SHEROSE

Romeeta Bundela from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, is a proud role model for women in Maritime.

She became the first Indian female Electro Technical Officer (ETO) on a Maersk ship, a trailblazer in a field dominated by men.

Romeeta hails from Mumbai, and comes from a close-knit family of four. She brings over 6 years of maritime electrical experience, having worked 4 years as an Electro-Technical officer on cargo ships, where she was responsible for electrical and electronic systems, power management, automation, safety, lighting, refrigeration, and ventilation.

She later served 2 years as an Electrical Superintendent, providing daily electrical and navcom support and leading a large-scale LED project across 64 vessels, before joining the Carnival UK maritime team.

How education shaped her journey:

Romeeta completed her degree in Electrical Engineering from North Maharashtra University. Her journey into the maritime industry began when she made the decisive move to pursue the Electro Technical Officer (ETO) course at the Tolani Maritime Institute, marking the first step in her historic journey at sea.

After completing her ETO course, she went on to build a strong career, spending 4.5 years with Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies. She was the first Indian woman to join the shipping company in this position.

Her initial years were filled with challenges to prove herself in a field dominated by men.

Challenges:

The life of a seafarer is inherently demanding. Spending many months onboard, away from family and friends, with movement restricted to the vessel, places significant personal and emotional demands on seafarers.

She was stuck at sea near the China border for over nine months during the pandemic due to flight cancellations. It was a mentally and physically exhausting time for her.

She worked on cargo ships for five years before transitioning to cruise ships in 2023.

Presently, she is an ETO at Carnival UK, a cruise holiday company.

From small town to world traveller:

Her transition to cruise ships opened new horizons, and while serving aboard the Britannia, Romeeta fulfilled a long-held aspiration of travelling to different countries. For a girl who had never stepped out of her comfort zone in Jalgaon, she is today a world traveller, breaking gender stereotypes.

Recognition:

1. Special attendee on National Youth Day 2024- Invitation from the Government of India under Viksit Bharat vision by PM Narendra Modiji  - youth under 30 have achieved outstanding career in their respective field.

2. Exceptional Professional Achievement In seafaring award - by Marex and DG Shipping India 

3. Rising Star Award -Runner up - Maritime Sheeo 

4. The BAFTA Television Awards 2024 were sponsored by P&O Cruises, and she had the honour of being selected as a trophy bearer among all cruise employees.

Romeeta Bundela on Financial Literacy for Women:

Financial literacy is especially important for women because it gives them the confidence and control to make informed decisions about their own lives. When women understand how money works—saving, budgeting, investing, and managing debt—they are better prepared to handle everyday expenses as well as major life changes like marriage, motherhood, career breaks, or retirement. Financial knowledge reduces dependence on others, protects women from financial exploitation, and helps them plan for long-term security. It also empowers women to pursue their goals, whether that means starting a business, buying a home, or supporting their family. In a world where women often face wage gaps and longer life expectancy, financial literacy is not just a skill but a necessity for independence, stability, and confidence.