The World Maritime Day was held on September 26. The day was founded on the initiative of the United Nations Organization and the International Maritime Organization in 1978. Since then the world has been held events aimed at riveting attention to the importance of the shipping industry, to ensuring navigation safety and overcoming difficulties that the industry faces. The strengthening of the role of women in the shipping community prioritized in 2019. Under the data of the International Maritime Organization, today women account for 2% in the world among sailors. But the development of new technologies in the fleet makes accessible maritime professions for women.

FSUE “Rosmorport” joins efforts to involve women in the industry where historically men dominated. Their work will respond to the expectations of the 21^st century. Cadets of industry-specific higher education establishments and colleges undergo training on vessels of the enterprise. Among them are many girls. They are at the wheel, provide aid to ensure maintenance aboard vessels and they learn to sail and keep signal watch on the command bridge. They work in the engine room, the cook-house and the cadet mess. Professors note that girls are be assiduous in work and this allows them to be among the best students. It may be said about Anna Kazakova, who studies at Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University. She undergoes training on the Professor Khyustin sailing training vessel. Her calling is that of sea and this is the excellent opportunity to continue the dynasty. Cadets of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Military Education “Admiral Ushakov State Maritime University”, Sofia Atmonchyan and Yekaterina Kotsyuruba, undergo training aboard others vessels – the Bora and the Bosporus. The girls are planning to become ship drivers soon.

If earlier the fleet faced the gender problem, today the spectrum of professions continues to expand. At present, many girls can achieve their dreams and serve in the Navy. They can take the most different positions.

Since 2007 Natalya Belokonskaya has navigated on FSUE “Rosmorport” vessels, on the Nadezhda sailing ship for example. At present, she is second mate on the Mir sailing ship. Olga Tishina is mechanical technician on the Nadezhda from 1996. Jointly with his husband, who is turner of the sailing ship, Olga has dedicated her life to the sea. Their son continued the dynasty. Now he is chief mate on the same frigate as his parents.

Many women serve as VTMS operators, as well as GMDSS operators. They are responsible for navigation safety, keep the watch and take part in rescue operations. No vessel is to be without women in the cook room. For 30 years. senior cook Lyudmila Kafanova takes part in long voyages aboard FSUE “Rosmorport” icebreakers – the Magadan, the Admiral Makarov, the Yermak and the Krasin.

Women receive professions of pilots, drivers, ship drivers etc. Women also are directors of branches, deputy directors and chiefs of departments. In all the world vessels are given women’s names because sailors know: the sea favors courage and the beauty. With good reason the ceremony of launching a new vessel is to be without “godmother”.