This International Women’s Day 2025, we’re celebrating the women breaking barriers in the marine industry—like our water taxi operators, Emma and Debora.

Though traditionally male-dominated, the marine industry is slowly seeing more women at the helm. Globally, women make up less than 2% of the seafaring workforce. In Canada, only 3-7% of navigation, deck, and marine engineering positions are held by women. These numbers highlight the importance of women like Emma and Debora, who thrive in their roles and inspire others to join the industry.

We sat down with them to hear their stories, challenges, and hopes for the future.

Q: What inspired you to work in the marine industry?

Emma: “I grew up on the ocean and have been driving boats my whole life. Being on the water is where I’m happiest—it just feels right! It’s what I know, and it’s what I’m good at.”

Debora: “While I was helping run a water taxi for students between the Gulf Islands, I worked alongside a female deckhand, and I was so inspired—I’d never seen a woman in such a predominantly male role. When they needed more qualified people, I got the necessary certifications and kept working there.”

Q: What do you love most about your job?

Emma: “The ability to always learn! There’s always something new to do or get better at. I love working with different people on different vessels—it broadens my knowledge and understanding.”

Debora: “The team camaraderie. Sunsets and sunrises. Nature is truly incredible—it’s my ‘why.’ Being on the water reminds me every day of why I do this.”

Q: What challenges have you faced as women in this industry?

Emma: “Underestimation. People sometimes doubt our strength and capabilities, assuming it’s a ‘man’s job.’ It can be frustrating, but it’s also a huge motivator—I love showing them I’m more than capable and up to any task.”

Debora: “One of the biggest challenges I faced was when the company I worked for went through an ownership change. After several years helping run a school water taxi service, I was told they hired a man for my role because he wanted to get his 60-ton captain’s ticket. It was disheartening because I wasn’t even given the chance to pursue that opportunity myself—I would’ve gladly worked towards getting my 60-ton or SVOP. It was a clear reminder of how male-dominated the industry still is. But, experiences like this only fuel my determination to work harder and help create more opportunities for other women in the field.”

Q: Why is it important for more women to join this field?

Emma: “We only make up a small percentage of the industry right now—just 2% globally! We need more women in the field because we empower each other, and diversity makes us stronger.”

Debora: “When people see themselves represented, especially in a very predominantly white, male-dominated industry, they can see themselves in those positions. Women, people of colour, marginalized communities, seeing each other in those roles inspires them to reach for things they never thought were possible.”

Q: What advice would you give to women considering a career in the marine industry?

Emma: “Don’t be discouraged! It’s tough, but absolutely worth it. You’ll face challenges, but you’ll also find a supportive network of women who have your back.”

Debora: “Keep your head up, keep showing up, and keep seeing yourself. The job you start with might just be a bridge to something more meaningful and inspiring. Stay persistent and keep pushing forward.”

Building a Diverse Future in the Marine Industry

As a company, we are committed to providing fair employment opportunities and creating a diverse, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. As Debora beautifully puts it:

“We’ve got some incredible deckhands working at Prism who are from marginalized communities, who are Indigenous, who are women—and we’re incredible. We’re such an amazing team together, and I think that diversity is really important to have.”

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women like Emma and Debora who are breaking barriers, showing the world what’s possible, and creating a path for others to follow. Their strength and dedication are shaping a more inclusive future for the marine industry.

Debora’s photo courtesy of Heather Glasgow