Hebou Dago made a snap decision when she saw a call for applications on Facebook for the Australia Awards PNG’s Maritime Cadetship for Women in 2020.
Dago has never regretted her decision, saying, “Thank God I did because it is a really nice program. It is a big privilege to be under Australia Awards sponsorship.”
Her experiences stretched her beyond her comfort zone and taught her to be resilient and strong. Having no prior work experience and graduating from an all-girls high school, the predominantly male environment was new.
Upon reflection, she expressed appreciation for the fair and equal treatment from her superiors, who supported the female cadets and challenged them to take on the same responsibilities as their male peers.
Now in her final year, Dago is confident that her engine cadetship will not only equip her for a seafarer’s life, but also enable other career pathways outside maritime and a sea vessel engine room.
She encourages school leavers to consider seafaring career opportunities alongside the traditional route to university.
When asked about International Day of the Seafarer, Dago says her favourite thing is the Maritime College Open Day, inviting the public to tour the school and learn about seafaring.
“Seafarers Day is a celebration of seafarers, but what I see is, it’s a good time to educate people about what we do. Sometimes seafarers are unappreciated. The job is very difficult, staying out at sea for long periods of time.
“For near-coast container vessels, we stay two to three days, travelling from one port to another, but the work is the same as those on international container ships.
“I think our work is not recognised as much as it should be.
“With seafarers’ help, cargo moves from port to port and people get what they need.
“As part of Seafarers Day, we can educate people on what it’s all about, because we hardly hear about seafaring.
“Everyone wants to go to college, and seafaring is just as important as any other profession people deem important.”
International Day of the Seafarer falls on the 25th of June each year and is celebrated by maritime professionals all over the world.
Dago completes her cadetship in 2023 and is excited about her future on the sea.