Holma’s story embodies a quiet revolution. The maritime industry — traditionally perceived as a male-dominated world — is undergoing a profound transformation. More and more women are taking command positions, redefining, with their unique talent, the boundaries of the professio

“My course was clear from childhood,” says Holma Miia Joanna, Staff Captain at Silversea, whom we had the opportunity to speak with during her time at IMAT, where she attended the Bridge Resource Management (BRM) course. At just five years old, she often accompanied her father to the port: “Back then,we could walk all the way to the quay. In my hometown, only cargo ships called, never cruise vessels. For me, it was obvious: I would become the captain of a commercial ship.” That childhood promise became her compass: “I remember telling my father, ‘I’ll be the captain of that ship.’ From that moment on, I lived with the determination to keep that promise.”

 

Holma turned her childhood curiosity into a career built on competence, discipline, and a spirit of inclusion — facing, with determination, the inevitable obstacles encountered along the way.
“It’s essential to develop a certain thick skin,” she confirms. “You can’t be overly sensitive. I spent fifteen years on cargo ships, often as the only woman on board. Adaptability is crucial, but the key to earning respect is professionalism.”
When asked what advice she would give to young women aspiring to command, she replies with pragmatic clarity: “It’s a profession that offers extraordinary opportunities, but it requires an honest awareness of what it means to live far from home. Fortunately, the industry has changed — today there are many career paths, especially offshore, that allow you to balance ambition and family life.”
Her testimony offers a concrete picture of a profession in evolution — one where female presence is no longer an exception, but an asset. A value to be nurtured through continuous skill development, which she had the opportunity to refine at our Centre.
“Continuous training is at the heart of professional growth. My experience at IMAT was extremely positive,” she emphasizes. “The teaching approach is modern and interactive — an essential aspect, especially in high-standard companies such as Silversea, where BRM expectations are exceptionally high.”
She adds: “The combination of simulations and engaging classroom sessions is an excellent method for learning advanced operational and leadership concepts.”
Today, the little girl who once dreamed among the quays has become a symbol of determination and expertise. The story of Holma Miia Joanna shows that — at sea, as in life — the longest voyages are accomplished through the strength of passion and the pursuit of excellence in training.