Women at Sea: Listening, Supporting, and Breaking Stereotypes

Women remain a minority in the maritime industry, but the Mission’s female chaplains are using their unique skills to ensure there is equity in care, empathy, and support. 

Beyond the Stereotypes 

Life at sea is challenging, especially for women, who often face outdated stereotypes or worse. Ruth Campbell, our chaplain for the Thames Ports, urges a nuanced approach.  

‘We can’t treat every female seafarer as a victim,’ she says. ‘Some crews are like big brothers. It’s about asking the right questions, not making assumptions.’ That’s not to say harassment doesn’t exist, but that can’t be the starting point of conversations.

Trust and Friendship 

The more common burden born by female seafarers is what Ruth calls ‘mum guilt.’ It’s an issue that Katerina Powell, chaplain in Southampton, has also noticed. She says, ‘Many of the women at sea are single. They’re leaving their children with extended family. The sacrifice they’re making is massive.’ 

For women who have missed the camaraderie of female friendship onboard, the presence of a female chaplain can be a powerful source of reassurance.  

‘When they see a woman, they’re wide open,’ says Linda Watts, newly appointed port chaplain in Costa Rica. ‘They tell you what’s going on at home. It’s a different kind of trust. Onboard, their supervisors are watching. But in a Seafarers’ Centre—they feel safe, relaxed, and free to speak.’ 

Changing Attitudes 

“My husband, who is retired, volunteers with me. Sometimes when we board a ship, they talk to him thinking he’s the chaplain,’ explains Revda Dilce Paiva de Oliveira, our chaplain in the port of Açu in Brazil.  

‘Once they understand I’m the chaplain, they’re always respectful and welcoming. Many of the seafarers are from the Philippines, and they often treat me maternally, even calling me ‘mom’ sometimes.’ 

A Growing Impact 

Women make up only 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce, though on cruise ships the figure is closer to one-third. As the Mission expands its reach in this space, the impact of female chaplains continues to grow. 

Whether offering toiletries, a safe space, advocacy, or simply listening, our female chaplains are making a quiet but profound difference.