The most popular article on Women Offshore is about 3 women who work on a research vessel. Today, we meet with the Chief Mate, Alaina Basciano, to talk career goals and challenges on her quest to be a captain.
On board the USNS Henson, an oceanographic research vessel, stands Chief Officer Alaina Basciano. She is a licensed USCG Unlimited Tonnage Master; an impressive feat for anyone, especially for her at the age of thirty.
Chief Officer Basciano was inspired to work on the water by her grandfather, a Merchant Mariner of WWII. When Basciano was just 10 years old, he introduced her to a WWII Liberty Ship, the SS John W. Brown. From that point forward, young Basciano was hooked.
Alaina on board the SS John W. Brown
In 7th grade, Alaina set a goal to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York. USMMA is one of the five United States service academies, charged with training officers for the United States Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and the transportation industry. After graduating from USMMA in 2009, Basciano worked on tankers, container ships, articulated tug barges (ATBs) and inland tug boats.
In episode 2 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Ally Cedeno, the founder of Women Offshore, interviews Chief Mate Alaina Basciano. Listen below to Alaina, who shares sea stories from her time on the SS John W. Brown, how she overcame some challenges in her career, and what it was like achieving her master’s license right before the age of 30.
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:56 — 13.9MB)
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The Women Offshore Foundation is an online organization and resource center for a diverse workforce on the water. Its mission is to propel women into meaningful careers through access to a worldwide community and professional development resources, while raising awareness amongst industry leaders and decision makers about issues affecting women on the water. Contact Women Offshore today: hello@womenoffshore.org.
Hi Alaina
I loved listening to your inspiring podcast. There are some parallels with my own career choice, even though I live on the other side of the world.
I also share the dream of a trip to Antarctica. I would really like to be on a ship where the majority are women! that would really be fun!