Supporting the diversity drive

P&O Cruises Australia ship plays host to first woman-only mentoring programme.

Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia are supporting industry moves to improve the gender balance in shipping and six of their female third officers have taken part in a special mentoring exercise onboard the UK-flagged passengership Pacific Explorer.

The six officers – who come from varied backgrounds, with experience on bulk carriers, cargo ships and in the offshore oil sector – were the first woman-only group to take part in the companies’ deck mentoring training programme.

They spent a month onboard the 77,441gt vessel learning about their company, undergoing training and being mentored by senior officers – including hotel director Melissa Yates. After completing some additional training, the six officers will receive their first assignments on either a P&O Australia or Princess ship.

During their time onboard Pacific Explorer, they took part in a Women in Maritime event organised by the SE Australia branch of the Nautical Institute. In the panel discussion, Melissa noted that in her career in cruising she had always found warmth and acceptance. But she was aware that this was not always the same for other women involved in different areas of shipping.

‘There are many women working on cruiseships and, during my years at sea, I have always been and felt accepted as part of the team,’ she said. ‘But it is distressing to hear from women who have had different experiences in other areas of shipping and having spoken to them I know how lucky I have been.’

There are many women working on cruiseships and, during my years at sea, I have always been and felt accepted as part of the team.