Graancee Mathew, Electro Technical Officer – India

I have been in the maritime industry for seven years, and I currently serve as a Third Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) on a cruise ship. My work involves operating and maintaining electrical systems such as lifts, escalators, lifting platforms, and entertainment equipment. Before joining the cruise sector, I began my career on merchant ships as an ETO, where I was responsible for all electrical and electronic equipment onboard. My days are spent moving between different areas of the ship—inspecting systems, troubleshooting faults, and sometimes even climbing high masts to get the job done.

What I love most about this profession is that no two days are the same. Each day presents a new challenge, and every problem solved adds to my confidence and sense of purpose. The constant learning and hands-on problem-solving make my role both exciting and rewarding.

Of course, my journey has not been without challenges. Being a woman in a male-dominated field, I’ve often had to overcome biases related to my gender and physique. With each new crew, I had to prove my competence all over again. But those experiences only strengthened my resilience and reinforced my commitment to excellence. Over time, I’ve learned that persistence and professionalism speak louder than words.

If I could advocate for change, it would be to make shipboard environments more inclusive for women. After all, “seafarer” is a gender-neutral term, and every woman deserves equal respect and opportunity at sea. I would also push for menstrual products to be made mandatory onboard, as access to such essentials is a matter of dignity and health, not privilege.

To women starting their maritime journey, my advice is simple: challenges will come, but how you face them defines who you become. Always uphold safety, stay professional, and believe in your capability.

The greatest joy of working at sea is the spirit of teamwork — people from different backgrounds uniting to keep the ship running smoothly. That shared sense of purpose is what makes this life truly fulfilling.

Graancee Mathew, Electro Technical Officer – India