Captain Hettie Geenen has been sailing the waters for years as a woman sailor breaking barriers in the male-dominated industry. She has inspired women across the world and has opened doors for them to join the sector.
Captain Geenen is with Greenpeace since 1999. She has been sailing on the Rainbow Warrior since 2011 and became its Captain in 2016.
Maritime Fairtrade interviewed Captain Geenen on her extensive experience in the maritime industry and how her success has inspired other women to follow suit.

Captain Hettie Geenen. Photo credit: Greenpeace/Grumpy Turtle Film/Harriet Spark
What inspired you to work in the maritime sector?
I have been sailing since I was young and the combination of working for an environmental organization and sailing at sea is for me the ideal world. I believe I have the best job in the world!
What were some of the challenges you faced as a woman entering a predominantly male-dominated field? How did you overcome any barriers or stereotypes related to gender in your career?
I have always worked in a predominantly male environment. You still have to prove yourself more. But on the other hand, you also get more support from the ones who like to sail with women. I heard male colleagues say that they prefer to not only sail with men, as with a mixed crew, it is a less competitive atmosphere.
I know for others, it is still a challenge to sail with women or get orders from women. I do respect that and I think that is helping. We all have to get used to the change. The change will happen anyway. More and more women will be joining the industry.
It is very common for a male pilot to embark the ship and introduce himself to the man on the bridge. I always smile and correct the pilot, if the crew member is not already doing it. After most pilots apologize and say it is the first time they see a female captain, we can have interesting discussions.
I actually hardly feel badly treated. I sometimes feel tired if a mooring man does not listen to me. But I can easily ask a male colleague to repeat my request to them to solve the issue. I think it is important to not get frustrated all the time and realize for them it is also a new world.
Can you describe a particularly challenging experience you have had while at sea?
I do not recall anything specifically challenging. Of course, there are challenges and moments, and you feel (it in) your stomach, I think in every job there is. But for me the easy part is you are not by yourself. I have many colleagues or my Designated Person Ashore (DPA), and I can double check when I am in doubt. Luckily, I never feel embarrassed to ask, maybe this is easier as a woman.
(Editor’s note: A DPA is a shore-based professional who acts as a crucial link between the vessel and shore-based management, assumes responsibility for the safety and security of ships, and ensures compliance with international regulations and company policies.)
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a captain?
What I like about being captain is that I can have an influence on the atmosphere on board. I believe, if you work as a team and work together you get the best out of the team. Personally, I need to work in a positive environment. This is who I am. As a captain, I can act when issues are on board and I can also try to create a good atmosphere by being open and honest. I see it works!
How has the maritime industry evolved in terms of gender equality during your career?
What I can see on board our ships is, that it (has) become more and more normal to have female officers on the bridge. Unfortunately, the turnover rate in the engine room is too low to really change. In general, more and more women are part of the industry but still, there is a long way to go, especially in some countries.
How do you think the industry can continue to support and advance women in maritime roles?
We do have women joining our vessel who tell us that it is hard in their country to find a ship!
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the maritime industry?
I always say, do not let anything stop you from dreaming! It is not always easy, but do not give up as it is possible.
I remember in Bulgaria, where I had a young female officer visiting the bridge during open boat. She approached me when she understood I was the captain. She asked if it was possible for women to apply for a job. She just finished her studies, but was not able to find a ship for her internship because she was female. She had all her certificates with her. I connected her with the crew department. Currently, she has been sailing with us for some years now as a second mate.
Are there any specific initiatives or programs that are needed to address the gender gap in the sector?
I think we need to emphasize more the benefit of having women in most of the sector. I believe most women have a different leadership style.
Last year I followed a webinar from Nautical Institute about “kind leadership”. I had to smile, it shows the industry is changing and as for me, this is also more in line with having women on board.
The world is changing as well, as you see here, so the industry is more prepared for women these days. Give women a chance who want to enter the sector. I find it hard to believe girls when finishing maritime school are not able to find a job in the sector or even an internship.
When I grew up many years ago and wanted to go to the Maritime Academy, I already needed a cruise ship company to assure me internship to build up sea time. This was the only industry which allowed women on ships.
How do you foresee the maritime industry in the next five years?
I think we will see more women joining, as more and more I see the industry is also pushing for it. (However), I do not think it will ever be 50/50, probably also due to the fact that it is harder for women to leave home, e.g., when they become a mother but it is possible! We have three women officers who are mothers and sail on our ships.
Top photo credit: Greenpeace/Noel Celis. Captain Hettie Geenen.