Fleet management limited (“fleet”) announces the promotion of ms. Deepti singh to the rank of master (addressed as captain). Captain singh is the first woman seafarer at fleet to achieve a promotion to the post of master, the highest rank onboard a ship, demonstrating an important step forward in fleet’s efforts to increase gender representation. Gender equality is a crucial focus for the third-party ship management company as it grows and develops its 27,000-strong workforce of seafarers.
“we are immensely proud of captain singh, her promotion was earned on strong merit, and it demonstrates the pathways available to excellent seafarers from all backgrounds,” said captain soma nair, director, fleet personnel department. “captain singh’s promotion strengthens the diversity we have at the helm of fleet’s ships and signals that the maritime industry is making important progress in gender representation.”
Captain singh was attracted to a career in the maritime industry at an early age, inspired by her father, a (retired) indian naval officer. He encouraged her break to the mould of traditional gender stereotypes and to pursue a career at sea. Graduating from the great eastern institute of maritime studies (geims), captain singh was motivated by the growing cohort of trailblazing women leaders in the sector, whose achievements she continues to emulate.
Captain deepti singh said, “women often encounter stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions in the industry, but none of them are difficult to overcome. The key is to remain resolute and focus on your goals.”
Industry bodies in india have been working hard to increase the number of women seafarers. Initiatives such as the maritime union of india’s (mui) recent ‘women in maritime’ event are galvanising efforts to attract and train more women.
“I encourage women seafarers who are entering the industry to focus on sharing knowledge with your colleagues on board, achieving results together, and always have belief in yourself,” said captain singh.
Fleet is committed to fostering a culture that nurtures talent and helps individuals develop their full potential, recognising that improved gender diversity, equity and inclusion helps to strengthen both organisations and communities.
The company has set a target to increase its intake of women seafarers by 10% every year, and continues to invest in career development, safety and wellbeing. Fleet has received industry recognition for initiatives such as its dedicated mental health programmes and specially designed personal protective equipment (ppes) for female seafarers.
Fleet’s commitment to dei onboard and onshore is covered in the working together section of our latest responsibility report, available for download here.
