I started my life at sea 13 years ago. I have loved that decision, I have also hated it, and sometimes I have regretted it, but at the end of the day, I would not change it for anything in the world. I have met many people from around the world, I have traveled to different countries, and I have seen a lot of beautiful and unique animals, sunrises, and sunsets. I am a biologist, and I work and do research with whales, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds, and fishes. I think the best way I can contribute to the conservation and well-being of species and the planet is by collecting data, doing scientific research, and publishing articles that generate information that can be used to make crucial decisions or actions to help the animals.
Being a woman working offshore can be tough. When you have a crew of 50 people on board and only five or fewer are women, you feel like something is missing. I have met very nice men, but as well, men that can get difficult just because I am a woman. I think that, unfortunately, there are still a lot of preconceptions in the mind of some men, and they can be sexists, misogynists, perverts, or dogs, the kind of man who hits on every woman even though he is married. Fortunately for me, I have only experienced a few situations like that, and I just needed to be strong, to stand up for myself and speak out.
There is a Colombian saying: “the life at sea is sweeter” it is not always true, but for sure, at least for me, it is more interesting than sitting at a desk all day. And most importantly, being at sea makes me feel happier and alive.
