Marine pilots reflect diversity

Terry Hutson THERESA WILLIAMS has become South Africa's first female marine pilot, after completing pilot training in the Port of Durban on May 22 this year. Within a day Williams was assigned to bring in her first ship, a freighter named Sea Pride, a name which, as no doubt all pilots do, she will remember for the remainder of her career. Asked later whether she felt nervous about having the responsibility of bringing an ocean-going ship safely into port, Williams replied with a grin, "I was excited and a little nervous and very conscious that many eyes were on me. The worst part was feeling all alone, but it really felt good when it was all over with the ship safely alongside". Only then was the shipÕs master advised that his ship had been her 'first'. She is one of a group of 12 candidates who were sent by Portnet to Rotterdam for a 3-month bridging course, with the aim of fast-tracking formerly disadvantaged candidates.