International Day for Women in Maritime has been celebrated since 2021, promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The inaugural IMO International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May 2022 focuses on the theme «Training-Visibility-Recognition: Supporting a barrier-free working environment”.
This year, to give visibility and recognition to women in our main sector, we’ve sat down with Rocío Lamet, Claimar CEO to get to know her a bit better and to explore her career so far.
Q1. So, Rocío, tell me a little about yourself and your career. How long have you worked in the maritime industry?
I have worked in the maritime industry for over 11 years. I studied business administration and after working in marketing and corporate social responsibility, I decided to join the family company, COMISMAR. Never before had I pictured myself not only working for a marine surveying company but also creating together with Marlin Blue a new solution for the market: Claimar, a one stop shop specialized in marine claims services.
Q3. What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
What I most enjoy in my job is the variety of work and people, the versatility of being able to undertake different tasks that require having a forward thinking attitude. I also love dealing with challenges and being alert at all times because decision making is the core of my daily responsibilities.
Q5. Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
I have never found limitations in my career due to being a woman, but I realize there are still barriers in our industry that must be overcome in order to reach true gender equality. We still have to face, now and again, prejudices related to our gender that cast a shadow on our ability to perform our jobs. Nevertheless, I believe a lot is being done and that women are being increasingly recognized, both in the maritime industry and in other fields.
Q6. According to one estimate, the sectors related to the exploitation of the seas represent between 3% and 5% of the gross domestic product of the European Union (EU), which ranks first in the world in the following areas: maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore energy production, shipbuilding techniques and related services (insurance, law,) Women are an integral part of the maritime workforce, contributing to the success of shipping lines, ports, onshore services and more. For example, surveyors or claims handlers, What future do you see for women in these professions?
Not only do I see a bright future a current reality. The data on the participation and influence of women in the insurance, legal and survey markets and more specifically in the maritime sector are close to reflecting equality, if not surpassed in many segments by women. Among our technical teams, a group of highly specialized women with a lot of experience stands out. In addition, our two newly hired naval engineers are the very essence of gender equality. Women power in economic activity, whatever it may be, is not yet complete but every day is one more step forward. It’s the moment!
Q7. On International Day for Women in Maritime, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women considering their careers within the maritime industry?
It seems that women, in our industry, may have to prove themselves a little longer, even a little louder and stronger, but if you are professional and have the knowledge, then it is possible to turn “being a woman” to your advantage.
I have learned that I should not consider things which I don’t know as signs of weakness but rather look at them as challenges. And that instead of assuming we are expected to know everything, there’s nothing wrong in constantly asking and seeking for help, in order to better perform our tasks. This is a sign of a strong will to be excellent in our jobs, which is something that indeed defines women professionals.
