“The sea appreciates professionals, and it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. The whole team is focused on doing a good job and getting a high-quality overall result.”
The world has long ceased to be surprised that girls famously master traditionally “male” professions. Christina, for example, works as a third mate. And it is possible that in the future she herself will become a captain.
Why did you choose this particular profession?
I think it was the call of the soul. When I was still at school, in the eighth grade, ambassadors from ONMA came to us and I asked if girls were taken to any other faculties, besides law and management. I was told that they take all specialties, and that’s when I thought … And then I decided: that’s it, I’m going to the Academy!
You are constantly in the men’s team – study, work … Or are there also a lot of girls in the fleet now?
In my course, besides me, there were three more girls, but I was alone in the class. And at work, in the first contract, there was a female third assistant in the crew, a Georgian. I was very lucky with her, we became friends and still communicate. I was very afraid of the first flight precisely because it was unusual to be alone in an isolated male team. But it turned out that I was not alone, we got on board together, and she, one might say, led me through the most difficult initial stage.
And how exactly is it physically difficult for a girl in the sea?
It is clear that this is a job, not a Mediterranean cruise. The work is hard, whether you are a man or a woman. There may be port delays. It may happen that after your watch the maneuvers will just begin. But at the same time, it is important to remember that every senior officer is determined to ensure that the work is done efficiently, and since I was the only girl, I was not assigned to carry heavy loads. There is enough work on the ship that a woman is quite capable of doing.
The sea values professionals, and it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. The whole team is focused on doing a good job and getting a high-quality overall result. And the tasks are distributed so that everything is done on time and correctly.
What attracts you to working at Columbia Shipmanagement?
I really like the policy of the company. There is a very serious level of recruitment, high standards. All contracts I felt safe, and this is very important. You know that you will not be offended on board, and in the office they think about you. In general, the whole system is built in such a way that it is comfortable for the sailors themselves. Columbia Shipmanagement makes sure that people who are already working want to stay here.
What advice would you give to girls who plan to work at sea?
Never give up. Do not worry about the fact that others may not understand your choice, not accept it, think something out. All this doesn’t matter. Do what you want and feel right to do. And be prepared for the fact that this is work. She is beautiful, but also very heavy. But if you love this job, then it will be worth it to cope with any difficulties.
