Announced at the 2026 Maritime SheEO conference, the survey will build a much-needed evidence base to guide practical recommendations for the industry, regulators and support services.
Mumbai, 27 October 2026:Maritime SheEO has announced plans to conduct the industry’s first formal global survey on the experiences of women maritime pilots at the 7th annual Maritime SheEO Conference in Mumbai. The Seafarers’ Charity has joined Maritime SheEO as its 2026 Research & Innovation Partner and will fund the survey and resulting report.
Maritime pilots perform a demanding, highly responsible role that requires exceptional skill, judgement and resilience. As seasoned professionals, they are well established in their careers and confident in speaking up. Yet like seafaring, pilotage is a male-dominated field. While women seafarers have been the subject of considerable research, little is known about the experiences of women pilots. When safety concerns are dismissed, sexist treatment goes unchallenged or career progression is undermined, the consequences extend beyond individuals, potentially eroding safety culture, silencing concerns and compromising safety across the industry.
This project will create a much-needed baseline of data on women’s experiences in maritime pilotage, while informing practical recommendations for industry stakeholders, regulators, and support services. Its findings are intended to build a clearer understanding of the barriers and opportunities women face and to help shape the measures needed to attract, retain, and support them in the profession.
Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder of Maritime SheEO, said: “Maritime SheEO’s online community for women pilots has grown to nearly 120 members, whose shared experiences will help shape the survey and report. By providing formal, anonymised evidence that these issues are systemic, the initiative will support women who choose to speak out and inform constructive discussions with port authorities, maritime administrations, port operators, pilotage associations, and support organisations. We are proud to partner with The Seafarers’ Charity on this important work, which reflects our shared commitment to empowering people, amplifying their voices, and driving systemic change.”
The project will be guided by an advisory panel of women pilots, who will help shape the survey and ensure it reflects the realities, priorities, and needs of those it aims to serve. This co-creation approach is central to the initiative: by placing women maritime pilots at the heart of its design, Maritime SheEO aims to ensure the research is clear, relevant, and genuinely led by the community it represents.
Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, said: “As global trade grows and the shortage of certified ship officers intensifies, the industry faces rising localised shortages of experienced maritime pilots. We are glad to support Maritime SheEO’s work to understand the barriers facing women in the profession, support those already working in pilotage, and create clearer pathways for more women to enter and thrive in the industry. By amplifying their voices and informing practical action, this survey will help ensure women maritime pilots are heard, valued and supported in their workplaces.”
The survey will launch in December 2026 and remain open until March 2027. Its findings will be published in a report launching on 18 May 2027 to mark International Women in Maritime Day.
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About Maritime SheEO
Maritime SheEO is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering women in the maritime industry. Founded by Sanjam Sahi Gupta in 2019, our mission is to create opportunities, foster leadership, and promote diversity and inclusion within the maritime sector. Through leadership accelerator programs, advocacy efforts, and a supportive community, we aim to inspire and equip women to thrive as leaders and change-makers in the maritime world.
About The Seafarers’ Charity
The Seafarers’ Charity has been improving the lives of those who work at sea, and their families, for over 100 years. Established in 1917 as The King George’s Fund for Sailors, to support the families of seafarers lost at sea during World War One, we support seafarers throughout their seafaring careers and beyond. We are the largest independent grant funder of maritime welfare charities – with at least £2m in funding injected into supporting the safety and welfare of seafarers every year.
