It’s not easy to make living on a workboat. The hours are long, you are away from home for extended periods, you must deal with dangerous situations, and all the licensing, training and regulatory hassles.
Now consider the above and throw in a little harassment, and having to prove yourself everyday to co-workers who doubt your skills. That’s what many women who work on tugs, towboats, OSVs and other vessels have to deal with…”
But I promise you, handle challenges with a steadfast grace and we will see progress.
It won’t be easy, but it will get better. “
” I find my path to be a mix of Academy grad and hawse pipe. I graduated Maine Maritime Academy in 2009 with my associates and 100ton Captain’s license. I explored the Arctic to the Caribbean on educational sailing vessels, teaching high school students watch keeping, seamanship, navigation, how to be a good shipmate, and what it meant to draw from their own inner strength in challenging situations. I now work on Offshore Supply Vessels and am working on my 3rd Mate Unlimited.
Sometimes I feel a lot of pressure to not quit when I feel like I can’t take it anymore. I can feel hopeless. I realize that if I quit, no progress is made. Rough terrain is made smooth over time by travel. The more women who prove themselves and stay on the path, the easier it will be for those following this path.”
Jessica Hewitt – Able Bodied Seaman/ Rigger USA .
No Comments