[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I, Pooja Gosavi, am proud to call myself a seafarer today. Working as Third engineer with Synergy’s gas tanker fleet, I am using this article to motivate all women and let them know they have immense potential to capture a respectable position in the maritime field. I belong to a middle-class family from Nashik. Right from childhood I have been one to take challenges head on. Described as adventurous with an innate passion towards sea & sailing I was immediately drawn to the maritime industry. I graduated in Marine engineering from P.V.P.P.C.O.E, Mumbai, part of the 2009 batch. The first time I stepped on-board ship almost every officer and crew member asked me the same question- What am I doing here and why did I choose Merchant Navy as my career. It was very discouraging and disconcerting. Some of my peers even advised me to quit my career and look for jobs ashore. They would often highlight the negative aspects of shipping as a career and tried to make me feel like I am too weak and incompetent to do a ‘man’s job’. But I strongly believe that the universe favours the brave. Willpower is the essential virtue of a fully actualised life.
I waged wars against the weaker thoughts that crept into my mind, strengthened myself ceaselessly and worked meticulously to prove myself and win their trust. It did not take too long till my seniors started to rely upon me and gave me equal importance and respect. Today women have shown their worth in all walks of life. The entry of women into the maritime industry is a small number but a steadily growing one. Some people also have an opinion that women cannot do jobs involving strength and heavy mechanical work. Thanks to the advancement of technology the demand for physical power has been turned into a growing demand for brainpower. The only setback a woman faces in the maritime industry is the strenuous days spent away from family. At home I play the role of a mother to a beautiful 2-year-old son, a wife, an only daughter to my parents and a good daughter in law. I balance my professional and personal life extremely well with the extended support from my family of course.One must admit that the life of a seafarer is not bed of roses. Women seafarers face many difficulties and hardships. But, trust yourself and have the courage to face your fears. I wish every woman seafarer would excel and integrate themselves into the workforce and bring wellness and success to the shipping industry. I want to thank all my senior officers and the management team at Synergy for their guidance and extended support. I also thank my critics who have motivated me to perform harder just to prove the them wrong. Lastly, I thank Synergy Editorial for giving me an opportunity to share my experience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”23480″ img_size=”large” onclick=”zoom”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”23481″ img_size=”large” alignment=”right” onclick=”zoom”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
