From Ship to Shore: A Letter for a Woman’s First Voyage

Dear Sister of the Sea,

As I sit down to write this, I find myself thinking back to my first journey. The nerves. The excitement. The quiet moments of doubt I didn’t speak out loud. I wish someone had taken my hand back then and whispered, “You’re not alone. You’ve got this.”So let me be that voice for you now.

I’ve sailed through both the open sea and the quiet, unspoken currents of being a woman in a space that wasn’t built with us in mind. And while no two journeys are the same, there are things I’ve learned—truths I wish I’d heard before I ever stepped foot on deck.

Here’s what I want you to know.

Be Yourself, Fully and Fiercely

Pack extra shampoo and conditioner—trust me on that.

But more than that? Pack you.The real you.The one who wears pink nail polish, who drinks coffee out of her favourite floral mug, who strings up fairy lights just because they make a room feel warmer.

You don’t need to dim your light to blend in. You don’t need to toughen up to be taken seriously. What matters—really matters—is how you show up.Your work ethic. Your curiosity. Your respect for others and for yourself. Those things will speak louder than any performance of “fitting in.”

You don’t need to become “one of the boys” to earn your place. You already have your place. You’ve earned it. Don’t let anyone—or anything—make you forget that.

Let your work speak for itself. But don’t be afraid to let your softness show, too.

Pack Smart. Pack for You.

Beyond the required uniforms and gear, bring pieces of home. Photos. A cozy blanket. That book that feels like a friend. A small light for reading in bed after a long shift. You’ll be amazed how much comfort a few familiar things can bring in a steel-walled cabin.

Oh—and did I mention the shampoo and conditioner? Bring double what you think you’ll need.

Also, if you can, invest in workwear made for your body. Most ship-issued PPE is technically “unisex”—but we both know what that really means. Ill-fitting pants aren’t just annoying; they can be unsafe. If you find a pair of work trousers you love, bring them. Even one good pair makes a difference when the rest don’t quite fit.

Own Your Space Early

In your first days onboard, people will be curious. Some will be welcoming. Some might be unsure. A few might test you—not always unkindly, but still. The best response? Calm confidence. Listen. Learn quickly. Ask questions when you need to, and trust what you know when you’re certain.

Your presence has weight. Whether they realise it or not, others will be watching—so make it count. Not just for you, but for the women who’ll follow in your wake.

Take Care of Your Whole Self

The sea asks a lot of us. Long hours, erratic sleep, physical labour, and emotional distance from the world you know. Which means self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

Drink your water (seriously). Move your body. Sleep when you can. Eat food that nourishes you when it’s available. Journal if it helps you process the day. I always bring a face mask or hair mask to do once a week—it’s my way of saying, “Hey, I’m still here. I still matter.”

You are not just a seafarer. You are a human being with a full, rich identity. Hold onto that. Nurture it.

Let’s Talk About What Often Goes Unsaid

You might be held to a higher standard than your male peers. Your slip-ups might echo longer, and your wins may not be celebrated as loudly. That’s not fair—but it’s also not a reflection of your worth.

The truth is, you don’t have to fight every battle. Sometimes your best comeback is simply doing your job well—over and over again. Other times, you may need to speak up. Only you can know which is which.

But whatever happens, don’t let their discomfort become your burden. You are not here to make everyone else feel okay. You are here to do the work—and to live fully as yourself while doing it.

Find Your People

There’s a sisterhood out here—even if it’s not always visible. Other women who’ve felt what you’re feeling. Look for them online. Reach out in port. Follow maritime groups led by women. There’s comfort, strength, and wisdom in those connections.

You don’t have to do this alone.

A Final Thought Before You Set Sail

This journey is yours. There will be high highs, low lows, and everything in between. You’ll have days where you feel powerful, and nights where you question why you ever came. That’s normal.

But please remember: the ocean isn’t just a workplace. It’s a mirror. It will show you who you are —again and again. Let it. You’re more ready than you know.

You don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to begin. And you already have.

I’m proud of you—not because you’ve figured it all out, but because you dared to show up. That takes guts. That takes heart. You’re becoming part of a long and growing legacy of women who’ve chosen to sail—and to stay true to themselves while doing it.

From my heart to yours,

Fair winds and following seas.

With you always,

A fellow woman of the water

~ @theaussieshefarer