Lack of support for female seafarers puts talent pipeline at risk

(Posted on 11/03/26)

Mental health experts are warning that if the industry does not remove barriers for women at sea, it risks losing the next generation of talent and leaders altogether.

Women at sea often face hidden pressures, working twice as hard to prove their competence while dealing with balancing family and work life as well as breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

Add to this the pressure of feeling responsible for representing all women onboard, many female seafarers constantly manage how they are perceived to avoid being undermined or overlooked, while managing heavy workloads and workplace bias.

These pressures can weigh heavily on wellbeing and confidence and make career progression feel more like a challenge than an aspiration.

To tackle this, Mental Health Support Solutions, a member of the OneCare Group, is continuing to support women throughout their maritime careers through its Female Ambassador Programme. Since its launch in 2024, the programme has trained over 50 mentors, equipped more than 80 office colleagues, and actively checks in with over 100 female seafarers globally.

“Supporting women at sea must be an ongoing effort,” said Mariana Charalambous, Managing Director at MHSS. “We will continue to develop the Programme so that more women have access to mentorship.”

“What’s been especially meaningful is seeing the long-term continuity. Some of those cadets are now officers and engineers, and many remain in frequent contact with their mentors,” said G?ven Kale, Chief Clinical Officer at MHSS.

Through the organisation’s helpline, Stella Kiss, Head of Clinical Operations at MHSS, says the emotional load carried by female seafarers is often heavier than it appears.

“Many women carry the same concerns as their male colleagues - responsibility for family, financial pressure, expectations from home - but often without the same sense of belonging and support onboard. This eventually becomes a layering of burdens rather than a single challenge.”

These challenges highlight the need for support that is specific and practical, helping women maintain their wellbeing and continue their careers at sea.

“The theme for this Women’s Day calls us to give support that’s specific, so women can continue their careers with wellbeing intact,” added Karen Ibanez, Clinical Operations Manager at MHSS.