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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PRESS RELEASE

14 May 2021

Female firsts for the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority

For the first time in Falkland Islands history, two women have been appointed as the Harbour Master and Maritime Officer for the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority. Joanna Cox will take on the role of Harbour Master and Lydia Hutchinson is the new Maritime Officer.

Jo is an experienced Master Mariner. Much of her career has involved regular visits to the Falklands, initially with BAS, where she spent 10 seasons sailing in all ranks from Cadet to Chief Officer on both the RRS James Clark Ross and RRS Ernest Shackleton. Jo then carried out the role of Government Officer on South Georgia between 2012 and 2014. In 2014, Jo joined the RRS Discovery, where she sailed as Master for 4 years, which included the vessel’s maiden visit to both South Georgia and the Falklands. More recently, Jo has been working on cross Solent ferries. Jo will be arriving in the Islands in June 2021.

Joanna Cox

Lydia began her career as a Radio Producer, Outside Broadcast Engineer and Trainer for BBC Local Radio for 5 years. She then worked for the Royal Institute of British Architects and then became a Development Manager for the Association of Port Health Authorities in London. Lydia had a career change in 2011 and became a Deck Cadet for Carnival UK (P&O and Cunard lines) studying at Warsash Maritime Academy. After qualifying she became a Third Officer and continued working for a further 5 years with Carnival UK. In 2019, Lydia studied an MSc in Environmental Consultancy at Plymouth University, during which time she learned a more practical application of environmental protection measures. Lydia arrived in the islands in May and is currently completing her mandatory 14 days quarantine; she is looking forward to getting to know the Islands, the people and the wildlife.

Lydia Hutchinson

Head of the Maritime Authority, Daniel Wood, said: "We are thrilled to be able to welcome Jo and Lydia to our team, and between them they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Both ladies completed their inspector training which enables them to hit the ground running when their quarantine period ends. It is also a great honour to be able to say that they are the first female appointments within the Maritime Authority here in the Islands and I know that they will do their profession proud."

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