IMPACT

Stories From The Community

Meaghan Herdina Harnesses Women Offshore Opportunities

I have always loved being on the water, but I had never considered it to be a career. It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that I accepted a deckhand position on a sightseeing boat in Alaska. My first day on the job, I saw humpback whales bubble-net feeding and knew this is what I wanted to do. I researched what it would take to get my captain’s license and decided to follow the humpbacks to Hawaii to keep gaining more boating experience and sea days.

This past fall, I also took the AB courses and in my first class, another female mariner introduced me to Christine MacMillan from Women Offshore Foundation. I shared my story and goals with Christine, and she has been extremely supportive of my new career journey. She helped me apply for a scholarship, re-write my resume, and connect me to a few research vessels.

I’m grateful an organization like Women Offshore Foundation is available and has been supportive in this transition through new territory. I have looked up to my fellow female captains, and one day I hope to be an example and leader for future female captains. I’m excited to apply my new skills as an AB and Captain in my next adventures, as I hope to explore unique places around the world like the Artic, Antarctica, and everywhere else!" aptain