Papua New Guinea
Two pioneering Papua New Guinean seafarers, Jamie-lee Baim and Lylellah Kunai, are set to embark on the next stage of their maritime careers through a new pilot program supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, through Australia Awards PNG.
As members of the first cohort of women to complete maritime cadetships at the PNG Maritime College, Jamie-lee and Lylellah have already helped redefine gender roles in an industry historically dominated by men. Now, they will take their training to the next level at the Australian Maritime College, where they will work towards achieving Chief Mate/Class I qualifications—among the highest level of professional certification in the maritime field.
This opportunity builds on their success as part of the Australia Awards In-PNG Maritime Cadetship Program, delivered in partnership with the Steamships Consortium (Steamships, Consort Shipping, Pacific Towing, and Swire Shipping). The program aims to support gender equality and create meaningful employment pathways for Papua New Guinean women in the maritime sector.
““I am honored to be one of the first women scholars to be selected for this scholarship. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia to study this program,” said Jamie-lee.
Lylellah agrees: “The exciting thing about being a seafarer is the vast opportunity to travel and, get to do the things that I didn’t think I would do. Through the Australia Awards Program and partners like PNG Maritime College, Pacific Towing and Consort Express Lines, this scholarship journey in maritime was made possible.”
Since earning their Mate Class 3 qualifications in 2021, both women have served as officers with Consort Express Lines, gaining extensive experience on vessels operating in both coastal and international waters. Jamie-lee also briefly served as Second Officer aboard YWAM Ship Kona.
The pilot initiative supports Australia Awards maritime alumnae to access advanced qualifications unavailable in PNG.
Over the next year, Jamie-lee and Lylellah will undertake a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) at the Australian Maritime College, a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania, gaining valuable experience and world class technical skills while expanding their professional networks,
Congratulations to Jamie-lee and Lylellah on their leadership, determination, and commitment to breaking barriers for women at sea!