Women’s success stories in the business world are always inspiring. However, a woman who has reached the top in the male-dominated profession of captaincy is not only a personal success but also a symbol of revolution.
Sema Yıldız Küçük turned her childhood dream into reality with her love for seafaring and proved with her determination that women can also have a place in this challenging profession.

From Dreams to Horizons: The Birth of a Captain

Born in Bayburt in 1965, Sema Yıldız Küçük grew up in a city far from the sea, but the sound of waves was always in her heart. The sailor outfits she wore as a child represented her first connection to the sea.
After graduating from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Economics, Department of International Relations, she worked in various fields. However, her love for the sea never faded. After retiring, she began maritime training and obtained her professional captain’s license, crowning her dream on a meaningful day like July 1st Maritime and Coastal Shipping Day.

The Challenges and Joys of Being a Female Captain

Being a captain is a profession that requires discipline, attention, and a high level of responsibility. For female captains, this path is often twice as difficult.
“Women are not easily accepted in this profession. You can’t have a regular life, you usually work with men, but you can’t give up,” says Captain Sema, emphasizing her determination with these words.

She describes the magic of being at sea with these words:
“The sea gives you a sense of infinity; it liberates you, but at the same time, it teaches you that you must respect it.”

The Rise of Women in Maritime

Sema Yıldız Küçük stands out not only for her own success story, but also as a role model guiding young women interested in this profession.
Captain Sema, who hopes to see an increase in the number of female captains, addresses young people with these words:
“This profession requires courage and determination. Believe in yourself, be idealistic, don’t give up. Maritime work offers great opportunities for women not only in captaincy but also in areas such as seamanship, hostessing, and cooking. Anyone can be successful in this field, regardless of gender.”

Perseverance and Composure in the Face of Adversity

Sema Kaptan’s maritime journey bears traces not only of success but also of a struggle for survival.
She describes a technical malfunction she experienced in bad weather off the coast of Silivri in 2023:
“If we hadn’t been on a twin-engine boat, we could have capsized.”
This experience shows that in seafaring, preparation is as vital as knowledge, and caution is as vital as courage.

An Inspirational Name for Turkish Women

Sema Yıldız Küçük is not just a captain; she is a Turkish woman who never gave up on her dreams. By turning her childhood passion into reality and carving out her own place in a male-dominated industry, this powerful figure now inspires hope and courage in many women.

In her own words:
“Women can achieve their dreams by working, learning, and never giving up on their goals. What matters is courage and belief.”

Sema Yıldız Küçük’s story reflects not only one individual’s potential but that of all Turkish women. Her journey is a call that extends beyond the seas, urging women to become more visible, stronger, and freer in every field.