Female boat drivers in the waters of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. Photo: THUY TIEN
Ms. Nguyen Thi Da has been working as a ferry operator on the waters of Phu Quoc for nearly 15 years. Before moving to the island, her family made a living by operating ferries in Long Xuyen ward. However, with the development of land transportation, the number of ferry trips decreased. Income was insufficient to cover living expenses, so she and her family moved to the island hoping to find new opportunities. Recalling those early days, Ms. Da shared: “At that time, I didn't know what other profession to pursue. I was familiar with ferrying for a long time, so I continued the trade here. In the beginning, I wasn't used to the waves, and my hands trembled at the helm, but the need to earn a living forced me to persevere.”
According to Ms. Da, the job of operating a ferry on the sea is different from operating one on a river. The driver must constantly face strong winds, large waves, and unexpected weather changes. Even a moment of inattention can endanger both passengers and the driver. Years of experience have helped her observe the weather, recognize wind direction, and handle situations when the sea unexpectedly changes. Even so, each trip still demands a high level of concentration. “There are days when we’re taking passengers to small islands and it suddenly starts raining, the waves get strong, and everyone is scared. At those times, the driver must remain calm to safely steer the boat,” Ms. Da said.
Not only seasoned veterans like Mrs. Da, but the boatman profession also serves as a lifeline for many local women amidst economic fluctuations. Mrs. Nguyen Thu Hang, residing in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, was formerly a housewife, spending her days confined to the kitchen. Mrs. Hang recounted: “Previously, all household expenses depended on my husband’s salary. However, this income was unstable, and the economy faced difficulties, so I decided to step out of the kitchen and learn to drive a boat to find a livelihood.”
Initially, operating the boat at sea was not easy for Ms. Hang because she was unfamiliar with the waves. Her first trips were filled with anxiety as she had to handle unexpected situations at sea. After learning from experienced boat operators and accumulating practical experience, she gradually became more confident in her work. Earning a few hundred thousand dong a day helped her family cover their living expenses. “In the beginning, I was very scared and tired. The small boat would sway and rock whenever the waves hit, so I had to stand firm, gripping the steering wheel tightly with my feet,” Ms. Hang confided.
In this profession, working hours aren't measured in standard office hours but rather by the tourist season and tides. During peak season, when tourists flock to Phu Quoc to visit the islands, the boat drivers are almost completely exhausted. Boat trips follow one another from early morning until late at night. Some days, their lunch consists of just a quick sandwich or a glass of iced tea on the boat to be ready for the next trip. During the rainy and stormy season, when the sea is rough and the number of tourists decreases, they quickly adapt their livelihoods. With no tourists, they switch to transporting goods or taking fishermen from boats to the mainland and vice versa. The work changes with the weather but still revolves around the water and the familiar boat.
The job of a ferrywoman in the open sea not only demands good health and a thorough understanding of waterways and tidal patterns to ensure absolute safety for passengers, but also challenges the resilience of women. They are undeterred by sun and wind, and endure hardships, finding joy in the safety of passengers and using the stability of their family life as their motivation to strive.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-nu-lai-do-tren-bien-a490413.html
