It is a challenge in trying to prove yourself in a male dominated profession.

So believes Els Schouten, one the first female engineers to work on the Bermuda Islander.

In spite of that, the Holland native insists she loves working on ships, and plans to continue sailing around the world for another four or so years.

The 24-year-old, who aided the Bermuda Islander's journey to the Island this week, has been working as an engineer for the past 18 months.

Her venture began in the Caribbean, on the container ship Echo.

"I've always wanted to work doing something technical since the age of 19," she said.

To that end, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Maritime operations.

"When I attended a college fair back at home, a woman at the college who was a teacher at a nautical college introduced me to the programme," she explained.

"When I first got started there were 20 people in my class and I was the only girl. When I graduated there were only about ten people in the class."

The engineer said she began an apprenticeship programme which included more females, however males once again became the dominant sex once she was assigned to a ship.

Her workdays onboard the Bermuda Islander begin with 8 a.m. call to the engine room when she does routine checks to ensure the boat is in good condition. The process usually runs until 5 p.m.

"Just when you think you have everything under control something breaks down, so it's an all day thing," Ms Schouten said.

In her downtime, she likes to read, watch television or just hang out with the crew. Many of her nights are spent on call.

She has been on the Bermuda Islander for five weeks. After she completes her 12-week contract, she faces the possibility of being assigned to a different ship.

Ms Schouten said: "The most challenging part of working on the ship is having to prove to the men that I can do certain things. Men are naturally stronger than females so I have to prove to them that I am capable. I always say to them, 'If you see me carrying an item then I obviously can lift it'.

"Sometimes I think to myself, 'Why do I even do this?' But I enjoy being here. If I stop sailing I don't know what I would do. But the one thing I really enjoy is the downtime."

She said that she keeps in touch with her family and friends by e-mail.

Although she has not yet had a chance to tour the Island, Ms Schouten said she plans to do so on one of her future trips here.

"I have had a chance to tour the Front Street area, where I bought Christmas gifts for my friends and family, but I want to rent a moped and see the Island," she said.

Her ultimate goal is to move into related shipping jobs on land.

Current master of the Bermuda Islander, Sergey Kolesov said of Ms Schouten: "I wasn't shocked to see a woman working onboard the ship, but to see a woman working as an engineer was surprising."

He said that she is an invaluable member of staff and that she gets along well with crew.

The M/V Bermuda Islander runs a weekly service leaving Salem, NJ Mondays and arriving in Bermuda Thursdays.

It is owned and operated by Bermuda International Shipping Ltd (BISL). Meyer Freight is its local agent.

The vessel specialises in full containers and other specialty 'break bulk' items including road trailers, project cargo, boats.