In honor of International Day for Women in Maritime, MISC presents “Chart her course,” an immersive exhibition celebrating female seafarers. This interactive experience showcases the journeys of three Malaysian women in maritime roles, aiming to challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations. The exhibition runs May 16-18 at Muzium Telekom, Kuala Lumpur.
Female seafarers are a small minority in the maritime workforce, but there has been a 45% increase in women pursuing careers at sea in the past decade. Challenges include workplace culture, career advancement, and support systems. Sailors’ Society offers specific support through a female helpline and Peer-to-Peer Support Group to address these issues.
On March 7, 2025, the ITF launched the “Women at Sea” website to empower women in the maritime industry. The initiative aims to create a global network for female seafarers while promoting ITF-affiliated trade unions. During discussions, experts emphasized inclusivity and the necessity of addressing gender-related challenges in maritime roles.
Sailors’ Society has launched a helpline for female seafarers, offering emotional support and crisis assistance. With women making up only 2% of the maritime workforce, this initiative aims to provide a safe space for female cadets and seafarers to seek help. Supported by Skuld, the helpline is a step towards gender equality in the industry.
The UK Department for Transport’s official statistics for seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry in 2024 revealed a total of 23,700 active UK seafarers, with a slight decrease from the previous year. The majority were male, with higher female representation among Uncertificated Officers and Ratings. The data also showed variations in nationality, gender, age, and certification.
