23.5.2026 | Ports

A trio of mariners has called on more women to consider careers in the maritime sector to mark an international awareness day.

The three mariners from Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) have shared their stories to celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime, a globally recognised day held last week, 18 May, aimed at advancing gender equality.

Each of the three has their own unique story that brought them to the industry. However, all three share one thing in common – they were not made aware of the incredible opportunities available to them in the maritime industry at school.

Among them is experienced sailor Sally Hesketh, who swapped a career in TV working on shows like The Voice to become an Assistant Coxswain working on HHA’s pilot launch boats, helping get pilots out to sea before they bring some of the world’s biggest vessels into port.

Her varied maritime career to date has also included building fast craft for the military and working for the British Antarctic Survey.

“You would think TV and sailing are very different,” she said. “But they are also very similar. There are lots of time pressures and irregular hours, and you find yourself working with a wide variety of people.

“A friend of mine had sailed from Portsmouth to New York and the Caribbean, and she told me about a website where people could post their profiles to find work and learning opportunities in sailing. I thought it sounded too good to be true, but decided to give it a go.

“I ended up learning how to sail on a boat in Woodbridge, and I caught the bug. I bought myself a little wooden boat and sailed to the Isles of Scilly and back.

“I love it. It’s a great job – people always say that every day is different in their job, and they might think that’s not the case, working on a pilot launch, as you’re doing the same journey every day. But it really is – every pilot launch job you do is different with its own unique challenges, and there’s always something new to learn.”

Marine Apprentice Isabel Curle is also no stranger to adventure, having previously worked seasons in Greece.

Her role sees her helping out across different departments, whether that’s maintaining HHA’s fleet of boats or assisting pilots on their launches.

“I grew up in Harwich seeing the ships coming in but never thought I’d one day be working on the water,” she said.

“I didn’t even know it was a career option. It’s not something that’s ever promoted to you as a young woman.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had. I absolutely love it.

“I would say that previous roles I’ve worked in have had superiorist views when it comes to gender, but that really isn’t the case at HHA. They prioritise your work ethic, not your gender.

“I would highly recommend it. My advice would be to throw yourself out there – so many of us started without any prior experience in the sector, but feel empowered. I’m really excited for the future.”

HHA made history with the UK’s first-ever all-female launch crew in 2025, while it boasts a 50/50 gender balance across both its Board and Executive teams.

Megan Hood works as a VTS Officer at HHA, helping all haven users navigate its waters safely. She previously worked in schools supporting SEND pupils before taking on a role at an outdoor adventure centre. She later took on a maritime apprenticeship at age 27.

“I decided I wanted to do something different,” she said. “I wanted to see what was out there – and I found an apprenticeship in Ipswich working on the boatyards.

“I used to sail growing up – and we had a family friend working as a pilot up near Middlesbrough. I spoke to him about the career opportunities, and he told me the apprenticeship was a great stepping stone.

“It opened the doors to all the other career opportunities in the industry, which is how I found out about VTS.

“In that I’ve found what I want to do for the rest of my life, if I’m honest.

“One moment you’re speaking to a 400m megamax vessel, and the next you’re talking to a 20ft yacht that doesn’t want to get in the way. It’s so exciting.

“Everyone here is so lovely. Even though I made quite a big career change, everyone is really helpful with any questions you have.

“I’m so glad I made the switch.”

To mark International Day for Women in Maritime, mariners from across the local area are taking on a walk from Woolverstone to Pin Mill, organised by the SheFarers of Suffolk group.

Among those taking part will be Sally, who said she wants to help champion the sector for women.

More information on HHA’s career opportunities can be found at www.hha.co.uk.