Alexandra Barlow, Deckhand – Southampton

My main responsibilities currently are helping with mooring operations, parking cars, security rounds and making sure everything on the ship is as it should be. I am very lucky that I am also given the chance to drive the ship for some short distances.

What I love about my job is that every day is different, you can never predict what’s going to happen and the weather can make working outside a challenge but it’s worth it. The whole crew supports each other and it’s a fantastic team to be a part of, I look forward to going to work each day.

I’m only one of a few female deckhands surrounded by men so it does have its disadvantages. When I first started I felt I had to prove my worth as a woman working at sea and work extra harder to show that I was just as good. Every now and again I will sometimes hear sexist comments regarding my career particularly that I should stay at home and expect to raise any future children but I keep my head up knowing this is my life long career.

A change I’d like to see in the industry is a stop to the expectation that women need to give up their career for children, we have the exact same rights to work at sea as men do!

My advice to other female seafarers is you might have tough days at work with people that don’t think you’re worthy of being there but don’t let them get to you, prove it to them and yourself that you can do the job. Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t be in this industry.

Alexandra Barlow, Deckhand – Southampton