Women at Sea: Is a Maritime Career Safe for Women?

By Captain Mike · 50 years at sea · former MITAGS faculty
Legal protections checked against 46 U.S.C. 10104 and 7704a, 33 CFR Part 96, Coast Guard reporting guidance, and the MARAD EMBARC standards · October 2026

The short answer

Yes. Women build long, rewarding careers at sea, and many reach the top jobs: master, chief engineer, and pilot. The industry is still mostly men, but that is changing.

The honest part: the U.S. maritime industry has had a real problem with sexual harassment and sexual assault, and it was not taken seriously enough for a long time. Congress and federal agencies have since added stronger protections. They help, but how well they work still depends on the company and the ship. Choosing your employer carefully matters.

What I've seen in 50 years

When I first went to sea, there were no women aboard. That began to change in the 1970s, and I sailed with women serving as mates in both the deck and engine departments.

I met my wife at sea. I was a third mate. She had a degree in wildlife management, and when that work didn't pan out, a friend who sailed with Exxon suggested she apply. In 1974 she became the third woman to join the Exxon fleet. She sailed for a couple of years, and we have now been married for 50 years.

Today I mentor a woman who sailed as captain for many years and is now a harbor pilot. Her career is proof of how far a woman can go in this industry.

The problem is real, and it is being addressed

Reports of harassment and assault, including cases involving Merchant Marine Academy cadets during their required training at sea, led to major changes in federal law and policy. The most important ones for a working mariner:

The law is in place, but the Coast Guard has not issued detailed regulations for every part of it. Rules and guidance are still developing, so check the official sources below for the latest.

It starts with the captain

During my years in command I dealt with a number of sexual harassment complaints. Often the person involved didn't realize how their behavior was coming across. Most cases were resolved aboard, with help from human resources ashore. In one case, a crew member was moved to another ship.

People are people, at sea or ashore. Relationships happen aboard ship, and jealousy among crew members can become a real problem for everyone.

What's different today

Resolving a complaint aboard is still good leadership, but it is no longer the whole job. Under 46 U.S.C. 10104, the owner, master, operator, or employer must report any complaint or incident of sexual harassment or sexual assault that violates company policy or law to the Coast Guard, immediately. The law makes no exception for minor cases or for complaints settled aboard. Within 10 days, the company must also send the Coast Guard a follow-up report describing what it did.

For masters and officers, that means: deal with the problem aboard, follow your company's procedure, and make sure the report is made.

Before you sign on: questions to ask

• What is your sexual assault and harassment policy, and can I see it? A good company will hand it to you without hesitation.
• Does the company follow the EMBARC standards? Most important for cadets, but a good sign for anyone.
• How do I report a problem, and to whom? Ask about options that don't go through your direct supervisor.
• Who is the Designated Person Ashore, and how do I reach them? Get the name and phone number before you join the ship (see below).
• How many women sail in your fleet, and in what jobs? Women in officer positions usually mean a healthier culture.
• Will I have a private cabin? Arrangements vary by vessel type.

Talk to women who have sailed with that company or union. Their experience will tell you more than any recruiter.

If something goes wrong

Start with the chain of command

Aboard ship, report a problem to your supervisor or department head first. That is how a ship is meant to work, and most problems are best solved there.

But what if the problem is the master or the chief engineer? Then go around them, straight to the company ashore.

The Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

Ships that operate under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code must have a Designated Person Ashore. This is someone at the company office with direct access to its top management. Any crew member can contact the DPA, and the number is normally posted aboard. In U.S. regulations, this role is called the "designated person" (33 CFR 96.120).

The ISM Code mainly covers larger ships on foreign voyages: tankers, cargo ships, and similar vessels of 500 gross tons or more, plus passenger ships. Many smaller and domestic vessels, such as tugs, barges, and Great Lakes ships, are not required to have a DPA. On those, check your company's policy for the right shoreside contact, such as human resources or an ethics hotline.

Reporting to the Coast Guard

You can also report directly to the Coast Guard yourself. You don't have to go through the company, and you can report anonymously:

If you can, write down what happened, when, and where (including the ship's position) as soon as possible, and keep a copy off the ship's systems. If you belong to a union, your union representative can also help.

Find support and mentors

• Women Offshore is a nonprofit that supports women mariners and runs a mentorship program that pairs newer mariners with experienced ones.
• Maritime unions have representatives who can help with workplace problems. See our guide to maritime unions.
• Experienced women mariners are often glad to help. Ask your academy, training school, or union to connect you.

What about recreational sailing?

On a sailboat or a charter, the risks are the same for everyone: weather, cold water, going overboard, and poor seamanship. Good training, a life jacket, and sound judgment matter far more than who you are. Many sailing schools and clubs offer women-only courses for those who prefer to learn that way. If you're thinking of turning your boating into a credential, see From Recreational Boater to Captain.