bandiwadar, OS, Merchant Navy – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

I’ve been working as an Ordinary Seaman (OS) in the Merchant Navy for 2.5 years. My daily responsibilities include cargo operations, deck maintenance, assisting at mooring stations, and taking part in watchkeeping duties. It’s a role that demands both physical and mental resilience, but it’s also one that gives me a deep sense of pride.

What I enjoy most about this profession is the strength it has revealed in me. As a woman in this field, I’ve faced challenges that extend beyond the ship — balancing personal, professional, and family pressures while working at sea. Despite it all, I’ve never broken down. Instead, I’ve learned how to deal with difficult moments and continue to push forward.

The journey has not been without hardship. I’ve experienced family struggles, the loss of my grandmother, the difficulties of working through period pain, and the sting of gender discrimination. Each challenge tested me, but none of them stopped me. They became part of the story that makes me who I am today — a woman who refuses to give up.

If I could advocate for change in this industry, it would be to end the abuse and disrespect that too often arises when it comes to gender. Women at sea should be treated with the same dignity and respect as their male counterparts, without being subjected to unnecessary scrutiny or bias.

My advice to women starting out in seafaring is to always be yourself and give your absolute best — 1000% every time. People may try to break you down or point fingers at you, but don’t let their words define your path. Ignore the negativity and focus on your goals.

Working at sea isn’t easy, but it is powerful. It teaches you strength, discipline, and self-belief. For me, being part of this industry is not just about the work I do on deck, but about proving that women belong here — and that we can thrive despite the challenges.

Bharati Bandiwadar, OS, Merchant Navy – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra