Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (August 2019)

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Velli Palmer Urban

CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY:

Women on the Water

Women make up only an estimated two percent of the License of unlimited tonnage. Both Urban and Velli joined global maritime industry. In the U.S., the statistics are a the Cape May–Lewes Ferry marine department as Ordi- little better, with less than eight percent of ship and boat nary Seamen in 1997 and 2003, respectively. They rose captain operator roles held by women. Still, for a female through the ranks – up the hawsepipe – serving as Able- to have the opportunity to train up to ship captain is con- bodied Seaman and Mate prior to their recent promotions. sidered “unique.” However, as predictions are being made A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Ms. that there will be a shortage of more than 140,000 deck or Palmer was hired at the Ferry in November 2011 as a sea- ship of? cers worldwide by 2025 (BIMCO/ICS), we will sonal Able-Bodied Seaman. In addition to a Bachelor of see more accomplished women take the helm and lead the Science degree in Logistics and Intermodal Transporta- industry forward. In fact, that’s already happening. tion, Ms. Palmer also earned an Ocean’s Unlimited Ton-

In the past year alone, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry made nage Third Mate’s License during her time at the Academy. history by promoting three women: Meghan D. Palmer In April of last year, Ferry history was made with the ? rst of North Cape May, and Melissa Velli and Sharon Lyn all-female bridge crew navigating across the Delaware Bay

Urban, both residents of Cape May, to rank of Captain with Captain Sharon Urban and with Melissa Velli serving in the Marine Department. These three female Captains as Pilot, and Helmsman Paulette Nickels. are doing more for the industry than just oversee the safe According to Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations navigation and operation of the vessel; they serve as a sym- for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, women are breaking bar- bol that the role of piloting a ship is a female-friendly role riers in the maritime industry. He explains, “They can with ample opportunity for those looking for a long-term, have a successful career in seafaring while living a life- stable and rewarding career path. style that allows them to have a family and be home at

As Captains, Palmer, Velli, and Urban have earned all night. As the industry experiences a large portion of the the requirements and quali? cations to lead the entire ves- workforce approaching retirement, and local hires be- sel and crew, with each possessing a United States Coast come more dif? cult to ? nd, we must welcome this new

Guard (USCG) Inland Masters License of unlimited ton- talent with open arms.” And, Cape May-Lewes Ferry nage and USCG First Class Pilot upon the Delaware Bay has done just that.

August 2019 16 MN