From the quiet streets of  Bhusawal, Maharashtra, Romeeta Bundela once looked at pictures of ships and imagined herself navigating the endless blue. While most children her age dreamed of predictable careers, she felt a pull toward the unknown a world of waves, engines, and distant horizons. Little did anyone know that this small-town girl would one day break barriers at sea, becoming a inspiration  for women in maritime careers. After completing her electrical engineering degree, she discovered the Electro Technical Officer (ETO) course at Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune, a program no woman had ever pursued there. Undeterred, she enrolled, becoming the only female among forty students. That marked the beginning of a journey into uncharted waters, literally and figuratively.

Setting Sail Against Prejudice

In 2017, Romeeta’s hard work led her to a first job at Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies. On her first day aboard a container ship dominated by men, her manager bluntly said: “This job is not meant for you. You can go home.” Her heart pounded, yet Romeeta chose to stay. She let her work do the talking, mastering every electrical system and proving that skill and perseverance outweigh prejudice. By the end of her first contract, the same manager who doubted her gave a positive appraisal, acknowledging her dedication and ability.

The Role of an Electro Technical Officer

An ETO, or electrical officer, is responsible for all electrical, electronic, and automation systems onboard a ship. This includes managing power systems, control and automation systems, lighting, ventilation, refrigeration, and marine safety equipment. In simple terms, they handle every electrical wire, cable, and system, ensuring the ship operates safely and efficiently. Life at sea is notoriously tough. Long months away from family, scorching engine rooms reaching 50–55°C, and physically demanding work create unique challenges. 

For Romeeta, these were compounded by gender bias. Many colleagues assumed she couldn’t perform the role simply because she was a woman. The  pandemic presented another hurdle. Romeeta was trapped at sea for over nine months in China due to grounded flights. Wearing PPE kits, masks, and coveralls, she worked under extreme conditions, facing isolation and mental strain. Yet, she persevered, proving that a seafarer’s capability is not defined by gender.

Rising Through the Ranks

Romeeta’s hardwork  and expertise quickly propelled her career. Within four years, she advanced from ETO to Senior ETO, and then to Electrical Superintendent, handling 64 vessels at just 26 years of age. She oversaw electrical operations, implemented LED lighting projects, and provided technical support across the fleet. Her career milestones showcase talent, hard work, and leadership in a male-dominated field. In 2023, she joined Carnival UK, becoming the third female ETO in the cruise industry. Unlike merchant vessels, cruise ships offer larger teams, more interaction, and the chance to travel extensively. Onboard the Britannia, she explored Norway, the Baltic, the Caribbean, and Europe, immersing herself in diverse cultures while continuing to excel in her role.

Inspiring Women on International Waters

Romeeta’s journey is about more than personal success; it’s a story of breaking stereotypes and inspiring change. She is proof that women can thrive in physically demanding, technical, and high-responsibility roles traditionally dominated by men.

Her advice to aspiring female seafarers is simple but powerful.  “Don’t listen to what others say. People might say, ‘You’re a girl; what can you do?’ Don’t get demotivated. Focus on your career. You can do everything that a man can do, and more.” 

By achieving success in such a challenging field, she has created a pathway for other women, demonstrating that courage, focus, and determination can overcome even the toughest barriers. From a small-town girl imagining distant horizons to a world-traveling maritime professional, her story resonates with anyone who has faced societal limits. It is a reminder that dreams demand risk, perseverance, and belief in oneself.

For girls in India and across the world, Romeeta’s story answers a critical question: if she can take charge of wires, circuits, and systems on ships across oceans, what dreams are you ready to pursue even when the world says they’re not meant for you?