SOMETIMES this expanse of water is calm, allowing passengers to go on a deck and watch the sun set. Sometimes it becomes a raging mass lashing at the ship, causing it to rock violently - even causing sea sickness among rookie voyagers.

For 25-year-old Makhosi Mdadane, living at sea is a way of life.

KZN-born Mdadane is an intern navigator on the SA Aghulas.

The SA Agulhas is a research vessel that services three South African National Antarctic Programme research bases - Gough Island, Marion Island in the Southern Ocean and Sanae IV in Antarctica.

These research bases provide permanent year-round facilities for scientists involved in physical science, oceanography and biology research.

Recent projects at these bases have also focused on sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind power. This is in line with the challenges South Africa, like the rest of the world, faces to develop a green economy, thereby limiting the carbon emissions blamed for global warming and adverse climate changes.

Mdadane is part of the team running the ship on its trips to these research bases. She was also part of a crew that sailed from Cape Town last Saturday on a five-day trip to Durban. The voyage was part of the build-up to the COP17 in Durban.

Mdadane is taking her oral examination in December, which could see her become a qualified navigator. Her ambition is to eventually become a ship's captain.

A BURSARY HELPED HER STUDY FOR A CAREER

Mdadane says her first choice of career was to become a medical doctor. Instead, her family circumstances saw her eventually turning to maritime studies.

"My family could not afford to pay for my medical school studies. Fortunately a lady I knew, Nonhlahla Jele, who worked at the Durban port, told me about a course in maritime studies and that there were bursaries for students who wanted to pursue a career in the field," she said.

She studied for a diploma in maritime studies at the Durban University of Technology.

"I am glad I took this route because I enjoy what I do.

"Being the only female in the crew, it sometimes gets lonely on the ship.

"But my male colleagues are very supportive and treat me with respect.

"We also work awkward shifts because the ship runs 24-hours. You live like a soldier when at sea."

KEEPING US SAFE

As a navigator, Mdadane's primary responsibility will be to be aware of the ship's position at all times. This includes planning the journey, advising the captain of estimated timing to destinations while en route, and ensuring hazards are avoided.

The navigator is also in charge of maintaining the ship's nautical charges, that is, charts showing the ship's route and speed, navigational equipment and generally has the responsibility for equipment that help with weather forecasts.

It is essential for the captain to know what kind of weather the vessel will be travelling in.

The navigator checks to see whether there are any storms and then the captain decides whether to sail around them or not. The captain is also in charge of everyone on the ship.

He makes the rules and ensures they are properly implemented. He is the person whom everyone looks to when there is a problem. He also conducts safety drills.

A WOMAN'S JOB

This might sound like a tall order for anyone. But not for the girl from Marianhill in Pinetown. Mdadane believes she's up to the task.

"My dream is to become a captain in the next seven years."

Her other wish is that more women from disadvantaged communities would enter her field of work.

"We need more black women in this field. It is important for young people to know about these opportunities and grab them. Gone are the days when women were expected to become social workers and teachers

"All one needs is to do well in mathematics, science and geography and then the doors are open."

• Ido Lekota was part of the crew on the SA Agulhas as guest of the Department of Environmental Affairs.