FOR most coastal people, the sea is part of their way of life – this is true for 29-year-old marine engineer Mary Roroipe. From an early age, Roroipe was exposed to seafaring through her late father’s small craft business, chartering passengers across the maritime province of Milne Bay. So, it comes as no surprise that Roroipe followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a marine engineer after completing a marine cadetship, supported by an Australia Awards PNG scholarship. Roroipe said education played an important role in society that allows us to explore more opportunities. However, there are numerous challenges in accessing education and in her experience, it was economic hardship. Before pursuing a maritime career, Roroipe obtained a diploma in electrical technology in 2015. Even while Roroipe worked as an electrical technician, she knew that her true passion was in maritime.
This passion and her family’s seafaring background motivated Roroipe to apply for an Australia Awards PNG scholarship in 2018, enabling her to complete a cadetship at PNG Maritime College in 2021. “When we encountered rough seas, I was amazed at how the crew would navigate small craft in the waters of Milne Bay – they did so with excellent ship handling skills and knowledge,” she said. “This crew were my father, uncles and brothers who do not possess tertiary maritime education but have rich traditional knowledge that is second to none. “When I recalled these memories, it motivated me to become a marine engineer,” Roroipe said. While Roroipe drew on her family’s legacy for inspiration, the path to complete her cadetship was also a challenging time when she lost her father. “I lost my mentor and role model,” she said. “My late father inspired me to pursue a career in maritime because he owned and managed his small craft business for 10 – 15 years. “After losing him, I almost gave up on my cadetship because I couldn’t accept the fact that I would progress in my career without him. “I realise now that I can thrive because my father’s legacy lives on in me.” For Roroipe, the cadetship was filled with valuable lessons that remain with her, still to this day. “Your performance during the programme is important, not just for evaluation but for your whole career path,” she said. So, learn as much you can as it determines your competency before becoming an officer.” Roroipe added that everything taught in the cadetship was practical information that can be applied once onboard a vessel. She has progressed in her career, starting off as an engine cadet at Swire Shipping in 2019 to her current role at GSF Marine as an officer in charge of an engineering watch – this involves overseeing safe operation of a ship’s main propulsion and power generation. When Roroipe thinks of her scholarship experience, she remembers it as a life-changing opportunity. “It has given me a new sense of direction and I’m proud of my achievement because I am able to carry out a task that I never thought I could do,” she said. “I was at home doing little jobs to assist my family when I got accepted into the scholarship programme. “Achieving a certificate in marine engineering has been rewarding because I have a better chance of employment to support my family.” For those considering a maritime career, Mary encourages them to pursue it with courage. “She says that seafaring is an attractive career that can connect you to the world but also has its challenges,” she said. “Seafaring is very rewarding, but it is physically and mentally tough – you have responsibilities, and each day brings new challenges. “Be prepared and always believe in your capabilities and strengths.” It is this belief that has taken Mary far. Mary reminded potential scholarship applicants for the Maritime Cadetship for Women that: “A professional sea career begins with no expertise, from never being on a ship, to setting foot on the gangway – it’s about starting somewhere.” Australia Awards PNG scholarships continues to provide significant support for female participation in the maritime industry. “The Maritime Cadetship for Women programme empowers candidates with technical expertise, certifications and the confidence to contribute to the development of the maritime industry. The National / PNG Education News Also read Comments are closed.
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