The Empowering Women in Hydrography project is a global effort led by the International Hydrographic Organization and Canada that seeks to initiate, organize and track a series of activities and initiatives which will enable more women to participate equitably in the field of hydrography and to assume leadership roles within the hydrographic community. NOAA is contributing to the project via an ‘at-sea experience’ on NOAA hydrographic ships for three women each year over the lifespan of the project. After a global call for nominations, three women were selected to join NOAA ships for the 2024 survey season. Lieutenant Beltran Liced, from the Columbian Navy, joined NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson from 23 September to 2 October 2024, while conducting surveys off the coast of South Carolina.
Introduction
I am Lieutenant Beltran Liced, and I belong to the Colombian Navy. Currently, I serve as the Head of the Marine Environmental Protection Section at the Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center of the Pacific, part of the Colombian General Maritime Directorate. I am a professional in physical oceanography and obtained a Category A hydrography certification from the International Hydrographic Organization in 2020. I am grateful for the opportunity to have this great experience aboard NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. I would like to thank all the crew members, the International Hydrographic Organization, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for this wonderful opportunity, especially Starla Robinson and Julio Castillo, for their support, guidance, and unconditional assistance throughout the process, which made this an unforgettable experience aboard Thomas Jefferson.
Marine Experience
This experience aboard Thomas Jefferson began on September 23, 2024, and concluded on October 2, 2024. Together with Starla Robinson, we were picked up at a marina in Charleston, South Carolina and boarded a small boat for shallow water hydrographic surveys. I found the tools and cranes used to hoist the boat onto the vessel very interesting, as they are quick and safe, facilitating bathymetric surveys in both shallow and deep waters. Additionally, these boats are equipped to meet all the needs during a hydrographic survey.
After boarding Thomas Jefferson, I received a brief orientation about the ship, familiarizing myself with its various departments and public spaces. The orientation also included assigned meeting spots during emergencies, dining areas, and where routines and schedules are posted for activities aboard the ship. Starla showed me around the vessel and introduced me to the crew members. I settled into my assigned accommodations, which I found very comfortable and welcoming.
The next day, I began training activities in the hydrographic survey office, where Starla explained the different software used and the strategic layout of equipment to enhance data collection efficiency. She also provided me with a folder containing manuals that detail how to configure and start each program and the various tools. I found this approach to be very educational and useful for preventing errors and training additional personnel.
It’s also worth noting the continuous communication between the bridge and the survey office. It’s fascinating how officers must learn and support the hydrographic team during survey and processing shifts.
I was assisted by the hydrographic team in charge, and all my questions were warmly received and generously answered, which made learning easier and more comfortable. They gave me time to familiarize myself with the system, which is the best way to learn. This allowed me to engage in various activities, such as communicating with the bridge and collecting data from the sound profiler. I also had the opportunity to process and generate a surface from some lines that had been collected during navigation, which enabled me to learn about programs and methodologies I wasn’t familiar with, making data processing more efficient and quicker.
I also had the opportunity to collect sediment samples in some of the areas where the bathymetric surveys were conducted. I enjoyed this experience as I have a strong passion for fieldwork and am experienced in sediment sampling. It was particularly fascinating to observe two different types of sediment, as well as some animal life.
Finally, I was able to observe how the ship’s crew reacts to events such as a vessel in distress and a hurricane. It was impressive to see the clarity in each of their roles, as well as the knowledge and contributions of everyone on board.
I also want to highlight the incredible women who accompanied me during this wonderful experience. Their importance in all the ship’s activities is evident, and they are essential to fulfilling its mission. As a military woman myself, I understand the significant challenges one must overcome to reach high ranks and important positions, so it was particularly inspiring to have a female commander. This experience was deeply rewarding and motivating, especially due to the support and guidance from the entire team before, during, and after this beautiful journey.