Molly MacInnis, Deck Cadet / Future Third Mate – Londonderry

I have been building wooden boats since I was 12 years old. I learned how to build and restore wooden boats at Lowell’s Boat Shop. Later on, I worked as a deckhand aboard schooners in Massachusetts. I have worked in the maritime industry for 10 years now.

This summer I was a deck cadet onboard the oil tanker American Freedom. I stood a bridge watch and assisted in cargo operations. I would help with maintenance, inspections and daily tests of navigation equipment. I would help fill out log books and assist the mate on watch.

What I love about my profession is that every day is a new day on a ship. I love projects where I can help make something safer onboard the vessel. In the emergency gear locker, I created a new easily accessible way to grab spare gear. I am also passionate about navigation and continuing to learn about the evolving equipment needed to make ships paperless.

I have faced some challenges in my career. I come from a traditional sailing and wooden boat restoration background. On the ship this summer, I had some mates who would not let me touch a line. I overcame this by always being present and willing to help. I would coil heaving lines and help clean up the deck after every docking/ undocking. Eventually, I was the one throwing the heaving lines and helping run winches on the stern. It was a great experience and I never gave up.

Education is a powerful tool. I’d advocate for every woman who wants to come to learn more about the maritime industry. The sea needs more she-farers!

My advice to other female seafarers is know what you do not know and master it. This summer I accidentally dropped five anchors on the radar. I immediately opened the manual, read how to solve the problem myself and left a purple post-it note marking the anchor drop mark in order to help the next person on the bridge.

Molly MacInnis, Deck Cadet / Future Third Mate – Londonderry