International Day for Women in Maritime

In the vast expanse of the maritime industry, our Senior Director, Debbie, is a leader within Carnival Corporation’s Incident Analysis Group (IAG). With a global team focused on health, environment, safety, and security (HESS), her journey into maritime began with a passion for sustainability and a desire to make a difference.

Growing up on the Isle of Wight and drawn to the sea from a young age, Debbie joined Carnival UK in 2016, transitioning from IT to Programme & Change Management within the maritime sector. Debbie’s first project at Carnival UK was embedding the operation of running exhaust gas cleaning systems across the Carnival UK fleet, helping Carnival UK become an industry leader in the development and installation of the technology.

Focusing on various environmental compliance and change projects, such as implementing bio-digesters to manage food waste, Debbie has supported the delivery of sustainability initiatives that have shaped her impactful career.

With drive and enthusiasm for supporting shipboard teams, Debbie played a pivotal role in building the strategy, plan, and framework for creating ORCA (Operational, Risk, Coordination and Activity), a hub of support and risk management for the Carnival UK fleet.

Ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime, Debbie tells us more about her career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

“Simply put, my passion for the industry and desire for cruises to operate sustainably for future generations. I genuinely think travel is so good for your soul, growth, and understanding, and there’s no better way of doing that than by sea!”

How have you overcome any challenges you’ve faced within the industry, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

“When I first joined the maritime industry, I encountered biases, and noticed I didn’t always have the same parity as my male colleagues. Much like STEM industries, this has been a systemic issue due to past culture. Nevertheless, there has been so much work within the maritime sector to support and empower women, recognising their importance to its progress. 

Last autumn, I was honoured and inspired to attend the “Women in Maritime” event held by Lloyd’s Register in London. So many talented women were there, including some of our remarkable female colleagues from Carnival UK.

Rather than complain about the challenges that can exist for women, I believe I’m part of making changes for the better, and I feel fortunate to work with such brilliant team members whom I learn from, who inspire me and have opened my mind, and who all share the same goal.”

What advice would you give to women pursuing a career in maritime?

“Regardless of your background or gender, life is too short not to pursue a career in anything you love and maritime is no different.”

What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?

“When changes and improvements are implemented, making our (people on) ships safer and supporting compliance and sustainability because of the IAG team’s hard work, it’s so rewarding – it’s our mission and what we’re there to do.” 

The role has taken me to some of the most amazing places in the world, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I genuinely feel blessed.”

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work that you enjoy?

“I have two dogs, and I enjoy nothing more than walking with them and spending time with my family.”  

To learn more about a career in Maritime with Carnival UK, visit www.carnivalukcareers.co.uk. Sign up for job alerts at www.jobs.carnivalcorp.com/#job-alert.