From Offshore Operations to Port Security with Gretel Velázquez Peña

In Episode 267 of the Women Offshore Podcast, we speak with **Gretel Desirée Velázquez Peña**, a Port Facility Security Officer at Hazesa in the Port of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. Gretel began her maritime career as a cadet at the Mazatlán Nautical School and has since worked across several areas of the industry. Her experience includes offshore operations on oil platforms as a Second Deck Officer, coordinating maritime traffic as a VTS officer, and her current role in port facility security. In this conversation, Gretel shares how each stage of her career has shaped her understanding of the maritime industry and the importance of commitment, discipline, and continuous learning. She also reflects on her experience as a woman working across different areas of the maritime sector and the importance of creating opportunities for more women to enter the industry, contribute their skills, and build careers at sea and ashore. Gretel was also recognized by Poseidon Farer as one of the “10 Women Who Inspire in the Mexican Maritime Sector.” This episode offers a look at the many career paths available within maritime and the experience of building a career across offshore operations, vessel traffic services, and port security.