From the shores of Hitra to skipper on the bridge
At 24, Therese Samdahl already has responsibility for a vessel, its crew and demanding maritime operations. This is a career for anyone with an interest, motivation and a willingness to learn, she says.
In brief
Therese Samdahl has progressed from growing up on the shores of Hitra to becoming skipper of one of Abyss’ service vessels.
She discusses responsibility for safety and the crew, a varied working life, and the importance of trust and cooperation.
Her message is that maritime careers are for anyone with an interest, motivation and a willingness to learn.
For Therese, the sea has always been part of everyday life. She grew up on the shores of Hitra, surrounded by the sea that would later become her workplace. What began with a choice of upper secondary school course has taken her to the bridge of one of Abyss’ service vessels.
Responsibility that centres on people
As skipper, Therese is responsible for safety, navigation, planning, documentation and the crew. She also takes an active part in work on deck.
– A service vessel often has a crew of just 3–6, so the skipper spends as much time working on deck and at the pen edge as everyone else. Handling the vessel is only a small part of the day.
What matters most is that everyone gets home safely at the end of their work rotation.
Work for both mind and body
The working day begins with planning and a review of the assignment. No two days are the same, and Therese values the chance to use both her mind and her body.
On a small service vessel, people live and work closely together. Cooperation, openness and skilled colleagues who help each other are essential.
Long days of heavy work and rotational schedules can be demanding, but life at sea also offers the Norwegian coastline and encounters with dolphins, whales and orcas.
Finding her direction
Therese had not planned to become a skipper. She switched to aquaculture with science subjects to combine university entrance qualifications with practical experience.
She worked as a temporary employee at fish farms while at upper secondary school, continued as an apprentice at Mowi and later tried service vessel work and mooring operations.
Skilled teachers, colleagues and an experienced, inclusive skipper supported her development. After several years at Frøy Akvaservice, she joined Abyss when it took over the fleet.
One of few women in the role
As a skipper, Therese became one of the few women in this role at Abyss. She finds that commitment and hard work matter most and highlights the support and trust of her colleagues.
– If it can help more young women see the opportunities in maritime careers, that can only be positive. This is a career for anyone with an interest, motivation and a willingness to learn.
A workplace that invests in people
The trust of colleagues, managers and her employer has enabled her to progress from deckhand to skipper in just a few years.
Abyss offers experienced people who are willing to teach, a good working environment and opportunities to develop.
Looking ahead
Her goal is to keep developing as a capable, confident skipper, look after the crew and vessel, and deliver good results for customers.
Larger, more exposed sites and new technology require well-equipped vessels and broad expertise.
She sums up the job in three words: Variety. Challenges. Achievement.
– No two days are quite the same, and I get to work at sea with skilled people.
