The Tribune

In an industry dominated by men, Sandy Campbell, one of a handful of female merchant mariners in the world - and one of 15 in the Bahamas - has made it her mission to share the joys, challenges and triumphs of the profession with high school students and young adults.

“The interest expressed by the students during the presentations has been refreshing,” said Ms Campbell. “Their eagerness to learn provides reassurance that participation in the maritime trade will continue to grow strong.

“There has also been an overwhelming response from the female population in the groups I’ve addressed as more and more seek non-traditional alternatives to the once sought after and popular vocations.”

Speaking opportunities included a visit to Campbell’s alma mater, St.Augustine’s College, during career week, addressing two groups of 10th, 11th and 12th grade members of the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps.

She also gave a presentation under the theme, ‘Follow Your Dreams’, to BTC’s Divas & Dudes during a welcome reception. The presentations provided a forum for the participants to ask questions about entering the maritime industry.

Trained in ship handling, navigation, standing watch, cargo operations and deck management,and in ship brokering, chartering, supply chain management and logistics, Ms Campbell gave an overview of the industry’s realities.

She has navigated container ships, roll-on/roll- off (cargo and automobile) vessels and, most recently, the world’s largest LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers known as Q-Max ships. These new generation mega ships have a capacity of 266,000 cubic metres and are over 1,100 feet long.

Ms Campbell says that while there are rewarding elements, such as decent compensation, travel opportunities and long vacations, the profession is not for all, and with every opportunity comes great sacrifice.

“The opportunity for travel is immense, and the exposure to different cultures, food and people is incredible,” she said. “I’ve travelled all over the world, with most of my time spent in Europe and Asia – mainly France, Wales, Greece, Singapore, China and the Philippines.

“In the same vein, being aboard the ship for months on end, and often in my case being the only female on board, can prove taxing on my family and personal relationships. There are times when I get home sick.”

Licensed as a third officer of motor vessels, Ms Campbell holds a Master of Science degree in International Transportation Management from State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, and a Bachelors of Business Administration from the College of the Bahamas. She is a past president of the Society of Bahamian Merchant Mariners.

“My ultimate goal is to aid in the progression of the maritime sector in the Bahamas, and with so few women in the industry, my personal motivation to excel and eventually practice maritime and admiralty law has been even greater,” Ms Campbell said.