Holly Martin, Deck Cadet – UK

I’m Holly Martin, a Deck Cadet from Worcestershire, UK, and I’ve been in the profession for seven months. Right now, I’m training to become an Officer of the Watch. My daily responsibilities range from checking systems and equipment around the ship to spending plenty of time on deck. When the ship is transiting, I assist the officers with navigational watch duties and sometimes even take the helm myself.

What excites me most about this career is the opportunity to constantly meet new people and learn new skills. Every day feels different, and that sense of anticipation — of not knowing exactly what’s next but knowing I’ll grow from it — keeps me motivated.

Of course, there are challenges. Working with different personalities means you don’t always get along with everyone or see eye to eye. As a cadet, I’ve learned that navigating those relationships is just as important as mastering technical skills. Building resilience, patience, and strong communication has been a big part of my growth so far.

If I could advocate for change, it would be to market this industry more actively to women. At the moment, seafaring is still largely presented as a career for men, and that perception needs to shift. Women deserve to see themselves represented, encouraged, and welcomed into this field.

For women starting out, my advice is simple: never see yourself as less than your male counterparts. Learn from everyone’s expertise and share your own in return — you have just as much to bring to the table.

Looking back at my journey so far, I would highly encourage anyone to consider this career. I’ve met amazing people, traveled to incredible destinations, and learned more than I ever imagined in such a short time. Life at sea is challenging, yes, but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you could take.

Holly Martin, Deck Cadet – UK