By Captain Femi Amusa
In the spirit of the International Day for Women in Maritime, I am delighted to join the celebration by humbly presenting the following contribution:
Nigerian Women at Sea: Charting a Course Beyond the Horizon
In a traditionally male-dominated maritime industry, Nigerian women have begun to raise anchors and steer confidently into roles once considered unthinkable. From the bridge of oceangoing vessels to the boardrooms of marine logistics firms and the frontlines of marine environmental advocacy, women are scripting a new narrative that speaks of grit, excellence, and undeniable promise.
Trailblazers and Icons: Making Waves in the Maritime World
Foremost among these pioneers is Capt. Roselyn Tortor Kete, Nigeria’s trailblazing female master mariner. With over 30 years of experience at sea and more than a decade as a certified and licensed captain on international waters, Capt. Kete has not only commanded vessels globally but also shattered long-standing gender stereotypes. Hailing from Sangana in the Akassa Kingdom of Bayelsa State, her inspiration came from her father – a tug master with the Nigerian Ports Authority – and was nurtured by the example of other early female trailblazers like Beatrice Vormawah. Today, her legacy inspires a generation of young Nigerian girls to dream beyond the shoreline.
Another standout name is Mercy Eyo-Ita, a seasoned maritime lawyer and port operations specialist who has contributed immensely to regulatory compliance and gender equity within the Nigerian Ports Authority and affiliated institutions.
Also notable is Funmi Folorunsho, a maritime economist and the first African woman elected Secretary-General of the African Shipowners Association (ASA), whose influence continues to shape policy and promote indigenous shipping across the continent.
Global Trailblazers: Women Who Conquered the Seas
Enriching this narrative are several trailblazing female seafarers from around the world who have also made indelible marks in maritime history:
Anna Ivanovna Shchetinina (Russia) – The world’s first female captain of an ocean-going vessel in 1935.
Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz (Poland) – First woman to sail solo around the world in 1978.
Kay Cottee (Australia) – First woman to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe in 1988.
Belinda Bennett (Saint Helena) – First Black female cruise ship captain in 2016.
Captain Radhika Menon (India) – First female captain of the Indian Merchant Navy and IMO Bravery Award winner.
Marwa Elselehdar (Egypt) – Egypt’s first female ship captain.
Joanna Pajkowska (Poland) – First Polish woman to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation in 2019.
Wendy Tuck (Australia) – First female skipper to win a round-the-world yacht race.
Dee Caffari (UK) – First woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions.
Molly Kool (Canada) – North America’s first licensed female ship captain in 1939.
These women have overcome gender-based barriers and set the standard for seafaring excellence, showing girls worldwide that the sea is a place of opportunity, not limitation.
Barriers and Breakthroughs
Despite cultural bias, access limitations, and underrepresentation, Nigerian women continue to prove their mettle. Maritime academies such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, now actively promote female enrolment, while cadetship programs are becoming more inclusive. Yet, the transition from classroom to seafaring still poses challenges such as sea-time bottlenecks, limited female-friendly shipboard accommodations, and persistent stereotypes.
However, the tide is turning. Shipping companies and marine operators are increasingly adopting gender-sensitive policies, and organisations like WIMA-Nigeria (Women in Maritime Africa – Nigeria chapter) have created platforms for mentorship, visibility, and advocacy.
Why Girls Should Choose the Sea
Encouraging more girl children to pursue maritime careers is not just a gender equity imperative – it is an economic and national development strategy. Here’s why:
1) A Long, Rewarding Career Path: Maritime professions offer longevity. One can work well into later years as a captain, surveyor, superintendent, port manager, or maritime lawyer – as long as health permits.
2) Global Exposure, Paid Travel: Working at sea enables professionals to experience diverse cultures, see the world, and earn foreign currency – all while building international networks.
3) Competitive Remuneration: Marine jobs pay well globally, with tax-free earnings in many cases, especially in seafaring, offshore oil and gas, and port consultancy.
4) Professional Versatility: From environmental monitoring to offshore engineering, marine insurance, hydrography, and logistics coordination, the sea path offers multiple specialisations.
5) Reduced Harassment through Regulation: With stronger maritime labour conventions (MLC 2006) and stricter port state control, sexual harassment at sea is now less tolerated than ever before. Companies are adopting safe complaint channels and mixed-gender HR policies.
6) Prestige and Leadership Opportunities: Commanding a ship or managing port operations confers high respect. Women in these roles are seen as pioneers and role models, often invited to policy-making and international engagements.
Recommendations to Sail Further
To increase female participation in marine careers, stakeholders should:
Expand Scholarship Schemes specifically for girls in marine engineering, navigation, oceanography, and logistics.
Strengthen Cadetship Pipelines, ensuring that women cadets get adequate sea-time and not left ashore after training.
Promote Maritime Education in Secondary Schools, integrating marine science into STEM programs and partnering with Navy/Coast Guard for exposure.
Create Gender-Inclusive Infrastructures on vessels and in port facilities.
Encourage Mentorship and Visibility through media campaigns, conferences, and recognition awards.
Leverage Blue Economy Opportunities, ensuring women are part of marine tourism, aquaculture, conservation, and blue tech innovation.
Nigerian women at sea are not anomalies – they are anchors of a rising tide. Their presence is a testament to resilience and capability. The call now is to inspire thousands more girls to embrace the horizon, knowing that the sea does not discriminate – it rewards competence, courage, and commitment.
As Captain Kete’s story proves, “The sea is not for men or women – it is for the brave.” May we continue to raise brave daughters who set sail with pride and purpose.
