The International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated annually on May 18 at the initiative of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was marked at the Faculty of Maritime Studies of the University of Rijeka with a special event bringing together students and distinguished women from the maritime industry and public institutions.
Held under the theme “From Leadership and Social Engagement to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence,” the gathering highlighted the growing role of women in one of the world’s most traditionally male-dominated sectors. The event was opened by Dean Prof. Dr. Sc. Ana Perić Hadžić, the first woman to hold the position of dean at the Faculty, while moderator Prof. Dr. Sc. Jakov Karmelić introduced the panelists and emphasized the importance of visibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for women in maritime professions
The panel featured four accomplished women whose careers represent different segments of the maritime industry: Dolores Brenko-Škerjanc, Harbour Master of Pula; Marija Zaputović Mavrinac, member of the Management Board of Jadrolinija; Ivana Jeličić, Chief Officer on Jadrolinija vessels; and Barbara Kosec, Third Officer aboard the company’s ferries.
Through personal stories and professional reflections, the speakers discussed the challenges they faced, the milestones they achieved, and the persistence required to succeed in maritime careers. Their experiences demonstrated how the maritime sector, despite remaining predominantly male, increasingly offers space for women in leadership, operational, and technical positions.
Breaking Barriers at Sea
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Harbour Master Dolores Brenko-Škerjanc, whose career spans nearly four decades and reflects the transformation of women’s roles in maritime professions in Croatia.
Born in Pula in 1967, Brenko-Škerjanc graduated from the Maritime High School in Bakar in 1986 and earned her degree in Nautical Studies from the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka in 1991. She obtained her Master Mariner certification in 1993 and later completed an advanced university degree in maritime transport engineering. Her career at sea began as a cadet in the merchant navy, followed by service as third and second deck officer on international vessels during the early 1990s.
Reflecting on her early years at sea, she explained how difficult it once was for women to enter the profession:
“When I started sailing, all doors were closed to women simply because we were women. We had to know three times more than our male colleagues in order to succeed.”
Despite these barriers, Brenko-Škerjanc persevered. After several years in the private insurance sector, where she successfully established and managed new operational departments, she joined the Harbour Master’s Office in Pula in 2005. Through dedication and expertise, she advanced from nautical officer to Head of Inspection Services and, in 2016, became Harbour Master of Pula.
Today, she oversees maritime safety, inspections, search and rescue coordination, and the management of port authority offices across the Istria region. Under her leadership, the Pula Harbour Master’s Office has handled several demanding maritime emergencies, including major pollution incidents, rescue operations, and the response to the collapse of the offshore platform Ivana D.
Beyond her technical expertise, Brenko-Škerjanc emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience, qualities she believes are essential for effective leadership in maritime administration.
Women Driving Change in Jadrolinija
Representing Croatia’s national ferry operator, Marija Zaputović Mavrinac offered insight into the evolving role of women within Jadrolinija. With more than 17 years of experience in strategic communications and management, including 13 years within Jadrolinija, she currently serves as Board Member and Deputy President of the Management Board.
An economist specializing in marketing management, Zaputović Mavrinac has led corporate communication strategies, branding initiatives, and organizational transformation processes within the company. She played an important role in developing Jadrolinija’s ESG strategy and modernizing the company’s communication channels and public image.
During the discussion, she highlighted that although women remain underrepresented among seafarers aboard Jadrolinija vessels, they occupy a significant number of positions across administration, operations, communications, and management.
“As the national shipping company, we promote gender equality both ashore and at sea. Women are often more self-critical, but events like this send a strong message that women can work equally and successfully in every segment of the maritime industry,” she said.
Her remarks underscored the importance of creating professional environments where women can develop leadership skills, contribute strategically, and pursue long-term careers in maritime transport.
The New Generation of Female Officers
Chief Officer Ivana Jeličić and Third Officer Barbara Kosec represented a younger generation of women navigating modern maritime careers with confidence and professionalism.
Born in Split and raised in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Ivana Jeličić grew up in a seafaring family. Although she initially attended a general secondary school instead of maritime school, her connection to the sea ultimately led her to study at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split, where she earned her master’s degree in 2017.
Since joining Jadrolinija in 2018, she has gained extensive experience aboard various vessels and currently serves as Chief Officer on the ferry Marko Polo. Speaking to students, she stressed that respect in maritime professions is earned through competence and commitment:
“If you show knowledge and dedication, you will gain the respect of your colleagues — both men and women — and be treated equally.”
Barbara Kosec, originally from Koper, Slovenia, graduated from maritime studies in Piran in 2014. Her maritime experience includes service on ro-ro passenger ships, high-speed craft, and megayachts throughout the Mediterranean, particularly on routes between Spain and North Africa. She also worked with the Harbour Master’s Office in Koper on maritime safety and search-and-rescue activities before continuing her career with Jadrolinija.
Currently serving as Third Officer aboard the ferry Brač, Kosec emphasized the importance of persistence and continuous learning:
“Through learning and perseverance, you build the character that defines you. Then your colleagues recognize your professionalism and respect your work.”
In addition to her maritime career, Kosec is also an accomplished painter whose maritime-themed artworks have been exhibited in galleries in Piran, reflecting the close connection between seafaring life and artistic inspiration.
Inspiring Future Generations
The event at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka demonstrated how the maritime industry is gradually becoming more inclusive, while also highlighting the importance of mentorship, education, and equal opportunities. The panelists encouraged students to pursue careers at sea and in maritime institutions with confidence, emphasizing that professionalism, responsibility, and lifelong learning remain the key foundations for success.
As the maritime world continues to evolve, events such as this serve not only to celebrate the achievements of women already shaping the sector, but also to inspire future generations to view maritime careers as a field of opportunity, leadership, and innovation.
