This year’s International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated annually on May 18, spotlights pathways for women’s leadership, participation and impact in the global ocean economy.
St Monica’s College introduced 6 young ladies to Tropical Reef Shipyard in Portsmith Cairns, where they learnt about Maritime Career pathways.
The maritime industry in Australia offers a diverse range of career pathways for women, from seafaring roles to shore-based positions. Women make up less than 20% of the maritime workforce onshore, with significantly lower participation at sea. For women interested in working at sea, there are several career options. These include positions such as deck officers, marine engineers, and ship captains. Training typically involves enrolling in maritime courses provided by institutions like the Australian Maritime College, which offer programs in navigation, marine engineering, and maritime operations. Beyond seafaring careers, the maritime industry offers numerous specialist shore-based roles that are critical to its operation. These include roles in logistics, port management, maritime law, and environmental conservation. General management and administrative roles are also always required.
As the industry evolves, it increasingly recognizes the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, paving the way for women to make significant contributions to various maritime sectors.
