― Specialized training and internship propel her to the brink of a rewarding career
At 30 years old, Cadet Safina Lutchman has made significant strides towards a rewarding career in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. With a solid background in aviation and a passion for the sea, she plans
to use specialized training by MatPal Marine and prized internships at Seacor Marine and G-Boats to leave her mark in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Safina’s journey began in the classrooms of Brickdam Secondary School. “After
completion of my secondary education, I pursued a career in aviation at the Guyana Civil
Aviation Authority where I worked for eight years,” she shared. Her roles there included
Aeronautical Information Service Officer, Air Traffic Control Assistant, and Air Traffic Controller.
However, her aspirations did not stop in the skies; they extended to the high seas. The
discovery of oil and gas in Guyana and the subsequent growth of the sector sparked her interest in maritime pursuits. “…I wanted to contribute in a significant way,” Safina explained.
Her experience providing shoreside support for crews on drillships fueled her desire to dive deeper into the industry.
Lutchman first heard about Matpal Marine Institute through her work at JSL International. “They were actively training seafarers through the institute. I didn’t know that the cadet program was offered until I applied to do my STCW [Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping] through the institute and was told about the program.”
Intrigued, she completed the aptitude testing and enrolled. It was a pivotal decision that put her on the launching pad for an enterprising career move. “My experience at MatPal has been life-changing. I’ve been able to challenge myself in ways that I never would have expected,” she remarked.
Safina has embraced leadership roles and expanded her knowledge base. Among her key achievements are being one of the first Guyanese recipients of a Maritime Scholarship from the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, empowering students through the Girls in Maritime Initiative, and excelling in her training cohort.
“It was an incredible honor to be selected. The scholarship is awarded to students who perform well academically and contribute to their community, so to be one of the three persons selected and being the only female, it was a major accomplishment and testament to the hard work we did,” she commented.
Her training course required Safina to spend 18 months at sea, which she received from Seacor Marine and G-Boats. Her internship G-Boats is in progress. “I did deck maintenance, assisting with passage planning and navigation, participating in safety drills, inspection of life-saving equipment, and even mooring/unmooring the vessel,” she explained.
However, she has had to deal with issues related to her gender. “Being in a male-dominated industry will always pose its challenges,” Safina noted. She has faced these obstacles head-on, preparing herself mentally for each one. Her determination paid off during a fire drill at sea. “I was told to don the fireman gears, and I said yes. It was a little heavy, but I was up to the challenge.” Her performance earned her the respect of her peers, marking a proud moment in her career.
Safina’s background in air traffic control and her time at JSL International has equipped her with valuable skills. “My career in air traffic control helped me with discipline, efficiency, and time management. My time at JSL improved my communication skills,” she explained. These skills have made her transition to the maritime industry seamless, and aided her success.
For young women considering a career in the maritime industry, Lutchman advises, “Remain humble at every step of the way. It is not an easy road; it requires dedication, determination, and perseverance.” With these qualities, she believes women can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Looking ahead, Safina has ambitious goals. “My goal is attaining my master’s/captain’s license and then transitioning into an administrative position where I can make policies and improve the maritime industry,” she revealed. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree while working as an officer, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and learning.
Safina’s journey is a testament to her resilience and ambition. From the skies of air traffic control to the depths of the maritime industry, she has shown that determination and perseverance can break barriers and open new frontiers to explore. As she continues to navigate her path, Lutchman inspires young women in Guyana and beyond, proving that no dream is too big and no industry too challenging.
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