Testimonials

François Marilly, Subsea Operator

Interview

1/ What has been your career path so far? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

I hold a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University Institute of Technology in Le Havre, as well as certificates in Electronics & Systems and as an Electro-technical Officer from the ENSM (French Maritime Academy) of Saint-Malo. 

I am a subsea operator.  My role consists in maintaining and repairing the underwater robot – also known as ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) – and in looking after the ROV launch and recovery systems.  I also operate the robot when in use for laying or repairing subsea cables. 

This is an exciting and multi-faceted role, requiring different skills to ensure the best possible maintenance of the subsea service system. This system is a complex combination of electricity, electronics, automation, IT and hydraulics.

The ROV is also called a trencher, in reference to the trenches it must dig to bury the telecommunication cables underneath the sea floor for protection from external aggressions (anchors, fishing nets, landslides…). The robot is equipped with mechanical arms as well, to handle and cut off the cable when necessary.

2/ What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.)?

This new vessel is an encouraging message from ASN, showing a commitment to renew their cable ship fleet to meet the ever-changing demand in submarine telecommunications cables worldwide.  The ILE D’OUESSANT has replaced the ship Peter Faber, which operated successfully for many years in the Atlantic Ocean – a very large area to cover – but reached its limits in certain weather conditions, especially winter storms.

With her heavier tonnage, the ILE D’OUESSANT should cope better in such situations and will rely on increased dynamic positioning capabilities, as well as newer cable machines.

The equipment dedicated to the ROV is of good quality and allows for safe and efficient operations.  

3/ What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

I came on board in early February 2020, when the ship was still at the Remontova shipyard in Gdansk, Poland.  A lot of work still had to be done.  Departure was a month away and at this stage in the project, things were going faster to include last changes and finishing touches. Eveything seemed to happen at the same time. 

You have to adapt to the sometimes-harsh weather conditions in winter, especially in Poland. We found ourselves in unusual situations, having to work out uncommon solutions such as heating oil that had become too viscous in the cold, to be integrated into the bearing system of a hydraulic motor on deck.

We also provided guidance to the shipyard personnel, who sometimes did not start a task exactly as planned.  There was this time when we were presented with the 40-ton ROV crane on its final location on board, in reverse position. We had to explain how the crane was to be operated and asked them to change its position back to how it should be. 

Generally speaking, the time spent aboard the boat in the shipyard was very interesting and stimulating.

We could not wait to take to the sea again, though.  We were eager to see and feel how the ship would adapt and react at sea, facing waves and winds, especially after a conversion as major as this one. It is, after all, quite rare for a supply vessel to turn into a cable ship.

***

Gildas Ribau, Cable ship Officer

Interview

1/ What has been your career path so far? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

 I joined the French Maritime Academy in 2007. My first boarding was on the ILE DE BREHAT the following winter, in the North Atlantic. I worked on board different LDA ships during my student years (cable ships, ro-ro ships, bulk carriers, seismic research vessels…). When I obtained my certificate, I first took a position as a lieutenant on a private yacht in Asia and returned to LDA as a Bulk Engineer Officer. Afterwards I worked on the seismic research ship CGG ALIZE for 3 years. I was appointed as a cable ship Officer in 2016 on the ILE D’AIX and I have the same position on the new cable ship ILE D’OUESSANT.

This role consists in liaising with the deck, where cable operations are carried out, and the gangway, where the ship is positioned in DP, during cable-laying and cable maintenance operations. It is one of the rare positions in the “modern” merchant navy where we can still be close to natural elements and where seamanship is paramount.

2/ What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.)?

This conversion offers an adjustable cable ship, which flexibility will be valuable to future operations. As a crew member, I think it has been a very enriching project because the transforming works and refits in particular went with a lot of technical material to assimilate and adapt to the objectives to be achieved.  Given the state of the oil market at the moment, we can only be happy to be able to convert powerful and manoeuverable supply vessels into cable ships in the medium term.  Schedules are tight and the addition of a new cable ship to a fleet is always a plus.

3/ What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

Such a conversion requires a significant investment from all staff members on board and ashore.  Sharing our knowledge and experience is necessary to be truly effective. A recurring question on board was how to define the moment when the supply ship actually turned into a cable ship. Some spoke of the day when the tank was finished, others of the day when the sheaves (pulley wheels at the stern of the ship) were installed, or the day when the sea trials were deemed successful.  I have my own idea on the subject, but to each their own!

***

Victor Gibon, International Business Developer

Interview

1 / What has been your career path so far ? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

I was born in Le Havre and although the sea has always been present in my life, I must admit that I got into the maritime sector quite coincidentally.  As a trained engineer, I started my career with an internship at a shipyard in the Netherlands, after which I worked for a maritime research firm.

I joined LDA in late 2016.  My job is to develop the activities of our Industrial Marine division. More recently, I have been in charge of monitoring the execution of the Ile d’Ouessant project in its multiple aspects, leading the commercial relationship with ASN and coordinating the various departments.

2 / What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.) ?

This ship conversion is based on a simple paradigm: offshore oil support vessels have been underemployed over the past few years and therefore have little value.

The Ile d’Ouessant project was about rehabilitating and equipping a ship so that she could operate on a promising market (submarine cable maintenance).  It was a real vote of confidence from ASN, acknowledging LDA’s capability to carry out an operation of this scale.

It was a major challenge for LDA, which demonstrated its ability to put a derelict vessel back into service, transform her by integrating cable machines supplied by its subsidiary LDTVO and operate the whole successfully.

3 / What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

The year spent on this project has been intense and I have learned a lot from sedentary staff and crew members alike.  Their dedication has been outstanding.   

I will particularly remember how we found this abandoned ship in the UK.  After two years of research and inspection around the world, Philippe Le Gros and I learned that shipowner Toisa’s fleet was going into liquidation. We flew to Hull shortly after to inspect their ship Toisa Warrior.

The Toisa Warrior had been decommissioned for three years but appeared to be in a good condition. Inside, the grass had grown out in several places, water had frozen on the upper decks, turning them into ice rinks, and time seemed to stand still.

In agreement with ASN, we chose the Toisa Warrior, which was the bigger ship from the two options we had. After a complex acquisition process, we were informed that the hull would be delivered to us shortly. The following day, we called an emergency meeting with all the involved departments at LDA to prepare for the arrival of a new vessel. Everything went quickly after this and the actual transfer of the hull took place three weeks later.

LDA’s support units must be commended on their reactivity as they managed to quickly set up a solid team to take on the ship’s rehabilitation. 

One year later exactly, the Ile d’Ouessant sailed from the Remontowa shipyard with two unexpected passengers, the superintendent and myself, who had no other means of safe repatriation to France in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

***

Interview

1 / What has been your career path so far?

I studied electrical engineering and then started a degree in computer science. However, I felf for more “practice” and action. I was very curious about the wind turbines that I could see from far away. I did some research on the job of wind technician, and there was indeed a training as a “wind maintenance technician” at Greta 21 in Dijon (France). I then applied and had interviews with the training instructors who quickly understood that I was really motivated. My application was then accepted.

2/ What is your job about? How did your position evolve in the company?

I started working for OPENR in 2015 as a maintenance technician and auditor. After a few years of experience and opportunities that occured during my career, I am now in charge of the maintenance department and also a works-at-height instructor.

3/ What do you like most about your job? What are the 3 essential qualities to do your job?

As an instructor, I do appreciate sharing and transmitting knowledge. Every day I learn from the various interns that I meet, which allows me to be constantly evolving.
As a maintenance manager, I do appreciate above all the team spirit that we feel  working at OPENR. When we work in a wind turbine nacelle at 100 m high, the safety and the team spirit take on their full meaning. Indeed, no matter what level of technical knowledge you have,  your life can only depend on your teammate if you have the slightest concern for security.

The essential qualities for this job are safety, curiosity and team spirit!

4/ Do you have any significant fact or anecdote to share about your job?

I would say: my first day of work in a wind turbine! I was finally going to work in this huge machine which I was really curious about. I was going “in the heart of the matter” with plenty of action and technique. It makes my dreams a reality!

****

Thank you Ibrahim!

The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group joins the Cluster Maritime Français (CMF) and the Association Elles Bougent  to celebrate women on the occasion of this World Ocean Day 2020 and through the operation “Les ELLES de l’Océan“.

This special operation aims to promote the place of women in the maritime sector and to make young women aware of career opportunities related to the sea.

Discover now the interview by our seafarer colleague Elise Vandermeersch.

Interview

1 / Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Elise Vandermeersch and I am a Lieutenant / DPO at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.

2 / Where does your interest in navigation/the sea/the merchant navy come from? Why did you make this career choice ?

Growing up, I often went to the seaside with my family all over Europe. As a teenager, my father let me drive the motorboat of a family friend in the Canary Islands. It is where I uncovered my love for the sea and my vocation was born. At eighteen, I had to make a career choice and quite naturally turned to the sea and a diversified and stimulating career. After my studies, I could not wait to take to the sea and my motivation and self-development have only strengthened over the years.

3 / What did you study ? What is your academic background?

After 4 years of studies, I obtained a Masters in Nautical Sciences from the Antwerp Maritime Academy in Belgium.

4 / What do you like most about your job?

The combination of teamwork and multiple responsibilities.
This job is very enriching because the different types of ships we deal with always ask for new and various skills.

5 / What do you think of the representation of women in the maritime sector?

Women are still a minority in the merchant navy, which is too bad! Maritime professions should be promoted more actively in schools so that girls can consider the maritime sector as a career path. Not only for studies but also for sailing, going to sea. It would be great if more young women had an idea of the rich experience a maritime life made of travels, stopovers, storms and adventures can offer – an experience that some still think is reserved for men. It is time these careers were more considered by women.

6 / What advice would you give to young women to make them aware of the career options offered by this sector?

You have great possibilities and prospects while sailing, but you need persistence and above all mental strength. Working conditions can be more demanding than on land. I advise you to be yourself on board while maintaining a certain professional distance to begin with – but most of all, observe the relationships existing between the various crew members. The first boardings will be challenging because there is a lot to learn, but over time, the results of these intense periods will bring you great self-confidence. I can assure you that your self-development as a female seafarer will be more intense than for male colleagues.

***

Thank you Elise for this interview!

The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group joins the Cluster Maritime Français (CMF) and the Association Elles Bougent  to celebrate women on the occasion of this World Ocean Day 2020 and through the operation “Les ELLES de l’Océan“.

This special operation aims to promote the place of women in the maritime sector and to make young women aware of career opportunities related to the sea.

Discover now the interview by our colleague seafarer Marie Sciboz.

Interview

1 / Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Marie Sciboz and I have been working as a Hydrographic Surveyor for Louis Dreyfus Armateurs since 2014.

2 / Where does your interest in navigation/the sea/the merchant navy come from? Why did you make this career choice ?

My father owns a wreck research and underwater expertise company – unsurprisingly, I have been involved in the maritime environment from a very young age. I started to learn sailing as a child and I have taken a liking to navigation over the years.
Accustomed as I was to out-of-sync family rhythms and the pleasure of travelling, I was looking for a job that could combine both and the merchant navy provided it.

3 / What did you study ? What is your academic background?

After my French baccalaureate diploma, I looked for a training in the maritime sector outside metropolitan France as I was keen to travel. I took a training course at the University of New Caledonia and got a scientific and technical degree in Marine Geoscience.
I then enrolled at the well-respected CNAM Intechmer Institute (National Institute for Marine Sciences and Technologies) in Cherbourg, the only French school providing training to marine technicians. This school was in my opinion the best option to combine navigation and oceanography and I got a Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Exploration & Surveying.

4 / What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy the ever-renewing aspect of this job : each boarding is different from the previous one. There is always an initial phase where we have to get familiar with the ship and other crew members and everything after that is a different experience.
I also like the fact that life on board and life on land are neatly separated. When we go on a mission for two months, 100% of our time is spent at our workplace, which becomes our living place and a space for some time off as well. We do not have to deal with anything else.
When we spend a two-month vacation on land, the same principle applies : we can dedicate our full time to ourselves and our families.
As restrictive and challenging this rhythm can be, it allows us to be 100% available for our families during the time spent on land.

5 / What do you think of the representation of women in the maritime sector?

It has been growing – perhaps as part of a fashionable trend – but remains very low in proportion.
Although the merchant navy seems to be recruiting more and more women out of school, the biggest effort, in my opinion, resides in keeping women in their seafaring occupations over time: the percentage of women with a long-term experience at sea is still very low.

6 / What advice would you give to young women to make them aware of the career options offered by this sector?

As a mother-of-two (soon to be three), I would like to say to all women who work at sea that this should not be an obstacle to family life, and vice versa.

It is not always easy but you should not give up, because being able to combine your dream job with a fulfilled family life is something to be proud of.
Many experienced, male seafarers are also fathers, so why could it not be the same for mothers ?!

****

Thank you Marie for this interview !

François Marilly, Subsea Operator

Interview

1/ What has been your career path so far? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

I hold a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University Institute of Technology in Le Havre, as well as certificates in Electronics & Systems and as an Electro-technical Officer from the ENSM (French Maritime Academy) of Saint-Malo. 

I am a subsea operator.  My role consists in maintaining and repairing the underwater robot – also known as ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) – and in looking after the ROV launch and recovery systems.  I also operate the robot when in use for laying or repairing subsea cables. 

This is an exciting and multi-faceted role, requiring different skills to ensure the best possible maintenance of the subsea service system. This system is a complex combination of electricity, electronics, automation, IT and hydraulics.

The ROV is also called a trencher, in reference to the trenches it must dig to bury the telecommunication cables underneath the sea floor for protection from external aggressions (anchors, fishing nets, landslides…). The robot is equipped with mechanical arms as well, to handle and cut off the cable when necessary.

2/ What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.)?

This new vessel is an encouraging message from ASN, showing a commitment to renew their cable ship fleet to meet the ever-changing demand in submarine telecommunications cables worldwide.  The ILE D’OUESSANT has replaced the ship Peter Faber, which operated successfully for many years in the Atlantic Ocean – a very large area to cover – but reached its limits in certain weather conditions, especially winter storms.

With her heavier tonnage, the ILE D’OUESSANT should cope better in such situations and will rely on increased dynamic positioning capabilities, as well as newer cable machines.

The equipment dedicated to the ROV is of good quality and allows for safe and efficient operations.  

3/ What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

I came on board in early February 2020, when the ship was still at the Remontova shipyard in Gdansk, Poland.  A lot of work still had to be done.  Departure was a month away and at this stage in the project, things were going faster to include last changes and finishing touches. Eveything seemed to happen at the same time. 

You have to adapt to the sometimes-harsh weather conditions in winter, especially in Poland. We found ourselves in unusual situations, having to work out uncommon solutions such as heating oil that had become too viscous in the cold, to be integrated into the bearing system of a hydraulic motor on deck.

We also provided guidance to the shipyard personnel, who sometimes did not start a task exactly as planned.  There was this time when we were presented with the 40-ton ROV crane on its final location on board, in reverse position. We had to explain how the crane was to be operated and asked them to change its position back to how it should be. 

Generally speaking, the time spent aboard the boat in the shipyard was very interesting and stimulating.

We could not wait to take to the sea again, though.  We were eager to see and feel how the ship would adapt and react at sea, facing waves and winds, especially after a conversion as major as this one. It is, after all, quite rare for a supply vessel to turn into a cable ship.

***

Gildas Ribau, Cable ship Officer

Interview

1/ What has been your career path so far? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

 I joined the French Maritime Academy in 2007. My first boarding was on the ILE DE BREHAT the following winter, in the North Atlantic. I worked on board different LDA ships during my student years (cable ships, ro-ro ships, bulk carriers, seismic research vessels…). When I obtained my certificate, I first took a position as a lieutenant on a private yacht in Asia and returned to LDA as a Bulk Engineer Officer. Afterwards I worked on the seismic research ship CGG ALIZE for 3 years. I was appointed as a cable ship Officer in 2016 on the ILE D’AIX and I have the same position on the new cable ship ILE D’OUESSANT.

This role consists in liaising with the deck, where cable operations are carried out, and the gangway, where the ship is positioned in DP, during cable-laying and cable maintenance operations. It is one of the rare positions in the “modern” merchant navy where we can still be close to natural elements and where seamanship is paramount.

2/ What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.)?

This conversion offers an adjustable cable ship, which flexibility will be valuable to future operations. As a crew member, I think it has been a very enriching project because the transforming works and refits in particular went with a lot of technical material to assimilate and adapt to the objectives to be achieved.  Given the state of the oil market at the moment, we can only be happy to be able to convert powerful and manoeuverable supply vessels into cable ships in the medium term.  Schedules are tight and the addition of a new cable ship to a fleet is always a plus.

3/ What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

Such a conversion requires a significant investment from all staff members on board and ashore.  Sharing our knowledge and experience is necessary to be truly effective. A recurring question on board was how to define the moment when the supply ship actually turned into a cable ship. Some spoke of the day when the tank was finished, others of the day when the sheaves (pulley wheels at the stern of the ship) were installed, or the day when the sea trials were deemed successful.  I have my own idea on the subject, but to each their own!

***

Victor Gibon, International Business Developer

Interview

1 / What has been your career path so far ? Could you tell us more about your role on board ILE D’OUESSANT?

I was born in Le Havre and although the sea has always been present in my life, I must admit that I got into the maritime sector quite coincidentally.  As a trained engineer, I started my career with an internship at a shipyard in the Netherlands, after which I worked for a maritime research firm.

I joined LDA in late 2016.  My job is to develop the activities of our Industrial Marine division. More recently, I have been in charge of monitoring the execution of the Ile d’Ouessant project in its multiple aspects, leading the commercial relationship with ASN and coordinating the various departments.

2 / What do you think of this new ASN ship operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (concept, equipment, future operations, fleet, etc.) ?

This ship conversion is based on a simple paradigm: offshore oil support vessels have been underemployed over the past few years and therefore have little value.

The Ile d’Ouessant project was about rehabilitating and equipping a ship so that she could operate on a promising market (submarine cable maintenance).  It was a real vote of confidence from ASN, acknowledging LDA’s capability to carry out an operation of this scale.

It was a major challenge for LDA, which demonstrated its ability to put a derelict vessel back into service, transform her by integrating cable machines supplied by its subsidiary LDTVO and operate the whole successfully.

3 / What will you take away from this great conversion project? Any anecdote or major fact?

The year spent on this project has been intense and I have learned a lot from sedentary staff and crew members alike.  Their dedication has been outstanding.   

I will particularly remember how we found this abandoned ship in the UK.  After two years of research and inspection around the world, Philippe Le Gros and I learned that shipowner Toisa’s fleet was going into liquidation. We flew to Hull shortly after to inspect their ship Toisa Warrior.

The Toisa Warrior had been decommissioned for three years but appeared to be in a good condition. Inside, the grass had grown out in several places, water had frozen on the upper decks, turning them into ice rinks, and time seemed to stand still.

In agreement with ASN, we chose the Toisa Warrior, which was the bigger ship from the two options we had. After a complex acquisition process, we were informed that the hull would be delivered to us shortly. The following day, we called an emergency meeting with all the involved departments at LDA to prepare for the arrival of a new vessel. Everything went quickly after this and the actual transfer of the hull took place three weeks later.

LDA’s support units must be commended on their reactivity as they managed to quickly set up a solid team to take on the ship’s rehabilitation. 

One year later exactly, the Ile d’Ouessant sailed from the Remontowa shipyard with two unexpected passengers, the superintendent and myself, who had no other means of safe repatriation to France in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

***

Interview

1 / What has been your career path so far?

I studied electrical engineering and then started a degree in computer science. However, I felf for more “practice” and action. I was very curious about the wind turbines that I could see from far away. I did some research on the job of wind technician, and there was indeed a training as a “wind maintenance technician” at Greta 21 in Dijon (France). I then applied and had interviews with the training instructors who quickly understood that I was really motivated. My application was then accepted.

2/ What is your job about? How did your position evolve in the company?

I started working for OPENR in 2015 as a maintenance technician and auditor. After a few years of experience and opportunities that occured during my career, I am now in charge of the maintenance department and also a works-at-height instructor.

3/ What do you like most about your job? What are the 3 essential qualities to do your job?

As an instructor, I do appreciate sharing and transmitting knowledge. Every day I learn from the various interns that I meet, which allows me to be constantly evolving.
As a maintenance manager, I do appreciate above all the team spirit that we feel  working at OPENR. When we work in a wind turbine nacelle at 100 m high, the safety and the team spirit take on their full meaning. Indeed, no matter what level of technical knowledge you have,  your life can only depend on your teammate if you have the slightest concern for security.

The essential qualities for this job are safety, curiosity and team spirit!

4/ Do you have any significant fact or anecdote to share about your job?

I would say: my first day of work in a wind turbine! I was finally going to work in this huge machine which I was really curious about. I was going “in the heart of the matter” with plenty of action and technique. It makes my dreams a reality!

****

Thank you Ibrahim!

The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group joins the Cluster Maritime Français (CMF) and the Association Elles Bougent  to celebrate women on the occasion of this World Ocean Day 2020 and through the operation “Les ELLES de l’Océan“.

This special operation aims to promote the place of women in the maritime sector and to make young women aware of career opportunities related to the sea.

Discover now the interview by our seafarer colleague Elise Vandermeersch.

Interview

1 / Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Elise Vandermeersch and I am a Lieutenant / DPO at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.

2 / Where does your interest in navigation/the sea/the merchant navy come from? Why did you make this career choice ?

Growing up, I often went to the seaside with my family all over Europe. As a teenager, my father let me drive the motorboat of a family friend in the Canary Islands. It is where I uncovered my love for the sea and my vocation was born. At eighteen, I had to make a career choice and quite naturally turned to the sea and a diversified and stimulating career. After my studies, I could not wait to take to the sea and my motivation and self-development have only strengthened over the years.

3 / What did you study ? What is your academic background?

After 4 years of studies, I obtained a Masters in Nautical Sciences from the Antwerp Maritime Academy in Belgium.

4 / What do you like most about your job?

The combination of teamwork and multiple responsibilities.
This job is very enriching because the different types of ships we deal with always ask for new and various skills.

5 / What do you think of the representation of women in the maritime sector?

Women are still a minority in the merchant navy, which is too bad! Maritime professions should be promoted more actively in schools so that girls can consider the maritime sector as a career path. Not only for studies but also for sailing, going to sea. It would be great if more young women had an idea of the rich experience a maritime life made of travels, stopovers, storms and adventures can offer – an experience that some still think is reserved for men. It is time these careers were more considered by women.

6 / What advice would you give to young women to make them aware of the career options offered by this sector?

You have great possibilities and prospects while sailing, but you need persistence and above all mental strength. Working conditions can be more demanding than on land. I advise you to be yourself on board while maintaining a certain professional distance to begin with – but most of all, observe the relationships existing between the various crew members. The first boardings will be challenging because there is a lot to learn, but over time, the results of these intense periods will bring you great self-confidence. I can assure you that your self-development as a female seafarer will be more intense than for male colleagues.

***

Thank you Elise for this interview!

The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group joins the Cluster Maritime Français (CMF) and the Association Elles Bougent  to celebrate women on the occasion of this World Ocean Day 2020 and through the operation “Les ELLES de l’Océan“.

This special operation aims to promote the place of women in the maritime sector and to make young women aware of career opportunities related to the sea.

Discover now the interview by our colleague seafarer Marie Sciboz.

Interview

1 / Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Marie Sciboz and I have been working as a Hydrographic Surveyor for Louis Dreyfus Armateurs since 2014.

2 / Where does your interest in navigation/the sea/the merchant navy come from? Why did you make this career choice ?

My father owns a wreck research and underwater expertise company – unsurprisingly, I have been involved in the maritime environment from a very young age. I started to learn sailing as a child and I have taken a liking to navigation over the years.
Accustomed as I was to out-of-sync family rhythms and the pleasure of travelling, I was looking for a job that could combine both and the merchant navy provided it.

3 / What did you study ? What is your academic background?

After my French baccalaureate diploma, I looked for a training in the maritime sector outside metropolitan France as I was keen to travel. I took a training course at the University of New Caledonia and got a scientific and technical degree in Marine Geoscience.
I then enrolled at the well-respected CNAM Intechmer Institute (National Institute for Marine Sciences and Technologies) in Cherbourg, the only French school providing training to marine technicians. This school was in my opinion the best option to combine navigation and oceanography and I got a Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Exploration & Surveying.

4 / What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy the ever-renewing aspect of this job : each boarding is different from the previous one. There is always an initial phase where we have to get familiar with the ship and other crew members and everything after that is a different experience.
I also like the fact that life on board and life on land are neatly separated. When we go on a mission for two months, 100% of our time is spent at our workplace, which becomes our living place and a space for some time off as well. We do not have to deal with anything else.
When we spend a two-month vacation on land, the same principle applies : we can dedicate our full time to ourselves and our families.
As restrictive and challenging this rhythm can be, it allows us to be 100% available for our families during the time spent on land.

5 / What do you think of the representation of women in the maritime sector?

It has been growing – perhaps as part of a fashionable trend – but remains very low in proportion.
Although the merchant navy seems to be recruiting more and more women out of school, the biggest effort, in my opinion, resides in keeping women in their seafaring occupations over time: the percentage of women with a long-term experience at sea is still very low.

6 / What advice would you give to young women to make them aware of the career options offered by this sector?

As a mother-of-two (soon to be three), I would like to say to all women who work at sea that this should not be an obstacle to family life, and vice versa.

It is not always easy but you should not give up, because being able to combine your dream job with a fulfilled family life is something to be proud of.
Many experienced, male seafarers are also fathers, so why could it not be the same for mothers ?!

****

Thank you Marie for this interview !