Izabela Oliveira, Offshore Environmental Technique – Brazil

My job as an off-shore environmental technique is knowledge in biological oceanography, working in activities in the area of Environmental Management and/or Oceanography. I am responsible for all the environmental samples collection (water, sediment, plankton and benthic macrofauna) that go to a laboratory to be analyzed and see if the oil platforms are influencing the local marine environment.

Why I love my job is because I see in my work my life purpose, to take care of the oceans. I was born on the beach and as a little girl I was curious to understand how the ocean works and see how everything is connected.

I have faced gender based challenges in my line of work, I suffered harassment on board because my boss didn’t agree with the kind of clothes I wore, since it was apparently “vulgar”. But I was able to prove that the focus should be on my work and my clothing does not affect my ability to do my work.

What I’d hope to see in the future of the maritime industry is gender equality. Having men and women occupying the same position and with equal pay.

My advice to other female seafarers is, do not give up! If I can do it, so can you. The sea gave me beautiful gifts and I’m sure it was the best choice of my life.

Izabela Oliveira, Offshore environmental technique – Brazil