Romeeta Bundela, a trailblazer in the male-dominated maritime industry, has not only navigated the open seas but also shattered a proverbial glass ceiling, paving the way for a new generation of female seafarers. The 29-year-old from Bhusawal, Maharashtra, is the first Indian female Electro Technical Officer (ETO) on a Maersk ship, a journey that began with a cold reception but has since become an inspiring testament to her resilience and skill.

On her first day aboard a Maersk container vessel in December 2017, Bundela’s excitement was met with skepticism from her manager, who famously told her, “What are you doing here? This job is not meant for you.” As the only woman in a crew of 20 men, she faced months of challenges and preconceived notions. However, her proficiency at work and unwavering dedication quickly silenced all naysayers.

Bundela’s passion for a life at sea began early, and she broke barriers long before joining Maersk. She was the first woman to be admitted to the ETO course at the prestigious Tolani Maritime Institute, where she was the sole female student in a class of 40. This experience, she says, was instrumental in preparing her for the challenges she would face at sea.

Since her first voyage with Maersk, Bundela has continued to break new ground. She has rapidly advanced in her career, rising from ETO to senior ETO, and eventually becoming the youngest and first female Electrical Superintendent in the company’s history. After spending five years working on cargo vessels, she made a successful transition to the cruise industry, joining Carnival UK in 2023, where she serves as the second ETO.

Her journey is a powerful message of perseverance and determination. As she continues to inspire others through her social media channels, she offers a simple yet profound piece of advice to aspiring female seafarers: “Ignore negative comments. Keep your plans private until you achieve them.”