Women in maritime
For Camille, a career in maritime was almost written in the stars. Growing up by the seaside in France, she developed a natural connection to the ocean from an early age.
“My mother works in the shipbuilding industry, so we were lucky enough to regularly visit large vessels when we were growing up” she recalls, and describes that time as “fascinating”, sparking an early interest that would shape her future career.
She first set sail in her career at just 18 years old, joining her first ship in the Middle East. “I was excited to be independent and travel around the world at such a young age”, she says, and this made a lasting impression and confirmed that this was the right path for her.
Joining Stena Line as a Second Officer marked an important step in her journey. Since then, she has progressed to her current role as Chief Officer onboard Stena Superfast VIII, where she has been working since January 2023. Her career progression has been strongly supported by her determination to develop, having completed her Chief Officer and Master’s qualifications early on, allowing her to “progress rapidly when opportunities presented themselves”, she recalls.
Day-to-day life onboard can be fast paced and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. Much of this comes from the team environment, with a strong sense of community across the crew. As she explains, “many colleagues return regularly, building relationships and trust that are essential when handling busy operations and unexpected situations.”
One of the aspects Camille values most about working with Stena Line is the balance we offer. Compared to many roles at sea, the opportunity to spend time at home is something she really appreciates. She describes the work/life balance at Stena Line as being ‘like no other job at sea’, making it particularly suited to this stage of her career.
Throughout her career, she has seen the value of an inclusive and respectful workplace. While she has faced some challenges, these were isolated and addressed appropriately, reinforcing the importance of awareness and not tolerating unacceptable behaviour.
Some of Camille’s proudest moments have come during emergency situations, where teamwork is at its strongest. In these moments, she describes feeling, “a real sense of pride in the efficiency and professionalism of the crew”, reinforcing the importance of trust and teamwork in maritime roles.
For anyone considering a career at sea, her message is simple and empowering. It’s a path open to everyone, and those who choose it should feel confident in pursuing it. And Camille put it perfectly, “you have the same right as anybody else to pursue it.”