Nicole Irish Sugapong, Able Bodied Seaman – Philippines

Currently my rank is Able Bodied Seaman with holder OIC- NW Licensed. Working at sea is exciting, challenging and sometimes quite dangerous. My job is to steer the ship according to the deck officer’s instructions and generally assist mates on watch. My other duties are: acting look-out, standing related security watch such as gangway or anchor watch, performing fire and safety rounds while the ship is underway, routine maintenance onboard and operating deck machinery.

What I love most about my career is the opportunity to learn new things everyday and meet new people and experience their culture and tradition.

I’ve faced many situations of gender bias where people keep telling me to quit, that I should stay at home, work ashore, I cannot carry heavy loads, etc. These are the things I often hear from other seafarers despite having already proved myself to them that I am capable of this job and to perform duties.

One thing I’d advocate for them is gender equality and for women to be given a fair chance without their skills or abilities being doubted simply because they are women.

To my fellow women seafarers, aim high, work hard and care deeply about what you believe in.

Nicole Irish Sugapong, Able Bodied Seaman – Philippines