PNG Ports Appoints First Female Marine Pilot, Breaking New Ground for Women in Maritime
PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) has recruited its first-ever female marine pilot. The historic appointment highlights the growing opportunities for women in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
The newly appointed pilot, Ruth Philip, is a graduate of PNG Ports’ Maritime Cadetship Program, which was launched in 2010. Her journey to this milestone role has been marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to her career. Over nearly a decade, Philip accumulated extensive sea time, completed rigorous training, and overcame significant personal and professional challenges to achieve her goal.
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| PNG Ports Appoints First Female Marine Pilot, Breaking New Ground for Women in Maritime [Photo supplied] |
Philip’s path was not without obstacles. As one of the few women in her field, she faced initial resistance and had to prove herself among male colleagues with far more experience at sea. “It wasn’t easy being a woman in this profession,” she recalled. “You have to earn acceptance before you can gain respect, and that takes time and resilience.” Despite these hurdles, Philip earned her Certificate of Competency and demonstrated her competence on board, ultimately winning the trust and admiration of her peers.
Balancing her demanding career with motherhood added another layer of complexity to her journey. Philip took time off to have two children—a son born in 2016 and a daughter in 2020—and returned to work when they were just weeks old. “Leaving my children behind while I was at sea was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she admitted. “But with the support of my partner and my mother, I kept pushing forward because I believed in my dream.”
Her professional credentials speak volumes about her dedication. Philip obtained her Mate 4 certification in 2013, fulfilled mandatory sea-time requirements in 2014, advanced to Class 3 at the PNG Maritime College in 2017, and secured her Mate 2 qualification in 2022. During her career, she worked with several prominent shipping companies, including P&O, Svitzer PNG Ltd, Steamships, Morobe Coastal Shipping, V Ships, and U Sky Ltd.
Neil Papenfus, CEO of PNG Ports, hailed Philip’s appointment as a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry. “Ruth’s success is not just a personal victory—it’s a win for all women aspiring to break into this field,” he said. “Her journey exemplifies our mission to align individual ambitions with business goals while contributing to the prosperity of our nation.”
Philip also expressed gratitude to the trailblazing women who came before her, paving the way for future generations. She credited supportive male colleagues for their guidance and acceptance throughout her career. “I wouldn’t be here today without the courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo,” she said.
Since its inception, the PNG Ports Maritime Cadetship Program has trained 23 cadets, six of whom now hold full-time positions with the corporation. Among the current cadets is Janice Semoso, another promising female deck cadet, underscoring the program’s continued focus on empowering women in maritime roles.
Philip’s appointment marks a significant step forward for gender representation in PNG’s maritime sector. As she takes on her new role, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring female seafarers across the country and the broader Pacific region, proving that determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest barriers.
This milestone reflects PNG Ports’ ongoing efforts to create equal opportunities for all, ensuring that talent and ambition remain the only prerequisites for success in the maritime industry.
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