After two decades in the marine industry and with little progress in protecting women, Kamila Calko, former BC Ferries captain and Canadian Coast Guard, decided to take action.On Saturday, May 4, Calko launched SeaLight and SeaLight Sisters, an advocacy service for women and an app that will connect with other female sailors at sea and in the industry.Conversations around keeping women safe while at sea have been needed for decades as the industry has not evolved at all, according to Calko.
According to Calko, out of the two per cent, only slightly more than one per cent possess the minimum qualification required, known as Standards of Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The remaining individuals, under one per cent, work either as officers or on the bridge.