April 7th, 2025
Daughter of a fisherman, Athénaïs chose to chart her own course along the rivers. Now a helmswoman at CFT, a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group, she shares a journey shaped by passion, discipline, and mentorship. Through her story, she invites us to discover a demanding yet little-known profession—and reminds us that the inland waterways are open to women too.
Hello Athénaïs, thank you for sharing your career and experience with us. To begin, what led you to choose a career on the water, and what position do you currently hold?
With a father who was a fisherman and a grandfather who also worked on the water, my choice might seem obvious. Because of how tough his job was, my father didn’t encourage me to follow in his footsteps aboard a fishing boat. But I loved going with him, and for me, it quickly felt like the right path. I just chose a different route—river navigation.
I studied at the CFA for inland navigation in Le Tremblay and joined CFT as an apprentice deckhand. My first boat, the Biarritz, left a lasting impression on me.
I progressed from deckhand to helmswoman, learning to steer under the captain’s supervision. I really enjoy piloting, which is why I obtained the necessary certifications to one day become a captain myself.
Why did you choose this profession?
Quite simply, I feel at home here. When you’re navigating, the scenery is always changing, and a good portion of the work takes place outdoors, which I find really enjoyable.
I’m curious by nature, and I love how versatile this job is. I’ve learned the various skills involved in deck work, and now I’m developing those required for piloting. It’s fascinating, because it requires knowledge of both the vessel and the river.
There’s also the bond you form with your unit. When you live aboard 24/7, you really get to know it—its strengths and its quirks. It’s like a real relationship!
Any advice for a new deckhand?
My first piece of advice: listen to your captain. Getting to know them well helps you anticipate their expectations and makes communication easier, especially during key or high-risk maneuvers.
Don’t try to skip steps: you need to be a good deckhand before you can be a good captain.
And even though this environment is still mostly male, these careers are absolutely open to women—they shouldn’t hesitate to take the plunge.
Photos : Gauthier Mignot - Sogestran
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