Paulina Pacuła's appointment was announced on social media by Sebastian Kluska, the Maritime Search and Rescue Service director. The newly minted captain is a graduate of the Maritime School Complex in Poland's Darłowo. She first joined the local Search and Rescue Service in 2023.
"Initially, I sailed on merchant ships, where I gained experience as a seawoman and officer. Then, I saw a job offer for a Maritime Search and Rescue Service watch officer online. So, I submitted an application, I was invited for an interview - and here I am!"
- Paulina Pacuła told the local media outlet "Dziennik Bałtycki" at the time. Back then she already became the first rescue officer in the history of the service in Poland, as before her women only worked in the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers.
"She's been regularly taking part in rescue operations, sailing on a rescue boat and actively engaging in saving priceless human lives at sea"
- Poland's Maritime Search and Rescue chief pointed out proudly.
Now, Paulina Pacuła took things a step further - making history and proving that when a Polish woman sets her eyes on reaching a goal, there are no walls (or glass ceilings) able to stop her. Importantly, her appointment as captain is part of a broader trend of women's increasing presence in command positions in Poland's shipping and maritime rescue. At the end of August 2025, Polish Ocean Lines will mark a similar historic milestone, when Beata Knazovicova will take command of their container ship "Port Gdynia", becoming the first woman in such position in the company's history.
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Source: Dziennik Bałtycki, Trójmiasto.pl, Gazetamorska.pl