Profile
Women in MARITIME By Desiree Caira
Megan Arnott
Justine Arnold
NSW Marine pilot
Marine biologist
Megan’s interest in the shipping industry was sparked by watching cruise ships growing up, but her career started with the Australian Maritime College (AMC). ‘I went to the AMC, completed my pre-sea training, found a cadetship on a little chemical tanker, and my interest and achievements in the industry only grew from there,’ Megan said. ‘I love the everyday challenges that this job and industry brings—no two days are the same and every day is interesting. It is such a dynamic environment with so many aspects to manage—weather, people, traffic and commercial.’ On whether being a female in this industry makes it harder to get by, Megan is philosophical. ‘I don’t think being a minority in the industry drives me. I think even if I was part of a majority group, my personal pride would still be pushing me to be my best,’ she said. ‘To anyone looking at going into the industry I would absolutely say “go for it”. If you are truly passionate about the industry you will find a truly satisfying, adventurous career, where you will be also rewarded with lifelong friends.’ 29
Working Boats October 2019
Immersed in the maritime industry her entire life, Justine always knew she wanted to spend her life doing something involving the ocean. ‘My father is a cray fisher at the Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia, where my family lived for four months every year and my sisters and I attended school,’ she said. Justine started out as a fish feeder and deckhand, and studied for her Bachelor of Marine Science and Environmental Management, before completing her marine science honours, and working her way up to her current role. ‘I oversee farm operations, including health monitoring of the fish, environmental monitoring and feeding, diving, cage maintenance and fish husbandry,’ she said. ‘My marine science degree and current job allows me to spend half of my time on the ocean and half of my time on land—I am very lucky!’ she added. ‘I suffer seasickness quite badly so I knew a life solely on the ocean wasn’t for me.’ ‘I love working on the ocean. No two days are the same. There is so much life teeming under the surface and I enjoy observing the power of the ocean—it’s unforgiving and relentless at times.’
