Filipino women are making waves in the maritime industry, stepping into leadership roles that were once dominated by men.

Through mentorship programs, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, various organizations in the Philippines and abroad are empowering women to break barriers, proving that the maritime industry is no longer exclusively a man’s world.

Among these trailblazers is 41-year-old Filipino ship captain Rosemelyn de Villa Boongaling from San Pablo City, Laguna, who has shown that leadership at sea knows no gender.

With 16 years of experience as a seafarer and the distinction of serving as a master mariner on container vessels since 2022, Rosemelyn has not only navigated the oceans but also overcome the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking stereotypes. “My biggest inspiration was my late father — he believed in me from the very beginning and supported my dream,” Rosemelyn told Maritime Fairtrade in an interview.

Starting as a deck cadet, she worked her way up through the ranks of junior officer, chief officer, and internal auditor. Each role prepared her for the immense responsibility of leading a ship and its crew.

“These experiences prepared me well for the responsibilities of my first command as a master,” Rosemelyn said.

Overcoming challenges

Being one of the few women on board early in her career was not easy. Like many other women in maritime, she experienced gender stereotyping from her male counterparts.

“Some crew members doubted my abilities as a lady officer,” she said, recalling her early days as the only female officer on board. To overcome this challenge, Rosemelyn added: “I proved myself through hard work, leadership, and expertise. I used it as motivation to show that women can excel in this field.”

Instead of seeing her gender as a limitation, she turned it into an advantage. “I brought balance to the crew and became an inspiration to my colleagues,” she said.

While the maritime industry has traditionally been resistant to change, Rosemelyn has seen progress over the years. 

“The industry has become more inclusive over the years. More female cadets are being hired, leading to greater opportunities for women to become officers and engineers,” she said, adding that there is also more awareness and acceptance of women in maritime roles.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Gender biases, lack of representation in senior leadership, and work-life balance concerns still discourage many women from pursuing long-term careers at sea.

Even so, Rosemelyn remains steadfast in her commitment to excelling in her field. She acknowledged that women often feel the need to work twice as hard to prove themselves, but she believes the industry is slowly moving toward a future where competence matters more than gender.

The captain and the crew as they celebrate the arrival of 2025 onboard.

Captain Rosemelyn (in white overall) working on the ship’s deck.

Life as ship captain 

As a master, Rosemelyn’s responsibilities go beyond navigating the vessel. “My days are mostly spent managing the vessel, overseeing operations, and ensuring smooth port activities,” she explained.

Leadership at sea is not just about authority, it is about communication, teamwork, and ensuring the crew remains motivated.

“As a captain, I focus on clear communication, crew welfare, and strict safety protocols. Balancing leadership and decision-making is all about teamwork and making sure the crew feels supported,” Rosemelyn said.

A ship’s captain must make critical decisions that affect not just the safety of the vessel but also the well-being of the crew. This includes managing emergency situations, overseeing cargo operations, and ensuring that all international maritime regulations are followed.

Despite the pressures of command, Rosemelyn finds joy in creating a positive environment for her crew. “In good weather, I like to gather the crew to relax, eat together, and watch the sunset,” she shared.

She fondly recalled an unplanned buffet dinner and table tennis tournament while waiting outside a port. “It lifted the crew’s spirits and helped them forget about homesickness for a while.”

For the lady captain, the most rewarding part of her job is completing each voyage successfully. 

“I feel proud every time I complete my contract and go home, knowing I left behind a healthy crew and a safe vessel,” she said.

The challenges of the job — long months at sea, isolation, unpredictable weather, and being away from family — are all worth it when she reflects on the impact she has made.

“Every journey comes with challenges, but each successful voyage is something to look back on with pride,” Rosemelyn said.

Encouraging more women to lead

One of the biggest barriers to women pursuing leadership roles in the maritime industry is the lack of role models. “More women in top management should continue breaking barriers and proving that gender is not a limitation,” Rosemelyn advised.

She added that seeing women succeed in senior maritime positions can inspire the next generation to do the same.

She also emphasized the importance of industry-wide policies that support women. “The industry should implement policies that help women balance work and family life, such as flexible work arrangements, maternity leave, and mentorship programs.”

These initiatives, according to Rosemelyn, would help women balance career growth with personal responsibilities, making long-term careers in maritime more feasible.

For young women aspiring to be ship captains, Rosemelyn offers this advice: “Stay focused, set goals, and work hard every day to achieve them. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward until you reach your dream of becoming a master.”

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month this March, Rosemelyn has a message for women navigating the maritime profession: “Women in maritime face many challenges, both at sea and onshore. Stay strong, embrace the hardships, and don’t let social pressures hold you back. Focus on what truly makes you happy and keep striving for success.”

As Rosemelyn continues to command the seas, she also paves the way for the next generation of women in maritime, proving that perseverance and passion can break even the toughest barriers, and that the horizon is limitless for those who dare to chase their dreams.

All photos credit: Captain Rosemelyn Boongaling. 

Top photo: Captain Rosemelyn Boongaling