Recent Stories
Boosting Self-Confidence for Women in the Maritime Industry
Let’s talk about self-confidence for women offshore 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,...
Overcoming Assault: Lessons in Forgiveness and Strength for Women Offshore
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...
Learning from the Worst Mistake in My Maritime Career
Let's talk about failure. Can you remember a time in your life when you totally, utterly, completely screwed up? I am often asked why I switched from sailing on oil tankers to research vessels. The roundabout answer is that I was unhappy. The simple answer is that I...
Growing Up in a Maritime Family: Lessons and Inspiration
Hello, my name is Coronado. When I introduce my name, I normally hear a multitude of questions, such as, “Wow, that is so unique. Where did it come from?” “What nationality is that?” And, “Okay, but what is your first name?” Typically, most people think that I’m...
Walking for a Cure While Offshore
I work on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico as a camp boss. That sentence usually entices looks full of “Are you kidding me?” This conversation happens mostly when I am in Michigan where I was born and raised (and still live when my hitches are done). Up there, not a...
Featured Sea Stories
SCI – PHIL AND CHRISTINE DISCUSS RESILIENCE, EPISODE 163
In today's episode, Christine speaks with Philip C. Schifflin and Christine Brunson from the Seamen's Church Institute about what they do and resilience. They discuss how they help during devastating times and when mariners need support. They highlight that resilience...
QUESTIONS WE ARE TOO AFRAID TO ASK OFFSHORE WITH MAX AND CHRISTINE, EPISODE 162
We asked YOU what questions you are too embarrassed or afraid to ask offshore. In today's episode, our Director of Career Support Programs, Christine MacMillan, and Women Offshore Ambassador Max Kantor review our questions and share their answers and experiences. They...
REBECCA AND HEATHER – THE CALL OF THE SEA, EPISODE 157
In today's episode, Christine talks with Rebbeca Johnson and Heather Richard, shares their passion and experience of sailing and how they got to be where they are today. They share about working with the Call of the Sea, which is an educational non-profit that...
ALLY AND CHRISTINE: COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO LEVEL UP IN THE WORKPLACE, EPISODE 154
In today's episode, Ally and Christine discuss communication skills and how to use them to level up the workplace. They give great advice on how to listen well, receive feedback, and have successful conversations. These are excellent reminders of how to handle your...
SHEILA LAFLEUR – PRESIDENT / EXECUTIVE RECRUITER ON THE JOB MARKET, EPISODE 150
In today’s episode, Ally Cedeno speaks with the President and Executive Recruiter at Trackline Search Partners, Sheila LaFleur. As an Unlimited Master Mariner with extensive maritime and transportation recruitment expertise, Sheila has keen insight into full desk...
CORINNE BENDERSKY – WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK IN A MALE DOMINATED WORLD, EPISODE 149
In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Corinne Bendersky, a Professor and Area Chair of Management and Organizations who specializes in workplace conflict, status, justice, diversity, and inclusion in teams and organizations. Her research contributes not...

Podcast
THE ONLY WOMAN ON DECK: HEAR CASSIE MEAD’S BOLD ADVENTURES AT SEA, EPISODE 198
Join us on this inspiring episode of Women Offshore as we sit down with Women Offshore Ambassador Cassie Mead, a maritime professional who has made a remarkable journey from a small rural community in New Zealand to a successful career at sea. Cassie discovered her...
FROM SEA CAPTAIN TO INNOVATOR: THE STORY OF CAPTAIN AYSE ASLI BASAK, EPISODE 197
On today's podcast, we have the Turkey Women Offshore Ambassador, Captain Ayse Asli Basak, on the show. Ayse shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and now what her current ashore career life looks like. Ayse Asli Basak is a seasoned maritime...
HEATHER ENNESS: NAVIGATING OFFSHORE LIFE AS A MOM AND INSPIRING FUTURE MARINERS, EPISODE 196
On today's podcast, we have the UK Women Offshore Ambassador Heather Ennesss on the show. Heather shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and her journey at home while raising kids.Heather is also a proud member of the UK Careers at Sea Ambassadors...
SAL MERCOGLIANO ON THE RED SEA UPDATES, EPISODE 195
Christine has Dr. Sal Mercogliano on the podcast today. Sal is Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice, and Political Science at Campbell University. He is also an adjunct professor at the US Merchant Marine Academy and a former merchant mariner. He hosts...
STICKY NOTE LEADERSHIP W/ALLY CEDENO, EPISODE 194
In today's podcast, embark on a transformative journey of leadership with today's podcast episode, where Ally introduces some incredible resources to help you navigate the waters like the book, "Sticky Note Leadership: 5 Simple Steps to DO LESS and LEAD MORE." Tune in...
AGAINST THE CURRENT: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE IN THE MARITIME WORLD WITH KITARA SMOLINSKI, EPISODE 193
Today on the podcast, we bring you an unforgettable speech delivered by Kitara at the Women Offshore Benefit Gala. Join us as we dive into Kitara's remarkable journey—a tale of resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit...
Offshore Lifestyle
How Geologist Greg Noah Is Helping Reduce the Gender Gap Offshore
With the ever-unintended - almost severe - sternness in his gaze, Greg, ever so stoically, turned to me and announced, "Lauren, you're staying as a senior hand." His eyes began to twinkle and, as they softened, his face thawed into a collection of charmingly gleeful...
Two Women Found Offshore Fitness Company
Women Offshore introduces Aweigh-Fitness; a premier health and wellness provider for the maritime and offshore energy industries.Aweigh-Fitness was founded by two women who work offshore on ultra-deepwater drillships, Brigitte Hagen-Peter and Patricia Malagrino. From...
Shining a Light on Offshore Life: Insights from Amanda Barlow
Women Offshore connected with Author and Wellsite Geologlist, Amanda Barlow, to discuss her latest book: An Inconvenient Life. Australian-born, Amanda Barlow, worked as a geologist onshore for 16 years before taking her career offshore to become a wellsite geologist...
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in the Maritime Industry
Don’t Despair! Imposter syndrome offshore, have you ever felt that? “Apart from serial narcissists, super low achievers, and outright crazies, no one is immune to the self-doubt that feeds the Impostor Syndrome.” Well, thank goodness that Forbes’ Contributor,...
A Call to Action: How to Advocate for Women in the Maritime Industry
If you've been around our site, you probably recognize this statistic: women make up less than 4% of the offshore workforce. Women Offshore is here to change that and advocating for women offshore As a team of contributors, with a combined total of 65 years working on...
Why Diversity in Maritime Matters: Benefits of an Inclusive Industry
We all probably know at least one person who becomes irate at the idea of companies making an active effort to diversify. This is due to the idea that diversification has a tendency to be demonized as a threat to job security or personal progress to those in the...
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