30/03/2026
Meet our female ETO April.
How did you become a seafarer?
Before becoming a seafarer, I worked as a land-based Electrical Engineer in the Design and Construction Industry. While I enjoyed my job in that field, I felt a growing sense that I needed more—career growth, a bigger challenge, or perhaps a deeper sense of purpose.
Little did I know, I wouldn’t find that growth in the heights of the buildings I was working on. Instead, I discovered my true calling in the middle of the deep oceans.
My journey into the maritime world began when I joined the ETO Cadetship program sponsored by Knutsen Group. This was the turning point that completely shifted my career—from being a land-based Electrical Engineer to working at sea. What made this opportunity even more special was the fact that, as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, it was a rare and empowering chance to break new ground. With the support of the company and the incredible people I sailed with, I was able to work my way up from an ETO Cadet to a full-fledged Electro-Technical Officer.
▪️ Why did you choose the maritime path?
To be honest, when I first entered the maritime field, I didn’t have a clear reason for choosing it. At the time, I had absolutely no idea what working at sea was like. It was never part of my career plan. But when an opportunity as rare as this came along—especially for a woman like me—I decided to take a chance, not knowing where it would lead.
Just the other day, the Captain asked me, ‘Do you ever regret sailing?’ and I answered without hesitation—no.
Because looking back now, I realize that life at sea offers far more than I ever expected: adventure, stability, and professional growth. The chance to travel the world, experience new cultures, and visit incredible destinations—all while earning a living. On top of that, the maritime industry offers competitive compensation and benefits. It has allowed me to give back to my parents, something I couldn’t do before when I was just surviving paycheck to paycheck. Now, I’m able to provide for my family—not in excess, but comfortably and decently.
Another beautiful part of this journey wasn’t something I set out to find—it simply happened along the way, helping me build a life beyond work. Most importantly, it gives me a sense of accomplishment as I face the challenges of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems onboard.
▪️What do you love about the job?
What I love most about my job is the constant learning excitement that comes with it. The maritime industry is dynamic, and every day brings new challenges.
Another thing I truly appreciate about my job is the work-life balance. As a female seafarer, when I decided to start a family and needed time away from sailing, I felt supported every step of the way. I was initially worried that taking a break would mean I couldn’t return to sea, but I found the opposite to be true. The industry recognizes the importance of personal life, especially for female seafarers. That flexibility and understanding made all the difference and showed me that it’s possible to have both a fulfilling career and a life outside of work.
▪️The first moment you came onboard?
It was overwhelming at first—the size of the vessel, the endless and sometimes rough seas surrounding us, and most of all, the great responsibility ahead. I even remember looking up flights to go home because I was scared, unsure if I was truly ready for this. But I managed to overcome those fears. The company didn’t send me out empty-handed; I received proper training and support. All I had to do was build my confidence and trust in my abilities, knowledge, and skills as I continued to explore and develop them. It wasn’t easy, but with the right mindset, I was able to turn my weaknesses into strengths.
I also couldn’t have made it without the support of my colleagues. I feel incredibly lucky to have sailed with experienced and skilled seafarers who were always willing to teach me and never turned me away when I needed help. The atmosphere onboard is always encouraging and supportive, giving everyone the opportunity to grow.
▪️The feeling of being respected and valued onboard
As I mentioned earlier, I feel very fortunate to have sailed with highly skilled and professional seafarers. Being treated equally—not based on my gender, but on my abilities—made me feel more confident, capable, and motivated. The feeling of being included allowed me to grow and contribute fully to the team.
Respect onboard goes beyond gender—we treat each other with respect regardless of background, rank, or experience. Also, our relationships don’t end when we sign off. We build genuine friendships that continue even outside of work, which truly reflects the warm environment we had onboard.
The company also has clear anti-bullying and grievance procedures in place, ensuring that everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. This kind of environment not only helps you perform better but also makes you feel valued as a person, not just as a professional.
