I recently have just embarked on my cadet ship so I have many tasks to complete and sign off before my final exams. Prior to this, I used to work on ships as a studio photographer and I loved seeing the world and meeting new people. Now I want to have a solid career at sea and push myself beyond my comfort zone. When starting out I definitely doubted myself. This is the number one thing I do and has been my biggest challenge. I have to force myself to stop doubting and start doing and applying. There is so much to learn and take in but definitely the maths is difficult for me, but I know I will overcome this!
As far as challenges based on my gender go, I have not faced any but I’m only at the beginning and I know I will need to prove myself more than once to show I am more than capable of doing the job. Currently, there are only 3 girls in my class at college, including myself. So I do really want to see more and more female seafarers out there because it’s such an inspiring and fulfilling career! My advice to future female seafarers would be to trust your instincts and give everything the best you can. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up and don’t put you down. Positivity breeds positivity
Clair Macdonald, Scotland 🏴
Deck Cadet
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