Women off to Aust for maritime programme

TEN women have been selected to undertake a three-year maritime cadetship programme under the Australian Awards Maritime Scholarship programme.
It was a partnership between the Australian Government, Pacific Towing PNG, Steamships Trading Company Limited and the China Navigation Company.
The scholarship launched last Monday in Madang will see the women undergo extensive training in positions such as Officer of the Watch Deck or the Officer of the Engine Room.
Their training will involve a period of study at the Papua New Guinea Maritime College and 18 months working at sea on an international cargo ship belonging to China Navigation.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis encouraged the 10 women to see their role as contributing to the growth of the industry.
He also stressed the value of bringing more women into the maritime industry which has always employed men.
“Including women in a workforce brings so much to an industry – new perspectives, improved productivity and enhanced workforce culture,” Davis said.
“The maritime sector can begin to realise this value thanks to the contributions our partners are making through this partnership.”
Pacific Towing PNG general manager Neil Papenfus said the company was happy to support an initiative which would help enhance Papua New Guinea’s maritime workforce.