The Nautical Institute WA Branch

08 Nov 2023

Diversity on Board a Tanker - Pilot Project

Western Australia Branch

On behalf of The Nautical Institute, WA Branch, I am writing this short article on my first-hand experience and exposure to
witness diversity on board a Tanker at its best.

From Left to Right - Nila John (3rd Engineer), Anusha Aiyappa (Trainee Rating), Capt. Radhika Menon (Master), Mayuri Bombe
(Trainee Engine rm Rating) and Ramavath Sajitha (Trainee Engineer).

I recently supported an FPSO Offtake Operation (Tandem

Mooring) off the NW Coast of Australia on board a Tanker
“MT Southern Reverence” where the tanker was
commanded by India’s 1st woman Master – “Capt. Radhika
Menon”.

On further information sharing with the Captain, I was also

informed that this vessel (operated by Synergy Maritime)
had commenced a pilot program to boost diversity on board
and had chosen the MT Southern Reverence and Capt.
Menon for this particular scope.

On board this tanker there were a total of five (5) female

ranked individuals namely.

1. Capt. Radhika Menon (Master),

2. Nila John (3rd Engineer),
3. Anusha Aiyappa (Trainee Rating),
4. Mayuri Bombe (Trainee Engine rm Rating),
5. Ramavath Sajitha (Trainee Engineer).

Capt Radhika spoke to me about how she mentors these young ladies on board and promotes diversity among the
entire ships complement. This pilot ship is one of many operated under Synergy maritime, Capt. Radhika also spoke on
how hard she worked to get her command in 2012 whilst working for the Shipping Corporation of India, This hard work
transpired to her being recognised as First woman Captain of India and proud recipient of IMO ‘Award for exceptional
bravery at sea 2016’ this was awarded for her rescue carried out at sea saving 7 lives. She has also been awarded by
the Hon. President of India in 2018 with the “Nari Shakti Puraskar” award.

Overall, this experience made me really proud, and I hope to see many more ships similar to this plying the world’s
oceans in the days and years ahead.

Prepared by: Capt. Zubin Bhada (NIWA Branch Secretary)