The role of the skipper hasn’t changed much over the past 1,000 years, holding overall responsibility for the ship, crew, equipment, and reaching their destination. However, there’s been a shift change in recent years as more women feel empowered to take the helm in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The Sandbanks Ferry, which has a century-old heritage, appointed its first female skipper, 23-year-old Beth Unsworth, last year. After taking a chance on a new career path after COVID hit, now she won’t look back – and believes a new generation of female skippers could be ready to climb aboard the industry.
Q. Tell us about how you came to be a skipper. Is it something you always wanted to do?
I joined The Sandbanks Ferry five years ago as a seasonal worker. Before that, I taught water sports and decided to explore new opportunities when I lost my job due to COVID. I’ve always loved being active outdoors and the water, so when the opportunity to work on the ferry came up, I thought, why not?
It was quite a jump of course, and something completely different. After doing a season on the ferry, I fell in love with it and wanted to take on more responsibility. I’ve worked in various roles on the ferry since, so I’ve had a holistic experience of operations – on the toll booth, as an engine attendant, and then the opportunity to be a skipper came up and I jumped at the chance.
Q. Why did the skipper job appeal to you?
It was intriguing watching the skippers in action while I was working on the toll booth and as an engine attendant. There’s a lot of responsibility, and always something new to learn. I love a new challenge, so the role seemed like a great fit.
When I first started training for the role, it blew my brains as there was so much to think about! For instance, we work closely with Poole Harbour to navigate around ship and yacht journeys. Particularly in the summer, we could have as many as 70 yachts come through our patch at one time, so we need to be on the ball with journey planning.
At first, it was quite daunting to be so young and have so much responsibility, as you’re looking after the entire boat and the safety of everyone on board. But you can really make it your own – every skipper has their own way of doing things. It makes the job even more rewarding knowing you’ve successfully led the ferry’s safe, reliable passage day by day.
Q. Did you find it challenging getting into the role?
It’s not a role that gets handed to anyone, as there’s a lot of training involved – plus you have to apply for a Marine VHF Radio licence. But I’m lucky that I’ve been so well supported in every job I’ve done at the ferry. Whatever I’ve wanted to achieve, the team has been so encouraging and motivating. Having that strong support network has helped me get to where I am today.
Q. What does your role involve?
It’s a diverse role and no two days are the same. I’m in charge of ensuring everything’s in working order, which could involve anything from checking oil levels and the jockey wheels to clearing seaweed and changing engines. I also navigate the boat and help on the deck, especially during busy periods – directing traffic, assisting customers and supporting the deck crew.
Q. What’s the most interesting part of your job?
No two days are the same and it can be full on, but that’s what I thrive on. There are lots of challenges, whether it’s having to support an ambulance crossing in an emergency or navigate around a big ship. It’s so satisfying when you finish the day knowing you’ve helped the ferry deliver its critical service.
Q. Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by watching other people do the jobs they do. I used to drive a lorry, and I remember being encouraged by another female lorry driver. She told me to just go for it and believe in myself, and that’s a mantra I still hold to this day – if I believe I can do something and I’m surrounded by a strong support network, I can do it.
Q. What advice would you give to other women looking to get into your line of work?
Just do it. You’ve got to be bold, go out there and take the leap – that’s how I got to where I am today, and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. There’s no limit to what you achieve if you have confidence in yourself and have the right people around you.
I’d love to see more women working in skipper roles and if workplaces are as supportive as mine has been, it’s something I think we’ll see more of in the not-too-distant future.