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The first three Emirati women have graduated as masters of 24m vessels from the Maritime Training Centre at Abu Dhabi Ports. Ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, Sahar Rasti, Fatema Al Khaja and Mahra Al Shamsi received their ‘Certificate of Competency Master of Coastal Waters up to 24 Meters Vessels’ along with ten other students, after six and a half months of extensive theoretical and practical training and coursework. Abu Dhabi Ports began the course specifically to train Emiratis in the skills required to become sea captains and aligned these efforts with the UAE’s leadership’s vision to empower women to become a vital component in the development of society.
Lecturers from the Australian Maritime College carried out the training of all 16 students, with the Australian Marine Safety Authority issuing the certificates. The students were required to attend ten weeks of classes and spend four months at sea to demonstrate their practical experience by completing tasks on board vessels.
As well as the three female students that have achieved their masters certificates, Fawziya Al Dhaheri has become the first Emirati woman to successfully pass the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) IALA course. She is now working in the VTS centre in Abu Dhabi operated by Safeen.
Expressing his pride in the students’ achievements, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The UAE possesses immense national talent and we at Abu Dhabi Ports are eager to extend every opportunity to our young women and men to develop their capabilities and fulfil their potential. That these young women have graduated through this intensive course sets an example for future generations and shines a light on the career opportunities available in the maritime industry.”
