Navigating the Waters: A Woman’s Journey as a Riverboat Captain
Choosing a Career: A Leap of Faith
Choosing a career path is often influenced by chance encounters or pivotal moments in life. For some, it’s a childhood dream inspired by a movie; for others, it might be a failed exam or following a loved one’s footsteps, like the girl who joined the army after her boyfriend. Sometimes, it’s simply the place where you were born that shapes your destiny.
Meet Alexandra Khokhlova: A Riverboat Captain
We had the pleasure of speaking with 28-year-old Alexandra Khokhlova, a riverboat captain from Astrakhan. Alexandra shares her journey of navigating the challenges of working on the water and breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated field.
The Spark of an Idea
The idea to become a riverboat captain came spontaneously to Alexandra. Growing up in a city with a river school, she decided to enroll. Reflecting on her decision, Alexandra says, “It might have been youthful idealism or a challenge to society. Even now, 11 years later, I can’t quite pinpoint the exact reason.”
Education and Early Challenges
Alexandra studied at the Veliky Ustyug River School, now a branch of the Saint Petersburg Institute. Her specialization is “Inland Waterway and Coastal Navigation.” However, her journey wasn’t without hurdles. “Work on the fleet is not for delicate female hands,” she notes. “During my internship and after graduation, I faced difficulties finding employment. Captains often prefer strong young men over young women for their crews, both physically and mentally.”
A Day in the Life of a Riverboat Captain
Alexandra’s workday begins with a pre-trip medical examination. She then receives her daily assignments from the dispatcher and heads to her vessel. Her primary responsibility is to navigate the ship during her shift.
The crew consists of three officers: the captain, the mechanic, and Alexandra as the relief captain. Additionally, there are three motorists-helmsmen and three sailor-cashiers. During a shift, three people are on duty: the navigator (Alexandra during her shift), a motorist-helmsman who docks the ship and ensures passenger safety, and a sailor-cashier who tickets the passengers.
Support from Family and Friends
Alexandra’s family and friends are supportive of her career choice. “My parents are probably proud, although I’ve never asked them,” she says. Her friends and acquaintances have grown accustomed to her profession, and her husband, also a captain, understands her work well.
Challenges and Triumphs
Alexandra faced numerous challenges, from mastering mechanical knowledge to dealing with skeptical passengers and unpredictable weather conditions. She also encountered gender biases and occasional disagreements within the crew. However, her colleagues have always stood up for her when faced with criticism.
“The most challenging part of my job is docking and undocking,” she admits. “It requires considering weather conditions, currents, wind, and controlling the engine’s operation. Fortunately, the motorists are always ready to lend a hand and ensure I don’t get dirty with fuel oil.”
Breaking Stereotypes
When faced with comments about her profession not being suitable for women, Alexandra responds calmly. “Talk is cheap,” she says. “If someone thinks I’m not doing my job well, I challenge them to get the same education and experience, and then try to do it better. If someone says their wife can only make soup, well, that’s their loss.”
Dreams and Aspirations
Alexandra’s dreams are simple: she wishes for the health and happiness of her loved ones, a strong family, and a cozy home filled with children’s laughter. “These may not be career-related, but they are the most important things in life,” she reflects. “With a reliable support system, everything else falls into place.”
Hobbies and Interests
In her free time, Alexandra enjoys creating a cozy atmosphere at home, cooking, and occasionally indulging in creative pursuits like drawing. She once drew a picture of her husband’s riverboat. Her hobbies change frequently, reflecting her dynamic personality.
Gender and Professions
Alexandra believes that while professions can be categorized as male or female, there are always exceptions. “The key is a person’s passion and dedication to their work,” she says. “You must be more professional than your colleagues of the opposite sex to prove yourself. If you make a mistake, people will quickly point it out and say that someone of the opposite sex would have done better.”
Women in the Profession
Although Alexandra hasn’t met other female riverboat captains, she knows they exist, even as captains on sea vessels. She acknowledges the physical demands of her job and the challenges of maintaining her figure due to irregular eating schedules. When she needs to lose weight, she turns to intense sports, although she admits it’s hard to maintain long-term.
The Meaning of a Strong Woman
For Alexandra, a strong woman is not about physical appearance but inner strength. “Women don’t need to be strong if they have men by their side,” she says. “I don’t consider myself a strong woman; I’m just ordinary.”
