Sarah charts a bold new course at sea

At 37, Sarah Foster made a decision that would change everything. After more than a decade working in corrections, the Townsville local walked away from a stable career to follow something she had always known deep down – she belonged on the water.

Now, she’s helping lead resupply missions to Antarctica.

“I just needed a change,” Sarah said. “I’ve always loved the water – it’s my happy place. I got to a point where I thought, if I don’t try this, I’ll always wonder.”

That decision led her to the Australian Antarctic Division, where she secured a role as a Deputy Voyage Leader – a position responsible for coordinating complex maritime operations supporting remote Antarctic research stations.

It was a leap into the unknown, and one that paid off.

Her first voyage saw her travel to all three Australian Antarctic stations in a single mission, managing cargo operations across one of the most challenging environments on earth.

“It was long days, hard work, but I loved every second of it,” she said.

“I remember standing on deck, breaking through pack ice, with penguins on the ice and orcas swimming past. The sky was pink and purple. Everyone was just standing there thinking, this is something special.”

It was during that voyage that Sarah discovered a new career pathway – one she hadn’t even known existed.

“I didn’t realise maritime was an option outside the Navy,” she said. “Working alongside the crew, seeing what they do, that’s when it clicked. I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

Determined to make it happen, Sarah enrolled in the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) (MAR30924) at TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College in Cairns. The course opened the door to a whole new skillset.

“It was one of the most enjoyable courses I’ve done,” she said. “You’re learning everything – firefighting, lifeboat operations, welding, engineering. It’s hands-on, it’s practical, and you can see exactly how it applies on the job.”

For Sarah, the variety was a major drawcard.

“I love taking things apart and figuring out how they work,” she said. “And that’s what this career is. Every day is different.”

TAFE Queensland is now one of only four providers in Australia delivering the Integrated Rating qualification, positioning Cairns as a key maritime training hub and helping address a growing national skills shortage.

Integrated Ratings are in high demand across shipping, tourism, offshore energy and research sectors, with strong career pathways and significant earning potential.

“Sarah showed strong leadership and commitment throughout her Integrated Rating training and has a bright future at sea ahead of her,” Mr Gallagher said. “Qualified IRs are in high demand, and this pathway opens the door to a long-term maritime career.”

TAFE Queensland North region Faculty Manager Maritime, Donna Spencer, said the course is opening new opportunities for Queenslanders to enter a growing global industry.

“This course is about creating real pathways,” Ms Spencer said. “Students leave with the skills, confidence and capability to work anywhere in the world. It’s hands-on, it’s practical, and it directly connects to industry need.”

For Sarah, her long-term goal is clear.

“To be working on ships full-time as an IR,” she said. “Ideally back on the Nuyina. It’s an amazing vessel — you get to do cargo, research, refuelling – everything.”

Sarah’s journey hasn’t followed a straight line, and that’s exactly her message to others. “If you love travel, adventure, variety – just give it a crack,” she said. “It’s not always easy. You’re away from home for long periods. But it’s worth it.”

She is also passionate about encouraging more women into the industry.

“It’s still male-dominated, but it’s incredibly supportive,” she said. “I was welcomed straight away. There’s absolutely a place for women in maritime.”

For Sarah, the biggest shift has been backing herself. “I didn’t grow up thinking this was an option,” she said. “But once you realise what’s out there, it changes everything.”

Sarah’s story is proof that it’s never too late to change course – and that sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you didn’t even know existed.