Featured Sea Stories
Female “Sparky” in the US Merchant Marine in WWII
Based on research & phone interview by Sheila Sova It was a different world for women back in the 1940’s. While men went off to war, women entered the workforce in large numbers to support the war effort. Some went to work at the shipyards, becoming welders and...
Release a Man to Fight at Sea
During WWII, the US Coast Guard created the Women’s Reserve known as the SPARS, an acronym for, "Semper Paratus Always Ready." By December 7th of 1942, the United States was at war and all men between the ages of 21 and 45 were required to register for the draft....
Patricia Varela’s Daring Career as a Geologist
From Caracas, Venezuela, meet geologist Patricia Varela. If you’ve ever thought about the oil and gas industry, you already know that you can’t just go willy-nilly digging holes in the ground. In this regard, Patricia Varela is mission critical in deciding where to...
Protecting Marine Mammals Offshore with Meadhbh Quinn
A zoology student found a career offshore. If you’ve ever seen the show Vikings, you know exactly what Wicklow County, Ireland, looks like, as it was filmed there. Vibrant green hills and valleys give way to crescent bays that welcome the Irish Sea. Its easterly...
Radio Operator Maria Quiteria Rego Thrives Offshore
Radio Operator sounds reductive. Why not call her a "Communications Expert? or an "International Relations Coordinator?" With all the communications Maria Quiteria Rego is responsible for as a radio operator offshore, a more dignified title is necessary. Whatever you...
In the Galley with Chief Cook Melissa McCartney
Melissa McCartney’s passion for the food industry led her to share the culinary arts with others. In 2016, Melissa McCartney was happily working as an instructor and high school recruiter at the Le Cordon Bleu in Miami. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America,...
Navigate Your Career
Save the Date: Maritime Career Day 2021
SAVE THE DATE FOR WOMEN OFFSHORE'S MARITIME CAREER DAY, MAY 21ST, 2021! The Women Offshore Foundation will host a virtual career day, Friday, May 21st, 2021. Attend panel discussions and exhibitor booths. Network with companies, hear from recruiting experts, and learn...
WHAT IF WE DON’T EVEN GET ALONG?! #mymaritimementor
I have hit roadblocks and stalemates this past year, not just in my career, but in life, each affecting the other immensely. I had reached a point in my personal life where I was asking family and friends all the time to be a sounding board for my maritime queries,...
Organization of Black Maritime Graduates
Get to know an organization making a HUGE impact in the maritime industry, the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates. Founded in 1994, the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG) has improved education opportunities for underserved students seeking careers...
2021 Women in Maritime Leadership Conference
March 4-5, 2021, attend Cal Maritime's Women in Maritime Leadership Conference virtually! Now in its tenth year, California Maritime Academy's Women in Maritime Leadership Conference supports the success of women in maritime. The 2021 virtual conference will deliver a...
The ‘Secret’ to Mentoring with Captain Jessie Shifalo
To reduce the gender gap, Women Offshore connects women seeking mentoring with experienced seafarers. Our mentor program, the Women Offshore MentorSHIP, virtually connects both mentors and mentees. This program is open to women anywhere in the world who have...
Combating the Bystander Effect Together
On the second day of the Women Offshore Conference, a two-part workshop brought together attendees to talk about an overarching concept in the industry that does not affect just women, but all mariners; bystander intervention. Throughout the sessions, hosted by Ally...
Podcast
ISWAN SeafarerHelp Hotline, Episode 48
Episode 48 continues the conversation around Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) by highlighting the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). ISWAN’s mission is to promote and support the welfare of seafarers and their families all over...
Victim Advocacy & Support, Episode 47
Steward: "Chief Officer, have a minute?" Chief Officer: "Sure, Steward. What’s up?" Steward: "I’ve been sexually assaulted and need your help." What are the next steps the Chief Officer should take? How would you respond? Episode 47 of the Women Offshore Podcast...
#metoo in Shipping, Episode 46
Listener & Reader Discretion Advised This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We advise listener and reader discretion. Specific stories related to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) are played between 7 minutes 46 seconds and...
Seeking Safer Waves, Episode 45
Digging into the Data of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Sea There has been a lack of data detailing sexual violence and harassment at sea. However, in 2019, an organization was founded, Safer Waves, to conduct research and provide support to those who work on...
Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment Awareness Series, Episode 44
A mini series with a big message. Next month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread. It is a proclamation to join advocates and communities in taking action to prevent sexual assault and sexual...
Fiji Women in Maritime Association, Episode 43
Listen to voices making waves in Fiji. In September 2016, the Fiji Women in Maritime Association, known as Fiji WIMA, was founded to promote the visibility of women in the maritime sector, establish a network to connect, inspire and promote female maritime...
Launching Soon – Membership!
Offshore Lifestyle
In Need of an Energy Boost ?
As your hitch offshore goes on your energy level slowly depletes. The shifts, the demands of your job, the socializing aspects, and the lack of days off duty, they all take their toll on your sleep. It’s hard to stay focused and energized. Thankfully, there are ways...
Deepwater Dames: For the Love of 2nd Base
The 3-day, 60-mile, Susan G. Komen walk is grueling. Two crews competed to complete the walk first. From building gingerbread houses with the crew to epic custom birthday cakes, Aramark Camp Boss Michelle Yelovina always brings something special to the ships she...
A Technique to Fall Asleep Offshore
How to fall asleep and stay asleep - a yogic hack. When you’re offshore, your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is dramatically impacted. The 12 hour shifts, the night shifts, the changes of shifts half-way through your hitch, can play havoc with your circadian...
Let’s Talk About Self Confidence
Let’s talk about self confidence to achieve your goals. Think of your life as the vessel, and you have “the conn,” meaning you are in control of your vessel. What you’re not in control of are the adverse effects on the vessel; winds, currents, shallow depths, etc. You...
Assault, Forgiveness, & Lessons Learned
Early in my career at sea, I joined an old feeder vessel in Jordan. I was on one of the smallest and oldest vessels in my company’s fleet. Due to its size, it traded in the Red Sea only between Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I was a bit nervous before joining because...
Little Red Boat on the Equator
My career at sea started a few years ago when I was working as a pool deck supervisor on a cruise ship off the coast of Australia. During my time on board, I was inspired by the bridge officers to return to school to study navigation with the goal of one day becoming...
Recent Comments