After two decades in the marine industry and with little progress in protecting women, Kamila Calko, former BC Ferries captain and Canadian Coast Guard, decided to take action.

含羞草研究社淚 just had this light-bulb moment,含羞草研究社� Calko said.

On Saturday, May 4, Calko launched SeaLight and SeaLight Sisters, an advocacy service for women and an app that will connect with other female sailors at sea and in the industry.

含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檒l just keep evolving. We含羞草研究社檙e just starting,含羞草研究社� Calko said.

Conversations around keeping women safe while at sea have been needed for decades as the industry has not evolved at all, according to Calko.

含羞草研究社淲hen I started 20 years ago, the percentage of women in the marine industry was two per cent. Today it is still two per cent. Nothing has changed,含羞草研究社� said Calko.

According to Calko, out of the two per cent, only slightly more than one per cent possess the minimum qualification required, known as Standards of Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The remaining individuals, under one per cent, work either as officers or on the bridge.

The initiative launched by Calko is very important to create change in the marine industry, said Jason Woods, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 400.

含羞草研究社淣obody progresses alone. Everyone progresses together. The rising tide raises all vessels,含羞草研究社� Woods said.

Captain Lara Barrett, a captain with the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 25 years, said it is essential to try breaking the barriers women face in the industry.

含羞草研究社淚t was certainly missing during my career,含羞草研究社� Barrett said.

More information can be found on SeaLight含羞草研究社檚 website .

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