From the decks of a chemical tanker to the cargo control room, Hiroka Suzuki has proven that women can excel in one of the most demanding sectors of the maritime industry.
Rising from deck cadet to Second Officer (2/O), her career shows that skill, discipline, and resilience matter more than gender.
In this article, we follow her path from maritime university in Japan to the officer’s chair, uncovering the challenges she faced, the duties she mastered, and the advice she gives to aspiring seawomen.
Profile: Who is Hiroka Suzuki?
- Nationality: Japanese
- Current Rank: Second Officer (2/O)
- Vessel Type: Chemical tanker
- Trading Area: International waters with diverse port calls
- Specialization: Bridge navigation, cargo monitoring, safety management
- Career Timeline: Cadet → Fourth Officer (4/O) → Third Officer (3/O) → Second Officer (2/O)
Hiroka is one of the few female deck officers working on chemical tankers today.
She commands respect on the bridge and in port operations, handling navigational duties, cargo control tasks, and crew coordination during high-stakes operations.
Her ambition doesn’t stop here. Her ultimate goal is to become a ship’s Master (Captain).
Early Spark: Family, Stars, and Ships 🌌⚓
Hiroka’s fascination with the sea began at home. Her grandfather, a retired Radio Officer, often told her stories of life at sea.
Inspired by his tales of navigation and communication in the pre-digital era, she developed an early passion for maritime work.
As a child, she would spend hours gazing at the stars, dreaming of the day she could navigate under them.
That dream solidified into a career goal when she learned that, despite cultural and industry biases, women could pursue deck officer roles– even on tankers.
Training & University Life in Japan 🎓
To turn her dream into reality, Hiroka enrolled in a maritime university in Japan– a challenging environment where women represented only a small fraction of the cadet population.
Her training combined:
- Theoretical subjects: Navigation, ship stability, cargo handling, COLREGS, marine meteorology
- Practical sessions: Bridge simulator exercises, safety drills, cargo system familiarization
- Physical preparation: Shipboard endurance, safety-conscious at work, and emergency response training
Life at the university demanded both academic excellence and mental resilience.
She quickly learned that earning respect required outperforming expectations– a lesson that would follow her throughout her career.
💡 Pro Tip for Cadets:
If you’re aiming for a career at sea, especially on tankers, focus on building both your technical competence and physical readiness. Mastering the basics before stepping aboard gives you an immediate advantage.
From Cadet to Watchkeeping Officer ⚓📈
Hiroka’s first voyage as a deck cadet was both exciting and overwhelming.
Life at sea meant adapting to a strict routine, mastering shipboard safety, and proving she could handle the mental and physical demands of tanker operations.
Her progression:
- Cadet: Learned basic seamanship, assisted with mooring, stood bridge watches under supervision.
- Fourth Officer (4/O): Managed safety equipment, updated navigational charts, supported port paperwork.
- Third Officer (3/O): Took on full bridge watchkeeping, monitored cargo operations, manage firefighting equipment, and supervised deck maintenance.
- Second Officer (2/O): Responsible for passage planning, navigational watch, and coordinating with cargo teams during loading/discharging.
Each promotion came with new duties and higher expectations, but her focus on discipline, precision, and teamwork helped her excel.
Challenges at Sea – and How She Overcame Them 🌊💪
Working as a female officer on a chemical tanker brought unique challenges:
- Earning trust in a male-dominated environment
- Proving capability in both navigation and heavy-duty cargo work
- Cultural and language barriers in multinational crews
Hiroka overcame these by:
- Maintaining consistent professional performance on every watch.
- Taking initiative in learning beyond her assigned duties.
- Building rapport with colleagues through respect and reliability.
Her persistence gradually erased doubts, replacing them with trust and admiration from fellow officers and crew.
Practical Advice to Aspiring Seawomen 📚🌏
Hiroka’s guidance for women aiming for a maritime career:
- Master the basics before boarding – navigation rules, ship handling principles, cargo safety.
- Be physically prepared – tanker work demands endurance.
- Stay mentally resilient – criticism may be tougher at first, but consistency wins respect.
- Find mentors – guidance from experienced officers can accelerate learning.
- Value teamwork – cooperation is vital, especially in port operations and emergencies.
What’s Next: Her Goal to Become Captain 🏆🧭
Hiroka’s long-term ambition is to stand on the bridge as a ship’s Master. This goal is deeply personal – a promise she made to her father.
With her track record of discipline, professionalism, and leadership, she is well on her way to breaking more barriers for women in maritime.
Key Takeaways 📌
- Skill over gender: Competence is the ultimate equalizer at sea.
- Career growth is gradual: Each rank brings valuable lessons.
- Trust is earned: Consistency and initiative win over skepticism.
- Inspiration matters: Role models like Hiroka open doors for the next generation.
FAQs ❓
What does a Second Officer on a chemical tanker do?
They handle passage planning, navigational watch, and supervise cargo monitoring during loading/discharging.
How do you become a deck officer in Japan?
Graduate from a maritime university or college, complete sea service as a cadet, and pass the national officer exams.
Are women allowed to work on tankers?
Yes. Women meeting the same STCW and safety requirements as men can serve on all vessel types, including tankers.
What skills help cadets earn trust on board?
Competence in core duties, strong work ethic, physical readiness, and teamwork.
Call to Action 📣
Have your own maritime journey to share? Whether you’re a cadet, officer, or captain, your story can inspire others.
Submit your story to Captain’s Mode and help shape the future of seafaring.
May the winds be in your favor.
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