An Cosantóir

13 She also mentions the important work the Navy does in fisheries protection saying people looking at a map of Ireland just see the land mass. "Ninety per cent of what Ireland owns is under the sea and it is the Navy's job to protect that." While defence of the State is the Naval Service's (and the Defence Forces' generally) primary objective, fisheries protection is the "bread and butter" of the Navy. "In any one year I think we will do between 900 and 1,000 boardings. With nine ships, that is quite an achievement." Mary tells of her first boarding, "I was an Officer Under Training on the LE Aisling and it was actually a welcome diversion from seasickness to be speeding across the sea in a rib with the rest of the boarding party and then going on board a fishing trawler. It was so different to looking after equipment on board ship or my land-based duties." The fishermen, she said, "wouldn't exactly be pleased to see you but they wouldn't be aggressive, they knew we were just carrying out our duties and protecting Irish waters and enforcing the regulations. But taking part in something like that was also important in term of your own self-confidence." Mary talks with enthusiasm of all her experiences in the Navy and is keen to emphasise that the Naval Service is an equal opportunities employer. "We are equal, there is just not enough of us. The problem is recruiting young women. If they are in secondary school or university and looking at a future career, they don't see enough female role models in the Navy. That's something we have to look at." Recruitment to the Naval Service (and the Defence Forces generally) she said is ongoing but the real issue is retention. "The big issue is holding on to people, poor wages combined with the fact that you could be away from family for long periods means jobs in civilian life can seem a lot more attractive. Admittedly, it's somewhat easier for me because I am mostly land-based." However, Mary is keen to emphasise that young people (women and men) looking at what they might do with their lives would find life in the Naval Service answers a lot of their questions because of the variety of roles and unique experiences it offers. Every single appointment in the Defence Forces is open to either gender, she points out. "There are no restrictions on the jobs that women can apply for, and it's all merit based. On every recruitment team, on every interview board there are females. They know that by increasing their female membership they will increase their operational capability. Just as in the private sector, having a balance of males and females is to the benefit of the company. It's the same in the case of the Defence Forces." Her advice to young women in their careers, and in life generally, is to work at a job that gives them satisfaction and a challenge. "There is no point in sticking in an area or a job that you don't like for whatever reason. I think it's one of the best reasons to have a job where you love coming to work. You have to enjoy what you do and have a sense of pride and satisfaction." Improved family-friendly policies are also helping both men and women. "I'm very fortunate in that I have a very supportive husband, he is ex-military himself, so he has a full understanding of my role. Other people aren't as fortunate and the Defence Forces have stepped up to provide support and that is to their benefit as they spend so much time and money recruiting and training people that to retain them is the sensible thing." And is there ever resentment amongst her male colleagues about having a woman in command? "The Naval Service is known for having a good sense of humour. When you are on a small ship with 40 personnel for four weeks at a time there is a lot of banter, so I don't think you would join unless you were able for that. I don't think you would stay anyway." And that is certainly the case with Lt Cdr Lane: "I am in Haulbowline a long time at this stage and you tend to get used to it and think this is normal. Then on another day you are driving over the bridge to Haulbowline, you can see across to Cobh and cruise liners coming in, one of our ships heading out on patrol and another back coming in, there are recruits marching on the square and you realise how lucky you are." Over her 19 years Mary has many memories but a special one was the visit of President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina some years ago, to mark the sinking of the 'Lusitania.' "I was Liaison Officer for Mrs Higgins and it was a very special day. That's another thing about this job, the people you get to meet. I was Liaison Officer on another occasion for the visit of the head of the US Coastguard." As to the future, Mary - who is mother to 10-year-old Conor - says she is looking forward to it with the same excitement as on her first day. "I am very happy in my work and grateful for the wonderful experiences it has given me." LT. CDR. MARY LANE Mary seen here with President Michael D. Hiigins & his wife Sabina visiting Cobh for the commemoration of the Lusitania Mary exits the water at a Naval service Triathlon in Haulbowline

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