Supporting women in the maritime industry

One of the United States Maritime Administration’s top priorities is to recruit, empower and support women in the maritime industry.

For that reason, there have been established two different diversity committees at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) to increase the number of female midshipmen and faculty members. Also the Department of Transportation (DOT) has created the Women and Girls Program, which encourages women to pursue transportation careers.

MARAD recognizes that women are an untapped resource in an industry that needs new professionals. And that’s why, earlier this month, MARAD hosted the annual Women on the Water (WOW) conference in Throggs Neck, NY.

This three-day event offered a chance for young women to learn about exciting maritime careers and current issues affecting the maritime industry. Female cadets from federal and state maritime academies and colleges throughout the nation met professional women already working in the industry. By networking and hearing first-hand what it’s like for women working in this field, participants are one step ahead as they enter the working world.

Through the WOW conference, Women in Transportation Careers, and other DOT outreach programs, the Department has made significant strides in attracting more women to careers in transportation.

Source & Image Credit: US Department of Transportation

Read more information about initiatives taken in maritime industry to support women at the following articles:

UN maritime body lauds ‘Women at the Helm’ of the shipping industry

Winning a better deal for women in the maritime industry

Resolution to help women in maritime sector filed