CAROLINE Smith is carving out her name one step at a time in a male-dominated field.
She is a living testimony that women can do anything in this world despite what people say.
Originally from Benau Estate in Savusavu, the single mother of two, is a marine engineering student at the Fiji Maritime Academy in Suva with eight years of experience in the maritime sector.
Ms Smith was the first female in the country to attain the Class 4 Engineer Certificate of Competency award during the World Maritime Day celebration in Suva on Thursday, September 26.
Growing up, she said, she was always interested in architectural and civil engineering and never dreamt about joining the maritime sector because of the idea that most of her relatives and her very own brother were already in the industry.
It was not until her final year in school that she decided to try something different — this was where the idea to look up the maritime sector and see what it offered came.
From that time until now, she said, she never looked back or regretted her decision to join the maritime sector.
“Though Fiji didn’t offer the course I wanted, it did not discourage me from being in the maritime industry, and so I chose to take up the course — Trade Diploma in Marine Engineering this was after I used to watch my dad who was also a marine engineer working on small engines at home when I was little,” Ms Smith said.
Having spent eight years in the maritime sector, she said, five years were spent on cadetship training, this was from 2011 to 2016 under the Fiji Maritime Academy, and now she is on her third-year sailing as a Class 4 engineer.
“I am currently relieving as the third engineer on the tug Arataki (tug and barge operation) operating under Genesi Shipping Ltd and attending classes for further education.”
Dedicating her award and success to the Almighty God and her parents, she says, she would not have been where she is today without them.
Fortunately for Ms Smith the award she won allows her to serve as a chief engineer on any vessel with marine diesel engine capacity under 750 kilowatts operating near coastal.
“I knew that I was really keen on what I was doing but was surprised to receive the award, I guess receiving the award this year gives me the message that I have chosen the right path in my career.”
She said she was nervous when she got the award because she knew it came with a lot of pressure and responsibility.
“I never knew how much of an impact my achievement had on the maritime sector and females that are pursuing the same career and I’m really happy but not as proud as my parents were.
“They were emotional and happy about my achievement.”
For Ms Smith, what kept her going over the years were the struggles and sacrifices her parents made and this was something she continues to be greatful and thankful for.
“I am greatful for the tremendous support my family has and are still giving me. They have supported me since day one when I chose to study marine engineering and have encouraged me to continue as a single mother .
“I’m blessed to have very supportive parents, brother and sisters. They are the ones who encourage me to continue even through the challenges.”
While every workforce has its own fair of challenges hers was no different and this was where she learned to accept the challenges that came her way and continue to learn from her officers and those who support her
. “As an officer, I may face challenges at times, but I am grateful for that, I am still learning no matter the qualification, we all have. In school it was more about grade competition with my classmates but all in all it was fun.
“During seagoing training, I would feel scrutinised by some superiors but that did not let my spirit down.”
Ms Smith encouraged those planning to pursue a career in the maritime sector and those who were already in the field to
continue to pursue their dreams and interest no matter what.
“Don’t let challenges bring you down because they are definitely part of pushing you forward, there is something bigger than
anything that will guide you through so don’t give up.”
She also dedicated her award to all the women who are in the same filed as her hoping that they are inspired by the award
and her achievement to move forward.
The 27-year-old attended Nasavusavu Public School during her primary school days before she moved to Nasavusavu Secondary
School and the Fiji Maritime Academy for tertiary level education later on.
