Falmouth Harbour Pilot crew Abi Cook has been on a voyage of discovery in Belfast and Dublin – experiencing different port and piloting operations and connecting with women working across the maritime industry.
The visit took her outside her usual working environment in Falmouth Harbour with a chance to learn from other crews and build connections with women who share her passion for working on the water.
A highlight was meeting fellow members of the Ladies Who Launch – a small but growing global networking group bringing together women working in the pilot boat/workboat industry – which highlights the value of sharing knowledge, supporting one another and celebrating the growing presence of women in maritime roles.
So far the Ladies Who Launch group, which networks through LinkedIn, has more than 30 members across the world including ports around the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Kenya and Australia.
“It’s fantastic to be part of a community of women doing similar work in the marine industries all over the world,” says Abi. “But to actually meet and work with colleagues in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in person was really special.
“I spent brilliant time on and off the water – including with Kayleigh Ward at Belfast Harbour, Mariosa Bryceland at Dublin Port and Lorraine McLean – the first ever female skipper of the Strangford Ferry in Co Down.
“Although we work in different ports and have our own ways of operating, it became clear that we share many of the same experiences and face similar challenges within the industry.”
During the trip Abi got to go out on and helm different pilot boats, experience their handling and see how operations are carried out in Belfast and Dublin.
This included examining each port’s VTS (Vessel Traffic System) – the maritime equivalent of air traffic control for boats and shipping. While every port has its own challenges, vessels and procedures, Abi experienced for herself the shared skills, teamwork and professionalism required to support safe and efficient pilotage operations.
Beyond the practical experience, the trip was about people. Meeting other women working in similar roles created an opportunity to share experiences, build friendships and strengthen a network of women working in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
Falmouth’s Deputy Harbour Master Ben Borne says, “For historic reasons there are still many more men than women working in the maritime industries – but the good news is that ports and harbours like Falmouth and elsewhere in the world are positively determined to see that changing.
“It’s also important, as things change, to recognise that support networks are really positive and it’s fantastic that Abi was able to connect with and get a really uplifting experience with like-minded colleagues across the Irish Sea.”
Abi adds, “I absolutely loved my trip and I’m so grateful to the Harbours of Falmouth and Dublin and also the Deputy Harbour Master of Belfast Jamie Faulkner for facilitating it.
“I came away inspired, with new connections and an even greater appreciation for the women working in our industry. It reinforced just how important it is for us to connect, support one another and continue raising the profile of women in maritime.”
The Ladies Who Launch is passionate about bringing women working on the water together, creating a supportive network across the maritime industries. To connect with this growing community as it shares knowledge and celebrates the women helping keep the maritime industry moving – contact Abi through ⚓ – LinkedIn Abi Cook.
For all information about Falmouth Harbour’s work and environmental initiatives, its Harbour team, Commissioners, Falmouth Haven and Pilot Services visit www.falmouthharbour.co.uk
