Trudi Van der Walt, Third Officer – South Africa

As a third officer, my duties include keeping the 8 – 12 navigational watch and cargo watches. I am also the Garbage control officer onboard. My duties as a Garbage control officer are to maintain and comply with our Garbage management plan by ensuring garbage are collected and segregated on a daily basis with the help of the crew, incineration takes place as per company procedures and monitoring special areas and regulations ensuring that we comply when food waste is restricted. My main responsibility is the safe navigation of the ship and maintaining LSA and FFE up to date.

What I love about our profession is that it does not require a 8 to 5 job like most people, even as females we very often have a wrench or chipping tool in our hands and that’s what I love about my job – everyday is different! I must also mention the sunsets – they are amazing here out at sea. In the beginning I did face gender based challenges – I was told that I will last one contract only because I’m a female, but here I am, in this ‘male’ dominant world, 4 years later as an Officer. My company is really striving to be the best support for female seafarers, I can only speak from my own experience and they are honestly accommodating us in the best way possible. As soon as a female seafarer sets foot on one of our vessels, you are handed a special sheet, informing you again of our sms policies regarding harassment. Our policy is very strong in this division and female seafarers are encouraged to report when another crew member is not adhering, without feeling ashamed or scared. Then we are also informed regarding the disposal of sanitation waste, each female seafarer gets a special bin in her cabin. We also have a company women at sea group where we can post and ask questions, within the company, when we seek for advice or guidance. Then the vessel also ensures when female seafarers signs on, that they have small enough ppe to accomodate, boots, gloves and overalls and that there is enough for your entire contract. Starting out as a female seafarer might be scary at first, just find your own voice and stand strong.

Trudi Van der Walt, Third Officer – South Africa