BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China had a total of 41,115 female registered seafarers as of the end of March, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has said.
The number of female captains and officers with valid licenses had amounted to 423, according to the MOT.
Cao Desheng, director of the maritime affairs bureau of the Ministry of Transport, said China stresses the education and training for female seafarers and is dedicated to improving gender equality in employment.
The development of modern marine technology and automation systems have effectively reduced seafarers' workload, providing more opportunities for females, Cao said.
The Day of the Seafarer, established by the International Maritime Organization and celebrated on June 25, will be themed "I am on board with gender equality" this year.
China has unveiled various measures to ensure vocational equality for female seafarers, including treating females equally in enrollment in maritime academies or in maritime training, Cao added.
