Jyan Pantoja, Third Officer – Philippines

As a Third Officer, I keep the 8-12 morning and evening watch. As an officer of the watch, I make sure of the safety of the vessel, the crew and the cargo. I am in charge of the maintenance of Life Saving Appliances and Fire Fighting Equipment onboard. In port, I monitor the progress of the cargo operation, making sure that there will be no damage on our ship due to incorrect loading.

I enjoy navigation the most. It makes me feel proud about myself whenever I pass through restricted areas with high density of traffic, that despite situations that will really make your heart beat faster, I can still manage to compose myself and make the right decision. I also embrace the ocean, the peace it gives to my soul, the never-the-same sunrises and sunsets, the night sky filled with stars and ooh! the shooting stars!

I have also faced discrimination while at sea, I was 23 on my first contract as 3/O, being quite young and being a woman, not everybody took me seriously at first. What I did, I improved myself, I worked hard, I never complained, I showed that being a woman is not a hindrance for working at sea, I took my job seriously and they understood that I was not there to be bullied. I stood up and proved them wrong.

My advocacy is to have an organization that will help young women who are victims of sexual harassment onboard to get justice. This will also help to avoid untoward incidents in the future when everybody is aware of such organization.

To young women who are just at the beginning of this industry, I suggest that you prepare yourself, because it’s not a walk in the park. Work very hard but be smart also. Train your body as well as your mind. Study! If there is something that bothers you with the work situation, always speak up, stand your ground and never be afraid.

Jyan Pantoja, Third Officer – Philippines