Associated British Ports (ABP) marked International Women in Maritime Day by speaking to some of the women playing key roles across the Humber keeping the UK’s biggest gateway trading.
The conversations highlighted that port jobs are ‘open to all, offering varied and fulfilling careers.’
Karolina Jabrzyk, Humber Pilot 1st Class, has been a pilot for six years, and previously worked on a variety of vessels including RoRo, passenger, reefer vessels, bulk carriers, and containers with a Master ticket.
Speaking further, Karolina said every day is different on the Humber, she said:
“Every day is different on the Humber. We safety navigate vessels within the Humber Pilotage Area. Adverse weather can create some of the most challenging conditions to work in, especially when boarding a vessel using its pilot ladder.
“Dealing with ship traffic and coordinating with the ships master and crew to manoeuvre their ship safety into a lock, and onto berths also present different challenges every day, but on the other hand the role of Humber Pilot is very fulling and brings me great joy. Whilst working at ABP I have been promoted to a 1st Class pilot meaning I can work on ships up to 11m draft and up to 40000 DWT.”
She said Maritime careers for women have ‘developed quickly’ in the last few years.
“More women are now at sea than ever before and there are more reaching the rank of is ship’s captain too. We can do this job and it is great to see more women in marine roles. ABP gave me this opportunity to work as pilot which has been brilliant and allowed me to find the work life balance I was looking for.” She said.
Fiona Jolley, Vessel Traffic Service Operator, has been working at ABP since 2018, and currently manage the movement of vessel traffic on the Humber, alongside another VTSO and an Assistant Harbour Master.
“We are the first point of contact for any emergencies that occur on the river, and we are also responsible for planning and organising pilot transfers.” Fiona said.
“There are lots of variables involved in managing traffic on a complex river, and no two scenarios are the same, which is probably the biggest challenge of the role. There is a real sense of accomplishment dealing with those challenges.
“If you are interested in pursuing a maritime career a cadetship is probably the best place to start, but a marine apprenticeship is another great way to get into the industry.
“My best advice would be to do lots of research in deciding who to do your apprenticeship or cadetship with, as you will gain different experience with different companies, and therefore, have different career opportunities in the future.” She said.
Nicola Appleby, Marine Information Officer said:
“I really like meeting new people and thoroughly enjoy working as part of a team. Having the ability to work under pressure, is important when working as a Marine Information Officer.
“A career within maritime is a great industry to work in. The industry has such a diverse range of roles, that there’s something out there to suit all skillsets.”
Samantha Hammond, Marine Operations Apprentice said:
“I have enjoyed all the placements around the Humber and meeting many people over the last 18 months. Some of the placements include berthing vessels in Immingham and Hull docks, surveying out on the river, embarking and disembarking pilots with the launch crew, engineering with the Marine Engineering Support Unit, Vessel Traffic Services, the Data Centre and many more.
“I am currently pursuing my VTSO training as some of my favourite aspects of the college courses are part of daily life as a VTSO, it is a challenge every day as no two days are the same.”
“I have really enjoyed putting the knowledge I acquired at college into practice on the Humber, and learning about how all the departments work together to make the river run as efficiently as possible.
“For anyone wishing to enter or change to a career to the maritime industry I would thoroughly recommend it. There are lots of women who work in marine based roles across the Humber and everyone is very welcoming.”
Rachael Hope, Humber Pilot 2nd Class said:
“I started with ABP in October 2018, initially as a trainee pilot for six months, I have been qualified now for just over five years. Prior to joining ABP I used to work on cross channel ferries between Dover and France.
“I was recommended to apply for the job by a friend who was already working at ABP as a Humber Pilot, he was aware I was looking for a more challenging position.
“During our “shifts” we are on call for our 10 days of rostered work. This itself can bring challenges as our working routine is never set, potentially sliding from a day shift to a night-shift and back again over the course of the 10 days. No two days are the same, each and every ship is different, and the variety of ports we go to keeps us on our toes – it is a really rewarding role.”
