In a world where the maritime industry remains largely male-dominated, Wendelyn “Wendy” Caneo-Mirabel is proof that women can not only navigate the high seas but thrive in them. 

As a third engineer on an oil and chemical tanker vessel, the Filipino Bataan-born seafarer is breaking barriers while inspiring the next wave of women to take on the oceans.

But Wendy’s journey wasn’t driven by a lifelong dream of sailing the oceans. In fact, she once set her sights on becoming an architect. 

“I initially applied and was qualified for architecture but we didn’t have the financial capacity to pursue that,” she shared with Maritime Fairtrade in an interview. “So, I applied to the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) because it was free — food, board and lodging, tuition. I just thought finishing a degree was the first step to a better life.”

What started as a practical choice soon evolved into a passion. Today, Wendy navigates not only oceans but also the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Through resilience, humor, and a fierce commitment to changing perceptions, she is proving that women belong at sea — and they’re here to stay.

More than mischief

On social media, Wendy is known as “MissChief”, a clever wordplay combining “mischief”, the book series Little Miss Chief, and a playful nod to her dream of becoming a chief engineer.

“Although, I don’t consider myself mischievous,” she laughed, adding that the name simply fits well with her current license and her dream.

But behind the lighthearted username is a woman who has weathered many storms, both literal and figurative.

Navigating gender bias at sea

Wendy’s journey has been anything but smooth sailing.

“I’ve been rejected by companies because of my gender. Once, a chief engineer tried to refuse having me onboard, but the company sent me anyway,” she recalled.

“I’ve also experienced harassment, especially early in my career. Even now, some people can’t grasp the idea of a woman being a reliable part of the engine team,” the female marine engineer continued. 

Despite the setbacks, Wendy stands her ground.

“I show up, do my job, and carry with me the responsibility of changing their perception,” she said. “When I fail at something, they don’t say ‘It’s Wendy’s job.’ They say, ‘It’s because a woman did it.’ That’s why it’s so important to perform well — to erase that skepticism.”

Wendy argues that gender bias often stems from the assumption that men are physically stronger.

“(But) strong doesn’t mean perfect, fast and safe execution,” she pointed out. “Let’s not forget that many disasters in maritime history were caused by these supposedly ‘strong’ men.”

Harassment and discrimination remain serious concerns for women at sea. Wendy believes that creating a respectful work environment must start at the top.

“Many companies join the equality trend but don’t enforce policies firmly,” she said. “For harassment to stop, it has to start with shore management. If the company is genuinely committed to including women, it will shape a culture of respect and professionalism.”

Wendy stresses the importance of sincerity.

“Otherwise, they’re just riding the equality trend,” she said. “Nakiki-uso lang sila (They’re just going with the trend).”

Balancing career and family

Life at sea comes with unique challenges, especially for women balancing career and family.

“The biggest challenge is pregnancy. Conceiving and taking care of a child takes a chunk of time from your career timeline,” Wendy said. “But even with that, we can still be anything we want to be.”

Fortunately, some companies are starting to provide better support, according to Wendy. 

“Where I am now, there’s a maternity policy that provides financial support during and after pregnancy, plus job security when we decide to continue sailing,” Wendy said, adding that this gives women confidence that they won’t have to choose between family and career.

While companies have made strides in offering equal training opportunities, Wendy said that promotion is another story.

“Men still get the advantage just because of gender,” she admitted. “I experienced it firsthand. There was no one else in line for promotion, but they chose to look outside the company and promote someone who wasn’t even ready for it.”

Wendy believes this is a shared experience among many female seafarers.

She emphasized that the industry needs to recognize women for their skills and merit, not just their gender, stressing that equal opportunity is not merely about having women onboard but about giving them a fair shot at leadership.

Wendy at work in the engine room.

Addressing women’s needs at sea

Life onboard also comes down to basic comfort, something that ships were not initially designed to provide for women.

“Most ships are still designed with men in mind,” Wendy explained. “Changing rooms are common for everyone, but it would be better if we had separate facilities, just like in gyms or workplaces on land.”

However, she acknowledges that there have been improvements.

“We all have private cabins with toilets, and I’ve seen sanitary pads and feminine wash provided for the first time. It’s a small thing, but it shows that companies are starting to consider our needs.”

For Wendy, true equality requires systemic change, starting with maritime institutions and government policies.

“If the leaders don’t sincerely believe in the cause, how can they inspire those down the line to do the same?” she asked.

She also hopes to see an end to gender quotas.

“In my batch, 150 passed the exam, but only five of us were women,” Wendy recalled. She questioned the need to limit the number of female applicants when they are just as qualified as their male counterparts. 

Despite the challenges, Wendy is optimistic about the future. 

When asked if she has seen improvements in opportunities for women in maritime over the years, she replied: “Yes. I am happy to see that more and more companies are opening their doors to women. Promotions are also being given by certain companies, and they really take pride in their female crew who rose through the ranks.”

“We had our first female captain in 2017 and our first female chief engineer in 2021. The numbers are slowly but surely growing,” she added. “One day, we won’t have to say, ‘I’m the first’ or ‘I’m the only one.’ Instead, we’ll say, ‘I’m one of many.’”

Empowering next generation

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, Wendy reflects on what empowerment means to her.

“It’s about inspiring other women to pursue their dreams with courage,” she said. “To show them that they don’t have to be afraid.”

Her message to young women aspiring to a maritime career is simple but powerful. “Look at the trailblazers who paved the way. If we can do it, you can too,” she said.

“Big shipping companies trust their million-dollar ships to female crew — why listen to those who say the sea isn’t for you? It’s like your rich grandma and grandpa versus your nosy neighbor who can’t even afford a cigarette,” she added.

For Wendy, breaking barriers isn’t just about personal success; it’s about ensuring that the next generation doesn’t have to fight the same battles.

As she continues to sail the seas, she carries with her the hope of a future where women’s presence at sea is as ordinary as the ocean breeze.

All photos credit: Wendy Mirabel

Top photo: Wendy Mirabel snaps a selfie during a break at work.