Port Blair, Mar 07: Women today are breaking gender stereotypes and barriers in all walks of life and claiming their rightful place in the modern world. In a yet another historical milestone, one more male bastion in the Andaman Islands was broken today when Ms. Eileen, a young lady from Middle Andaman was appointed as a Deck Utility Hand onboard DSS vessel.
Seafaring as an occupation is predominantly considered a male dominion as life at sea is tough, physically demanding and sometimes perilous. It is to the credit of Miss Eileen, a young lady hailing from Karen Community of these Islands who has now taken lead as the first woman deckhand onboard vessels of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Miss Eileen, Age 29 post completion of her schooling, has undergone Seamanship training from Indus Seafarer Academy, Chennai and successfully obtained her INDoS (Indian National Database of Seafarers) from the Institute. Presently she has been served with an Article of Agreement on board vessel MV Swarajdweep for a period of Six Months.
As a precursor to International Women’s Day celebrations being celebrated globally on 08 March every year, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary (Shipping), A&N Administration, in presence of Secretary Shipping Mr. Kishore Kshirsagar Lakshman, IAS and Director Shipping Services Capt Atul Kumar Singh, greeted Miss Eileen and handed over her the Article of Agreement for engagement onboard vessel of DSS.
The entire Directorate of Shipping Services wishes her the very best of luck for all her future endeavors.
