After dedicating 16 years to the care sector, Siobhan Douglas made the transition to the maritime industry by joining the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) last year.
Fresh from her first trip with North Star, she is now advocating for more women to explore opportunities at sea.
32-year-old Siobhan from Peterhead decided to change careers after speaking to a friend in the Merchant Navy and enrolled on the 12-week Trainee Deckhand course designed for new entrants to the maritime industry. On completion of her course, Siobhan secured a role with leading infrastructure company, North Star, and set off on her first voyage in January.
She said: “It was exciting to see what I learned at SMA brought to life. The highlight was definitely the crew. Their amazing patience and encouragement were invaluable to my learning. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, I had a great experience on my first trip.”
In the 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report, it was estimated that the number of women seafarers has increased by 45.8% since 2015. Despite this, women represent less than 1.3% of the global merchant fleet of 1.89 million.
Siobhan felt fully supported by the crew on board Grampian Deliverance during her trips and did not feel that her gender impacted her experience. However, she believes more could be done to promote maritime careers to young women and showcase the diverse roles available both on shore and offshore.
She said: “Although I moved from a traditionally female-dominated sector to a male one, I have encountered no barriers. A willingness to learn, get stuck in and work as a team can overcome any challenge.
“I think there would be more women in the industry if there were better signposting of opportunities and more celebration of the maritime workforce. Had I known about this role earlier, I would have made the move sooner or even started my career right out of school.”
After her trip, Siobhan received a long-awaited diagnosis for ADHD and hopes medications and support will make her even more successful in her new career.
“My diagnosis has been liberating, and I feel I have my full identity now. I believe this will make me more efficient and will especially help when I undertake Navigational Watchkeeping duties,” she said.
SMA, part of North East Scotland College (NESCol), provides training across the Merchant Navy and fishing sector.
Chris Bell, centre manager, SMA, said: “We are delighted to see Siobhan flourish in her new career and hear how much she enjoyed her initial trip with North Star. Her positive experience highlights the importance of an inclusive and supportive work environment.
“A small number of women join us throughout the year, primarily on the Trainee Deckhand course. It would be fantastic to see more women consider a maritime career and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities available in the sector.
“We are a close-knit community at SMA, where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our range of courses will help you get started in the maritime industry and give you the skills and knowledge to succeed.”
Kevin Smith, crew HR team lead, North Star, said: “North Star have been offering several places a year to the Trainee Deckhands graduating from SMA. This course has been an invaluable source of new employees as part of our ongoing recruitment campaign.
“It is always great to hear the positive feedback we get from these candidates as they progress up to full Deckhand, with some progressing further up the ranks to Coxswain and Daughter Craft Coxswain.
“North Star are committed to bringing new people from different demographics into the industry, and I think Siobhan’s story highlights this perfectly.
“I wish Siobhan every success in her career with North Star and I am sure she will have a bright future with us.”
Siobhan added: “Anyone from any background or any age, who is neurodivergent or has additional support needs, can become a seafarer. You just need the right attitude, the correct support in place, and a sense of learning and adventure.”