Action stations at women in maritime event

THE MARITIME industry’s challenge of turning diversity and inclusion policy into real operational change took centre stage in Port Kembla, where around 100 delegates gathered for an interactive Women in Maritime event - built firmly around the IMO’s 2026 theme, “From Policy to Practice”. The event was co-hosted by AMPI, WISTA, The Nautical Institute and AMSA.

Fittingly, the format of the event was geared around action and collaboration.

Delegates were regularly moved into workshops, discussions and collaborative sessions designed to push conversation into action, with the structure of the event itself reflecting the  message that real change requires participation, accountability and ongoing effort.

Delivering the keynote address, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality Michelle O’Byrne said “continuous reform” would be critical to improving inclusion, safety and workplace culture across the maritime sector.

Ms O’Byrne said lasting change relied on industries continuing to challenge old assumptions and remaining willing to adapt workplace cultures, leadership structures and career pathways over time.

She noted that inclusion efforts were not only about fairness, but also about building stronger, more sustainable industries capable of attracting and retaining future talent.

The event brought together representatives from industry, defence, unions, training organisations and government to explore how diversity, psychological safety and inclusion policies are being translated into day-to-day maritime operations.

Convenor and master mariner Amanda Brew said the event was intentionally designed to encourage open discussion and practical engagement, allowing delegates to contribute lived experiences and operational perspectives throughout the day.

Ms Brew also led one workshop examining the realities of remote and seagoing work, including isolation, family responsibilities, career longevity and the support systems needed to sustain maritime careers over the long term.

The Royal Australian Navy also shared insights into its “Keep it in the Green” behavioural initiative, a fleet-wide program aimed at encouraging respectful conduct and early intervention before inappropriate behaviour escalates. 

Nautical Institute past president Jillian Carson-Jackson tied the day’s discussions directly back to the “From Policy to Practice” theme, challenging delegates to consider whether organisational commitments to inclusion and psychosocial safety were genuinely reflected in workplace culture.

Drawing on NASA’s “four Ps” framework, philosophy, policy, procedure and practice, Carson-Jackson said lasting change depended on closing the gap between policy settings and operational reality.

“You have to see it before you can be it,” she said, highlighting the importance of visible representation, mentoring and leadership pathways for women across the sector.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from ports, energy, unions and maritime safety organisations explored both structural and perceived barriers to inclusion, with panellists arguing that reaching a “critical mass” of diversity could positively shift workplace culture, safety and organisational performance.

Marine pilot and chief executive of Safe Harbours Australia, Matt Shirley described diversity as a “superpower” for resilient organisations, while discussion also touched on attracting younger people into maritime careers, creating supportive workplaces and ensuring people felt safe to speak up.

 Maritime Union of Australia National Women’s Representative Angie Moore said that last year's Women in Maritime event, held in Hobart, had already led to tangible outcomes, including formal papers and ongoing advocacy work - reinforcing the event’s focus on action rather than symbolism. 

Closing the event, AMSA CEO Kaylene Doyle acknowledged the maritime sector’s traditionally male-dominated history while encouraging industry to continue building momentum across training, leadership and workplace reform initiatives.

The Port Kembla forum highlighted a maritime sector increasingly focused on embedding inclusion, psychological safety and cultural change into everyday operations, and ensuring the conversation moves well beyond policy statements alone.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.thedcn.com.au/out-and-about/international-day-for-women-in-maritime-event-2026?hsLang=en-au