Port of Newcastle Vessel Scheduler, Teneall Chapman was recently featured in the Women in Maritime social media campaign being run by the Nautical Institute of South East Australian Branch (NISEA).
My name is Teneall Chapman and I am a vessel scheduler at Port of Newcastle.
I began working for a grain exporting facility in Newcastle in 2011 as a laboratory assistant responsible for ensuring that product samples met exporting requirements. I had opportunities to broaden my maritime knowledge in subsequent roles in Geelong, Melbourne and Port Kembla. I worked as a control room operator, shift supervisor and an authorised officer on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. These experiences opened my eyes to other career avenues available within the maritime industry. I found that if you’re willing to work hard, show initiative and are open to re-locate for job progression, you can advance your career, even within male-dominated industries.
In 2016 my partner gave birth to our first child and I was fortunate enough to obtain a job that I love at Port of Newcastle. My current role of vessel scheduler works on a four-on, four-off rotation and has allowed me the opportunity to spend precious, quality time helping my son to learn and grow. I thoroughly enjoy the nature of my work and take great pride and responsibility in ensuring the efficient, safe and fair use of the harbour in relation to shipping operations.
I’m primarily responsible for creating the shipping schedule that determines the order and timing between vessel movements to maximise the use of the channel while adhering to strict ‘Ship Handling Safety Guidelines’ set out by Port Authority NSW.
I think it is an exciting time for women wanting to work in the maritime industry and campaigns like World Maritime Day give women exposure and insight into career paths and opportunities they may not have considered previously.
Find out more about NISEA’s ‘Women in Maritime’ campaign and read more profiles of inspirational women working in the maritime industry across the world here.