DOHA
Determination, resilience, and courage to pursue an unconventional dream have earned Minoshka Rodrigues a place in Goa's maritime history as the first female life member of the Goa Maritime Officers Association (GMOA).
Having recently cleared her Class 4 Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations, Minoshka's achievement marks a significant milestone not only in her personal journey but also for aspiring women seafarers across Goa and India.
LOVE FOR MARITIME SECTOR
Born to Geofry Rodrigues and Jannet Rodrigues, Minoshka's path to the Merchant Navy was far from straightforward. Growing up, her dream was not shipping but serving the nation through the Indian Navy.
Her education began at Our Own kintergarden in Sanvorcotto, Cuncolim, before continuing at Maria Bambina School, Cuncolim, to study till Std 8. She later attended Holy Cross High School, Siolim, for her secondary education and completed her higher secondary studies at Pope John XXIII Higher Secondary School, Quepem, before moving on to engineering studies in Karnataka.
"I pursued science in higher secondary and later mechanical engineering because my only dream at that time was to join the Indian Navy," she recalls.
After completing her mechanical engineering from KLE Engineering College, Belgaum, Minoshka actively pursued opportunities in the defence sector and even cleared the AFCAT examination. However, during the screening process, she realised that stage fear and hesitation during group discussions were obstacles she struggled to overcome.
"That experience made me realise that perhaps the path I had chosen was not truly meant for me," she says.
Yet one thing remained unchanged — her desire for a career filled with adventure, challenges, and purpose.
"I always wanted a profession that would challenge me physically and mentally. I wanted a life beyond the ordinary."
Despite her engineering qualification, finding the right opportunity proved difficult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minoshka worked in several fields unrelated to engineering, including assignments with IPAC, LIC, and BPO companies, while searching for a meaningful career path.
At the time, she had little knowledge about opportunities for women in the maritime sector. Minoshka contacted companies seeking information about engineering roles onboard ships, but most responses were discouraging.
"I had absolutely no guidance about the maritime field for women," she says. "But I never stopped searching for what I truly wanted."
A turning point came when a friend casually mentioned the Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) course available for mechanical engineers aspiring to join the shipping industry. Encouraged by her sister, who helped her explore the field further, Minoshka decided to take the leap.
She enrolled at AMET University, Chennai, completed her GME course, and soon secured placement with Seaspan Crew Management, marking the beginning of her maritime career.
Her first assignment was aboard the vessel CSCL Sydney as an engine cadet. She later sailed on YM Wholesome as a trainee marine engineer, gaining invaluable practical experience at sea.
