- The International Transport Workers Federation estimates that only 2% of crew in the world fleet are female.
- 94% of these women work on either cruise or passenger ships.
- OSM is targeting the ambitious goal of increasing its female crew ratio to 5% across its core sectors (tankers, bulkers and offshore).
- Ms. Vivian Maia, who joined OSM in 2011 is now responsible for crewing an FPSO managed by OSM in Brazil.
- She recommends this industry to those that are ambitious, passionate and driven by achieving results and delivering excellent service.
It is estimated that women form only 2% of the fleet-wide tanker crew while forming the majority of backroom shore-based staff in many ship management companies. There is now a drive to encourage more women to go to sea, reports Tanker Ship and Trade.
The Vision
In his new role of OSM Maritime, chief executive Bjørn Tore Larsen has outlined his vision for greater female participation in the maritime industry. This is particularly with regards to vessel crews. He believes that a healthier gender balance will help the industry in the quest for long-term success and commercial sustainability.
Shortage of Qualified Seafarers
There is, Mr. Larsen said ahead of International Women’s Day, much to be done to achieve that objective. “There is a global shortage of qualified seafarers with the broad competency needed to help guide this industry on the optimal path forwards,” he commented. “We need to attract bright young people with the right skills, both practical and digital, to support an industry that remains at the vanguard of world trade. Evidently women are absolutely central to that.”
Vivian Maia: A Role Model
According to OSM, deck officer Vivian Maia (pictured above) provides a typical example of how females can forge successful careers within the industry. Ms. Maia joined OSM in 2011 after graduating from the Merchant Marine Officers School in Rio de Janeiro and spending two years as a deck officer with Maersk. Soon after, she helped the recently formed OSM Brazil set up operations in the country. Her work involved recruitment, hiring and planning for crew members on the vessels Dan Swift and Deep Sea. Ms Maia is now responsible for crewing an FPSO managed by OSM in Brazil.
Sharing Her Experience
“It’s been an exciting and fulfilling journey,” she commented, “working both on- and offshore and helping to establish OSM in what is now a key market.” Ms. Maia says that it is difficult to not recommend this industry enough for those that are ambitious, passionate and driven by achieving results and delivering excellent service. ” I’m proud of how my career has developed so far and excited about what lies ahead.”
What do the numbers say?
The International Transport Workers Federation estimates that only 2% of crew in the world fleet are female. 94% of these women are working on either cruise or passenger ships. Therefore, OSM is targeting the ambitious goal of increasing its female crew ratio to 5% across its core sectors. These include tankers, bulkers and offshore.
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Source: Tanker Shipping
