Women at the MCA inspecting vessels to prevent incidents at sea

At the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) women hold a variety of roles and make a real difference to maritime safety in the UK.

Sea safety is not only the role of HM Coastguard; surveying teams around the United Kingdom regularly inspect vessels to ensure safety of life at sea and protect the environment.

Sarah Lawlor joined the Cardiff team 11 months ago. Having previously worked in the cruise

Sarah Lawlor

ship industry for 10 years she sought a new adventure on dry land that mirrored the variety she was used to.

Sarah said: “In this role I am not tied to a desk and everyday really is different.”

Sarah worked as a deck officer working her way up to her Master Mariners Certificate of Competency – the highest grade of seafarer qualification. She was responsible for the safe navigation of the vessels and the safety and security of the ship’s operations in what is often seen as a male dominated industry.

As a surveyor Sarah can find herself on a fishing vessel in Pembrokeshire one day and then an oil tanker in Avonmouth the next; inspecting to ensure they are safe and conform to all their relevant legislation.

She has already been involved in around 50 surveys from ferry boats to gas carriers and everything in between. The inspection itself is only one small aspect of the role. Once allocated an inspection the vessel’s history needs to be researched along with any changes in regulations that may impact the vessel.

Sarah said: “I believe good communication is key in my role. I need to effectively interact with vessel owners, let them know of any changes to relevant regulations and work with them if any defects are identified.

“Other skills that come in handy are a sense of humour, a willingness to learn, being adaptable plus a good sense of direction – sat navs often don’t work in some of the remote coastal areas we visit and phone signal can be non-existent so we are reliant on maps. It isn’t quite the nautical charts I was used to but I enjoy the challenge nonetheless.”

Katharine Martin has been a surveyor based in Belfast since 2017.

Katharine Martin

Having worked previously as a chartered mechanical engineer and having spent her entire career working within the marine industry Katharine was interested in a career at the MCA as she wanted to remain in the industry.

The Survey and Inspection team represent the UK flagged fleet and ensure they are operating in line with legislation.

Katharine said: “We also have an obligation for foreign flagged vessels when they are in UK waters. Our priorities are for safety of life at sea and protection of the environment.”

Katharine carries out on average three surveys or inspections each week and has responsibility for looking after the domestic passenger fleet including ferries that run between Belfast and Scotland but also fishing and cargo vessels.

Katharine hopes that engineering and the marine industry will continue to attract more women into roles as there is still some way to go but it is moving in the right direction.