In the same boat with Megan & Jasmine

Safety first: no shortcuts, no exceptions 

Before we even stepped offshore, the protocols struck me. To enter the maintenance base, every visitor had to pass a 100% safety assessment; no shortcuts; no partial passes. I failed more than once, and so did the British visitors accompanying us. It wasn’t about language barriers; it was about precision. Safety here isn’t a checklist; it’s a mindset.

Once inside, the feeling was unmistakable. Every step, every movement was monitored; every detail mattered. From the right gear to the right attitude; care was everywhere. As Jasmine later shared, “Our main goal is to ensure everyone comes to work safe and goes home safe. Working as part of a team is crucial because your teammates are all you have when you’re out there.”

Life onshore: confidence and collaboration 

Conditions at the maintenance base were smooth and sunny. Megan and Jasmine greeted us with easy smiles, their confidence shining through the fluorescent jackets and harnesses. They were young, but their presence carried weight, the kind that comes from knowing your work matters. They joked about the weather, teased each other, and shared stories of their first offshore trips. There was laughter, but also a quiet sense of responsibility. Offshore, there’s no room for mistakes. As Megan told me, “The culture here thrives on support and teamwork.”

Heading offshore: resilience in action

We started by capturing their routine at the maintenance base, early briefings, gear checks, and Jasmine lifting specialized tools and replacement components onto the vessel, gear essential for troubleshooting electrical systems and performing maintenance inside the turbine nacelle.

Although the sun was shining, the sea conditions were challenging, and the vessel swayed noticeably. About 35 minutes into the journey, two crew members became severely seasick. Offshore, seasickness only worsens with time and eases only when you’re back onshore.

The team made the unanimous decision to turn the boat around; a call driven by safety, not convenience. In fact, the weather stayed bad for days, and the technicians couldn’t go offshore. Jasmine didn’t hesitate; she stayed close to the sick crew members, checking on them, offering comfort, and making sure they were okay. Her calm, caring presence was deeply moving. In that moment, I saw not just a technician, but a leader. The kind of leadership that shines when you’re literally and figuratively in the same boat. Offshore, there’s no backup plan; just each other.

Their journeys: passion and purpose

So what brought them here? For Jasmine, it was a love of engineering and a desire to grow. Her passion was sparked by her grandfather’s offshore stories, a detail that makes her journey even more meaningful. As she explained, “Doing an apprenticeship helped me build my confidence. It gave me the drive to put myself out there and want to learn more.”

Megan’s story began with a family tradition of working with hands. As she said, “My dad and grandparents were in engineering and construction, so it inspired me.” University wasn’t for her, so she chose an apprenticeship. “Getting paid to learn was brilliant.” Today, she’s in her fourth year and preparing to lead her own team. “It’s a little daunting; but exciting. The support here is amazing; they’re just as proud of me as my own parents.”