Sri Vijaya Puram, April 22: In a first for India’s maritime sector, an Indian-flagged vessel has set sail under the combined leadership of a female Master and a female Pilot, marking a significant development in command roles at sea.
The vessel M.V. Sindhu departed from Khidderpore Docks in Kolkata in the early hours of April 21, bound for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ship is currently en route to Sri Vijaya Puram, completing a voyage that has drawn attention for its historic bridge composition.
At the helm is Capt. Meera Uppadhaya, serving as Master of the vessel, while maritime pilotage support is being provided by Ms. Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi, who is guiding navigation during the voyage. The coordinated command marks the first recorded instance in Indian maritime history of a vessel operating with both roles occupied by women on the bridge.
The voyage highlights a shift in operational dynamics within the maritime sector, where technical navigation and command responsibilities have traditionally been male-dominated. The presence of dual female leadership in critical decision-making positions at sea reflects evolving participation in high-responsibility maritime functions.
The vessel’s departure from Kolkata’s Khidderpore Docks took place during the early hours, with the ship continuing its scheduled journey towards the island territory. The voyage forms part of regular maritime connectivity between the mainland and the islands.
Maritime coordination between the Master and Pilot plays a crucial role in ensuring safe passage, particularly during navigation through complex coastal and harbour routes. In this instance, the collaboration at the bridge level has been noted as a defining feature of the voyage.
The development adds to a growing list of instances where women have taken on advanced technical and command roles within India’s shipping and navigation ecosystem. It also reflects broader changes in workforce participation across specialised maritime operations.
The vessel continues its journey towards the island destination, maintaining operational protocols under standard maritime procedures.
