After becoming fighter pilots, nuclear scientists and mountaineers, Emirati women are all set to conquer the seas.

Three Emirati women have graduated as the first masters (Captain) of 24-Metres vessels from the Maritime Training Centre at Abu Dhabi Ports.

Ahead of Emirati Women's Day, Sahar Rasti, Fatema Al Khajaand and Mahra Al Shamsi received the 'Certificate of Competency Master of Coastal Waters up to 24-Metres Vessels' along with ten other students after six-and-a-half months of extensive theoretical and practical training and coursework.

Abu Dhabi Ports began the course specifically to train Emiratis in the skills required to become sea captains and aligned these efforts with the UAE leadership's vision to empower women to become a vital component in the development of the society.

Lecturers from the Australian Maritime College carried out the training of all 16 students, and the Australian Marine Safety Authority - who are the official representative of the International Maritime Organisation in Australia - issued the certification. The students were required to attend ten weeks of classes and spend four months at sea to demonstrate their practical experience by completing tasks on board vessels.

With this achievement, the first Emirati woman who successfully passed Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) IALA course, Fawziya Al Dhaheri, is also considered to be the first Emirati woman to work as VTS operator within Abu Dhabi Marine Services (Safeen).

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: "The UAE possesses immense national talent and we, at Abu Dhabi Ports, are eager to extend every opportunity to our young women and men to develop their capabilities and fulfil their potential.

Through the participation of the Emirati women in the maritime sector, the country has seen a rise in Emirati women's' contribution to the economy and the delivery of Vision 2030. Emirati women have made progressive achievements in many sectors throughout the UAE's journey.

Over the past year especially, Emirati women have increasingly been stepping into the limelight and taking on new and progressive roles. Recent accomplishments have included the first Emirati females graduating Harvard, climbing Alaska's 6,190-metre Mount Denali and becoming the first Arab woman to compete in Formula 4 next season.

Source: Khaleej Times