Meet India’s First Female Captain of Fishing Vessels
Breaking the glass ceiling and several barriers on the bay, 25-year-old Haritha KK from Alappuzha in Kerala became the first woman captain of fishing vessels in India.
Harita KK from Alappuzha always wanted to be a Captain. When she heard her name first being called along with the title, she was filled with goosebumps.
Initially, Haritha wished to join the Navy. But she was disqualified during the physical tests, as her physique didn’t match their requirements. That’s when she came to know about the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi and the opportunities it can offer. Soon after completing her Bachelors in Fishing and Nautical Science from the CIFNET in 2016, Haritha decided to sail towards her dream to be a Captain.
She joined as a deckhand in Prashikshani, a training vessel by CIFNET and spent around 180 days sailing. “I was the first woman to be on the crew and my superiors and colleagues were very encouraging and welcoming. Being the only woman in the crew I was provided with all required facilities, and I never felt left out or unsafe,” Haritha said.
Harita became the chief officer or second-in-command in 2017 and became the first Indian woman to be recognised as the Mate of a Fishing Vessel, known as the chief officer or second-in-command. She overcame the hurdles and her seasickness to become an excellent Mate of a Fishing Vessel. While preparing for her exams to become a captain Harita joined the merchant Navy.
Harita KK cleared the exams and procedures for becoming Captain in December 2021, and thus became the first Indian woman to become the captain of a fishing vessel. She says, “It was a dream come true moment for me. I couldn’t have been happier.”
Haritha’s family has always been with her at each step and decision she made towards achieving her dream. “My family is my strength. My parents have always encouraged me to work towards my dream. Even though my mother was a little concerned in the beginning, she gradually got convinced with my profession as I never had a second thought,” says Haritha.
Even though her other classmates decided to divert toward academia, Harita was determined to choose the sea for her future. She believes that there is nothing unachievable if you have the right mindset and a splash of courage.
“There is a kind of prejudice in our society surrounding such professions. People think that it’s impossible or tough for a woman to pursue such careers. It’s high-time women break such social myths and take up such professions. If a man can do it, so can a woman,” Harita concludes.
Credits: The Better India
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-Staff Reporter
