First woman deputy harbour master for Durban

SOUTH Durbanite, Pinky Zungu is the newly appointed deputy harbour master – nautical for the Port of Durban.

Zungu was selected as a development candidate in 2001 by Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) and has proven herself since then, becoming one of the first three women in Africa to get a marine pilot open licence a decade later.

Before this, Zungu, who hails from Lamontville, signed up to do maritime studies at the Durban University of Technology because she had a desire to travel the world and would be able to do so for free while working on ships.

“I didn’t realise this came at a price. While I got to see most of Europe and West Africa during my cadetship with Unicorn, I spent the first eight months on a bulk carrier as the only woman in a crew of 28 Russian men. The only person who could speak a little bit of English was the captain.

It’s a tough environment for women. On board you have to have the physical and mental strength to perform the role. Only when you’re on land you can put on your skirt and heels and be a lady again,” said Zungu.

Following this, she finished the compulsory oral examination with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and achieved a class three ticket to be a junior deck officer, responsible for auto piloting vessels and managing safety equipment. Not ready to quit yet, Zungu trained further and became a tug master then junior pilot, before moving through the licence grades until she obtained her open licence.

“Being a marine pilot is a huge responsibility. You have to study the sounding charts daily and have an accurate mental picture of the sea-bed. You have to know what’s underneath you including port depths, as the equipment on board the visiting ships doesn’t always work.

When you bring in a vessel you take over from the captain and all the decision-making is up to you. It’s you and the ship. You are on your own and it can be stressful as you are piloting someone else’s vessel. While the new container ships and auto carriers are extremely responsive and cruise liners even more so, some vessels (usually bulk carriers and tankers) are underpowered. You have to be prepared for any emergency including engine failure and other factors beyond your control, such as a sudden change in the weather,” she said.

With seven years’ experience guiding vessels up to super tanker and mega container vessel size, Zungu is the ideal candidate for her new role. She also plans to inspire a new generation of women in the maritime industry.

As deputy harbour master, her duties include incident management; co-ordinating with the dredging department; ensuring vessels carrying dangerous goods observe control measures and safeguarding the port, while one of her main priorities is managing the marine pilots.

“I have the technical, hands-on experience to provide guidance and assurance. From this position I will also have an overall view of what is required to ensure safe operations,” she added.

The mother of three has been able to achieve these heights through the support of her husband, an eThekwini Municipality senior lifeguard who grew up with her in Lamontville.