The evolution of the female technician experience

Photo: BoatingIndustry

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The marine technician role is a hard job that requires technical knowledge, stamina, and the ability to problem solve. Being a female marine technician presents some additional challenges, from not having consistent access to a women’s restroom to being discredited because of gender. Has the situation improved over the last decade?

Cindy Tufts, ABYC Master Technician at Town and Country Marine Services in the Virgin Islands, switched careers to join the marine industry after her youngest child started high school. “I was suffering burnout as a massage therapist when I started at IYRS School of Technology & Trades (Newport, Rhode Island) to become a marine technician, so I was excited to start my new career and take the first step in my new life dream,” said Tufts. She achieved her first ABYC Certification in 2012 and became an ABYC Master Technician in 2013.

Go to this link to read the full article published by BoatingIndustry https://boatingindustry.com/news/2025/06/23/the-evolution-of-the-female-technician-experience/