Deck Watch Rating Sainimere Qutonilaba is grateful that her employer gives equal opportunity to women although it is a man dominated field.

Miss Qutonilaba, 26, is breaking boundaries following her assisting Captain Inoke Ratotodro to bring in Lomaiviti Princess VII (7) from Japan over 13 days, last week.

Lomaiviti Princess VII is the latest addition to the Goundar Shipping Limited fleet of vessels.

With her achievement she wishes her mother and grandmother were still alive to see what she has achieved in life.

“I started at Fiji Maritime Academy in 2011 and when the opportunity came to join Goundar Shipping Limited as a cadet I applied. I really enjoy working here because they give equal opportunity to everyone,” Miss Qutonilaba said.

“I am honoured to have been given as opportunity by GSL especially in a man dominated field,” she said.

“This opportunity gives us a chance to be what we want to be.”

The former Rishikul Sanatan College is from Savudrodro village in Savusavu, Cakaudrove and has maternal links to Drekeniwai village in Navatu, Cakaudrove.

“My mother passed away when I was 13 years old. I wish my mum was here to see how far I have come. “When my mother passed away it was my grandmother who looked after me but unfortunately, she also passed away. These two special women in my life believed in me and how I wish they were here to see what I have become.

“When growing up I always wanted to work on a ship. While in high school whenever there is a Careers Expo I would always go to the National University (FNU) a booth to get as much information as I can get. When I informed my father that I wanted to take up this field he was surprised but he encouraged me to do it because he knew that I could do it. I am the only one in my family who is in this field.

“I have completed my course and just left to do a short course before I get my permit to become a qualified sea captain.

“I am grateful to Mr Goundar for giving women like me a chance to prove ourselves in a man dominated field. In some companies when we go there, they hesitate because we are women.

“It is always hard to try and apply for jobs in this field. I am not the only woman working for GSL.

“Parents should give their daughters a chance with what they want to come. They (parents) must never stop them because women can also do what men can do.

“We must never stop our daughters from fulfilling their calling.”

“Women should not be scared because they can succeed in this field. Some women have done better before me; any woman can as long as you are determined.

Miss Qutonilaba’s Career at GSL include:

-Dry Docking Lomaiviti Princess I (1) in PNG as a cadet

– Took Lomaiviti Princess II (2) to Tuvalu and back to Fiji when they chartered the vessel

-Brought the Lomaiviti Princess V (5) from Canada to Fiji

– Brought the Lomaiviti Princess III (3) from New Zealand to Fiji

– Brought the Lomaiviti Princess VII (7) from Japan to Fiji.