“I love my routine. I like getting all glam. That sounds ridiculous, but I do. I like being myself.”
Scarlett Barnett-Smith is far from ordinary, bringing her own vibrant style and flair to life on board. Picture her clutching her personalised pink mug, filled with her favourite coffee, in a cabin she’s transformed into a cosy sanctuary with touches of pink to remind her of home. A quick trip to the crew mess and you’ll find her savouring mint chocolate chip ice cream, a sweet moment she cherishes amidst busy days at sea.
But it’s not just about the little comforts; Scarlett’s passion for the ocean shines through everything she does. With each task she takes on, she’s navigating more than just the ship – she’s charting a bright future for herself and inspiring others along the way.
A lifelong passion for the sea
“I’ve always been attracted to the water... my dad got us little sailing boats when I was younger.”
For Scarlett, the sea has always been more than just a place; it’s been a lifelong source of fascination and joy. Her childhood was filled with days spent sailing and swimming alongside her father, moments that kindled a deep connection to the water. However, the idea of earning a license to navigate any ship of any size across the world seemed like a distant dream – until she discovered the pathway to make it a reality.
Scarlett’s journey to becoming an Officer
Transforming her passion into a profession required perseverance and grit. Scarlett embarked on a three-year cadetship; a rigorous training program designed to prepare individuals for a maritime career. With hard work and determination, she earned her “Officer of the Watch Unlimited” qualification, allowing her to sail professionally. Joining DFDS was the next pivotal step, where she found herself navigating some of the busiest waterways in the world.
Pride in the uniform
“I get in my uniform, which is something I’m very proud to wear. Not everyone, I think, enjoys wearing uniform but for me, it’s something I’m very proud of and I’m very proud to wear my epaulettes in the morning.”
For Scarlett, wearing her epaulettes each day is far more than meeting uniform standards – it symbolises her hard-earned achievements and unwavering dedication to the maritime industry. It’s a reminder of the vital role she plays in ensuring safe and efficient operations for colleagues and passengers alike.
More than just navigating
"My job, there's lots of parts to it. I'm not just loading the cargo, I'm also driving the ship, I'm also dealing with mooring operations, I'm constantly communicating with the bridge, so there's a lot of moving parts, but I enjoy being hands-on."
“I love being down on deck, I love working with the lads, and I really enjoy being in charge and being able to load the ship safely and ensuring everyone gets onboard in a safe manner and they enjoy their journey."
As an officer on the bridge, navigating one of our vessels through the bustling Dover Strait is both exhilarating and challenging. While many picture officers solely as navigators, her role extends far beyond steering the vessel. Scarlett is deeply involved in cargo operations, ensuring vehicles and passengers board safely and efficiently. The variety in her responsibilities keeps her energised, whether she’s commanding at the helm or collaborating hands-on with the deck crew to keep everything running smoothly.
Breaking barriers in maritime
“2% of the Merchant Navy are female, regarding deck and engine department Officers. So, as a female Junior Officer, to start with a company that’s actively ensuring that the future is there for women, I feel like it’s a real attraction... I’m very proud to sail as an Officer with DFDS.”
Scarlett represents a formidable force in breaking gender stereotypes in the industry. Balancing her current responsibilities with future aspirations, Scarlett is now only two licences away from achieving her Master Mariner certification. She dreams of one day captaining a vessel, a role she views not just as a personal achievement but as a pathway to inspire more women to step into leadership.
Through her work at DFDS, Scarlett hopes to show that the industry is evolving, creating space for a new wave of talent and diversity at sea.
Looking to the future
Behind every DFDS voyage are remarkable individuals like Scarlett who work tirelessly to make every journey possible. Often unseen by passengers, their dedication ensures safe, smooth and memorable experiences for all.
And Scarlett’s story doesn’t end here. She envisions a maritime world where women in leadership aren’t the exception but the norm. With her passion for inspiring the next generation, she’s paving the way for more women to set sail towards their own bright futures.
Want to learn more about Scarlett and the remarkable people who make your DFDS journeys possible? Meet the team Behind Every Journey and discover their stories.
