― Specialized training and internship propel her to the brink of a rewarding career
Rebecca Samuels’ sister may well be responsible for her career shift from the field of accounting to an exciting one in the maritime industry.
“I’d always been fascinated by the nautical world since I was younger, visiting my aunt on her yacht or taking the ferry to school,” Rebecca recalled. At the time, she had no idea there were any marine schools in Guyana. However, that changed when her sister drew her attention to a Facebook post about a Cadet training program with MatPal Marine and encouraged Rebecca to apply.
Today, at the age of 27, Rebecca is a navigational officer, serving as a Second Mate on an ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) Tugboat attached to Dutch towage services provider KOTUG Guyana Inc. KOTUG supports ExxonMobil Guyana’s offshore operations.
Her role covers several critical tasks, including overseeing towing and mooring export tankers, handling hoses, overseeing personnel transfers, and performing navigational duties. “I’m responsible for static and dynamic towing, station-keeping during tanker operations, and maintenance of life-saving appliances and firefighting equipment,” she explained.
Rebecca’s responsibilities also include updating the routes being navigated, necessary documentations and creation of passage plans for sailing. She enjoys the exciting unpredictability of her job. “No two days are the same. I appreciate that everything is dynamic and different, from the wind and the waves to my daily work schedule. It is both challenging and fulfilling,” she shared.
Rebecca typically spends six weeks at sea, followed by four to six weeks off. Her day begins at 6 a.m. sharp and varies depending on the schedule. If tanker operations are on the agenda, she engages in dynamic or static towing, hose handling, or mooring master transfer using the FROG or MOB (Man Overboard) duties. On days without tanker operations, she is involved in daily maintenance tasks or upkeeping lifesaving and firefighting equipment. She works 12-hour shifts, divided into two six-hour periods. The need for long continuous hours of concentration while manually maneuvering the vessel during tanker operations is a challenge that can last for 24 to 36 hours. “It can be a bit monotonous and requires your utmost focus and skills,” she noted.
To reach this point, Rebecca underwent extensive training and earned multiple certifications. She started as
a cadet with MatPal Marine, receiving classroom training in navigation, marine communication, and stability. She completed a cadetship on a cargo vessel in the Caribbean, then interned with G-Boats on the MV Guyana Hero, where she honed her skills in manual vessel operations and Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. Her journey also took her to Brazil, where she obtained a DP Basic license, and she later completed underwater helicopter training with ODITC/3t Enermech.
Rebecca overcame many challenges in her career. The COVID-19 pandemic forced her to adapt to online learning, which she found difficult for such a hands-on field. “There wasn’t much I could do other than bear it and try to visualize and re-read manuals until we could resume in-person sessions,” she said.
Navigating a male-dominated industry also posed unique challenges. As a leader on board, she often works with crew members with more experience. “I try to listen to their suggestions and work as a team,” she noted. At the moment, she is typically the only female aboard the vessel.
Being away from home for weeks without a break is another challenge. “It can be a bit isolating, being away from home and all that is familiar,” she said, adding that having a good support system has greatly helped her.
The scarcity of female role models in the maritime sector also weighs on her, so hearing another woman’s voice on the radio always excites her. She urged women to pursue maritime careers and offered some words of encouragement. “Be strong; there will be men/people who underestimate you and your ability to do this job but you can do anything you set your mind to, and you’ve got this. I believe in you,” she said. Rebecca said she dreams of working with a full bridge crew of women one day.
Rebecca feels a mix of honor and fulfillment as a Guyanese female navigational officer. “It’s an incredible honor and testament to all the hard work I’ve put into my profession,” she said. Achieving this goal, she believes, requires continuous studying, staying up-to-date on the latest policies, and building camaraderie with fellow Guyanese
seafarers. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health. “I regard this as extremely important; to be in this line of work,” she explained.
Rebecca said she is fascinated with maritime technology. “The technology for sure stands out to me…It is uniquely built for this field, from the radar and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display Information System) to the DP System and GMDSS. Safety is also a huge priority,” she noted. Weekly drills and safety meetings ensure that everyone is well-prepared for emergencies.
Looking ahead, Rebecca is determined to continue her studies and acquire a British license, opening more opportunities in the offshore sector. Ultimately, she aims to become a DPO on a drill ship and eventually captain a research vessel. Her advice to young women in Guyana is clear: “Perseverance is key. Stay humble, resilient, and continuously adapt to new challenges. Be courageous and persistent. Take risks and persist in the face of obstacles. You belong in these spaces as much as anyone else.”
