In the eleventh episode of our column Women Power, we interviewed Selegha Ifitibou, Second Officer for AHTS Vessels, I wanted to become a medical doctor right but I became a seafarer.
1. What was the main motivation behind your choice to pursue a career in tug vessels?
My motivation behind my choice to pursue a career at sea was my dad. My dad was a seafarer before he died. I grew up in a small town close to the sea where I get to see vessels sailing across my region and I really admired to work onboard someday. So seeing my dad working onboard with so much passion and dedication to his job made me fell in love to build a career at sea.
2. Can you share a significant moment or experience that made you realize this was the right job for you?
Am this kind of individual that is open to learning for self development and improvement no matter where I find myself. One significant moment I realised was when I was called to steer the vessel for few hours during my cadetship days, at first it was so challenging and confusing but been able to follow the right procedures and instructions from my officers enabled me to do it effectively. So since then my passion, dedication and determination to see myself at the top in this field has been a major aspect in my career journey.
3. Being a ship officer is often associated with a male-dominated environment. How have you faced and overcome gender-related challenges in your career?
For me I believe that even if it is a male dominated field, as a female one can still succeed and thrive in the maritime industry. Am so encouraged and same time happy because lots of females are already making waves in the industry. Some of the challenges have faced and overcome is been confident in my abilities to carry out my duties and responsibilities efficiently. I believe that embracing diversity and inclusion in this field can help create an environment where individual contributions are valued regardless the gender. Working with different nationalities in a diverse team enhances one ability to continuous learning and in turn give room for growth and development.
4. What is the specific role you play on board the ship and what are the challenges and satisfactions it brings?
I'm currently working onboard AHTS vessel as a second mate and my duties are ensuring safe navigation of the ship, watchkeeping, record keeping of logbooks, communication, cargo handling, checks and maintenance of LSA and FFA equipments.
I also work alongside Chief mate, Master and crew members in ensuring security procedures are followed, safety of the ship, crew and the marine environment. The challenges are long periods spent away from home due to extension of crew change. Emergency situations onboard like machinery breakdown and equipment failure and also to adapt when there is change in watch schedules.
The satisfaction my job brings despite the challenges is been able to continuously learn, grow and develop myself to be competent in my duties and responsibilities.
The ability to adapt to various conditions onboard and to provide solutions to problems encountered when working with people from different backgrounds as a team to achieve the company goals.
5. When you were a child, did you have a secret dream?
When I was a child, I was dreaming of becoming a lot of things, like to be hard working and independent because I don't like being a liability right from time. To become a woman that will stand out in the society and impact my generation. Funny enough I really wanted to become a medical doctor right 😆 but I became a seafarer and I believe God has a better plan for me.
6. How do you manage work-life balance when you spend long periods away from home?
Managing work-life balance as a seafarer can be so challenging but with the right strategy and support, it's possible to find a healthy balance between work and personal life. Some of the tips that helps me maintain a healthy balance work life are:
• I try as much as possible to stay connected to family and friends via regular phone calls, messenging and video chats despite the distance.
• I maintain a routine where I ensure to take care of myself physically and mentally by eating well, engaging in exercises and leisure activities that help me relax and feel more balanced.
7. Finally, what advice woulf you give to those considering a career as a ship officer,especially women who may feel uncertain about this Career path?
My advice to women out there considering building a career at sea is: whatever they set their mind to do, they will certainly achieved it coupled with their passion, dedication and determination to see themselves at the peak of their career. The challenges that comes with the job can be overwhelming at times but they should never give up or quit, rather they should have the spirit of resilience to overcome and they will be glad they did. "When you put God first, everything will fall into place"
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