Sanette Robinson became the first female marine pilot to receive an open licence at the Port of Cape Town. Robinson began her career in 1995 in the South African Navy, serving as a combat officer.
Ms. Robinson is trained and certified to guide anything from the very smallest vessels to tankers, as well as container ships into port. Following her serving as a combat officer, she became the main warfare officer onboard the frigates before ending her 12-year tenure in order to join the commercial industry.
She has also qualified as a tug master in Port Elizabeth, and then went to serve the tugs until she was chosen for pilot training in 2009.
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Moreover, Sanette Robinson has qualified in September 2010 and applied to obtain a post at the Port of Cape Town, where she has been successfully piloting ever since. Her open/unrestricted licence was granted in September 2015.
Commenting on this milestone, she stated that fore her piloting is a dream come true.
I love every aspect of the job and the challenges it presents but I’m very encouraged by the support from TNPA
What is more, South Africa’s first and only female officer capable of navigating a submarine, Lieutenant Gillian Malouw, has noted that she was determined to further advance her skill to inspire others.
In addition, Cape Town port manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, congratulated the female colleagues for changing the face of the shipping industry and for playing a vital role to the overall economic development of South Africa.
