“Working at sea exposes me to peculiar challenges. I appreciate this because it opens my mind, keeps me alert and builds my problem-solving capacity. The versatility in skills obtained at sea is second to none. I get to function in several roles and manage them effectively. The multicultural environment helps me to manage diversity and appreciate my uniqueness at the same time. It is also a dream come true that I get to travel the world. I always believe in doing my best and letting time take its natural course. In the face of adversity, this usually proves to be true. Giving my best always allows me to stay calm, be human and trust God!” Gift Bassey is a Nigerian Cameroon living in Ghana and is a third engineer at Windstar Cruises. Pictured above.
“I love working offshore because it gives me a sense of freedom and independence. It has also set me and my family up well financially. Additionally, I love the mix of confusion and the “wow factor” when I explain my career to others. I overcame adversity by bettering myself as a mate and human being. I also simply do not dwell too long or hard on any difficulties or misfortunes that I am faced with. Offshore, I am a second mate and shoreside, I am MMP’s Women’s Caucus Committee East Coast Liaison.” Chelsea Patterson, second mate, from the USA.
“Salt water is in my blood. I’m a fourth-generation mariner and sailing makes me feel connected to my family. At the same time, I have two young children. Hearing the silly things they do throughout their day, or when they’re having a difficult time and not being there, is the most difficult part of the job. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my family and friends. My husband is my rock and supports me in chasing a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl, climbing pilot ladders with my dad. My family and I live in the Sunshine State (Florida) and have a great group of maritime friends that also work to support each other’s families. I’m so grateful for this industry and look forward to the future.” Kristy is sailing as a third mate on tankers.
“I joined Modec Production Service Ghana in 2017 as the first female production technician offshore. I have excelled in the offshore industry these past years and am now with MODEC Management Service, Singapore. I love working offshore because I have a dedicated number of days to work which gives me the opportunity to do other things for myself. Working offshore has given me the opportunity to work with diverse people with different specialties which has broadened my expertise. Adversities in the offshore industry are real. There are some challenges one could easily overcome but other challenges must be channeled through the right direction to get resolved.” Portia Oduro from Ghana is a production operator.
To learn more, go to the Women Offshore Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Let’s Reduce the Gender Gap Together.
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