Mary George, Second officer trainee – Nigeria

As a second officer trainee, I am in charge of navigational watch and safety onboard.

Being a female seafarer has been challenging but I enjoy putting in my best in every assigned task to show the world that it’s not about muscle/strength but about willingness and dedication.

The challenges are many starting from companies’ rejections to sexual harassment to being given tedious tasks just to see me fail in it and the most important thing is that whenever I fail, I learn and get back to the task facing it squarely. I overcame most challenges by looking in the mirror and saying these words in my heart “I am strong, I can do this and that’s because being a female I have nothing to be afraid of” After saying these words sometimes inwardly, I find myself building courage.

I would like the world to quit judging females because they are termed “weaker vessels “ instead opportunities should be created where they can be judged based on their performance just like the male species.

My advice to other female seafarers is you can do it, you can sail the world/oceans and never let anyone tell you otherwise or put you down.

Mary George, Second officer trainee – Nigeria