To commemorate International Women's Day in the Maritime Sector (May 18), we interviewed talented women who collaborate with Grupo Industrial Durandco and Blue Marine in senior management.

In this space, we asked a series of questions to Luz del Carmen Loyo Hernández, deputy director of QHSE (Cd del Carmen). She is originally from Córdoba, Veracruz, and has been in the maritime sector for 20 years.

What are your main responsibilities within the organization?

Ensure the implementation of procedures and policies. Of course, this must be aligned with current regulations, and aligned with an integrated management system that allows us to act from risk prevention through plans and programs that we develop. The intention is to prevent and avoid accidents.

Why were you interested in working in the maritime sector?

In fact, everything that surrounds the boats is very interesting. I think it is very important that all processes — including regulations and all international codes, from the construction of the ship until it is ready for operation — are carried out. I really think it's all exciting. These are a series of interesting factors that have to do with a boat, which is nothing more like what we see on the deck.

I came to the maritime sector because my profession at the undergraduate level is chemical engineering. So, the first participations I had in boats were in the part of the processing plants of some vessel. That was the way I ventured into and became passionate about the maritime sector.

What struck you about Blue Marine?

Blue Marine is a company that stands out for its personal treatment: our rights are always respected and the management side is very aware that employees are doing their work safely, but also that they are satisfied while meeting the organization's objectives.

What inspires you every day to go to work?

Something very important that has to do with the particular function that I perform is the fact that I know that the staff will return home safe from work, that is, with their physical integrity as they arrived, without having had any accidents. That's what makes us feel or what makes me feel inspired to say “the effort that is made is worth it”.

What does International Women's Day in the Maritime Sector mean to you and why do you think it's so important to celebrate it?

I think the importance is that at the society level or at the community level we must spread the idea that all women can be incorporated into this type of work that was formerly “only for men”. Nowadays there are more and more women and, of course, I think that's good.

How do you feel when you see that more women are collaborating in key positions within boats?

It is a great pride to see that female talent is adapting and also getting more and more involved in this sector and above all in an outstanding way. The activities that our colleagues are doing are not simple things, they require preparation and as such they have committed themselves and are doing very well.

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