Paulina Pacuła becomes the first female captain in the Polish maritime search and rescue service
The Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR) has announced a historic promotion. As of August 16, 2025, Paulina Pacuła has assumed command of a SAR rescue vessel, becoming the first woman in the history of the organization to hold the position of captain.
In brief
Paulina Pacuła took up the post of captain of a rescue vessel in the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service on 16 August 2025, as the first woman in the history of Polish SAR in that role. Paulina Pacuła began working at the Maritime Search and Rescue Service in June 2023 as the first female officer in the service's structures, having previously sailed on merchant ships as a seafarer and watch officer. At the end of August 2025, Beata Knazovicova, the first female captain at Polskie Linie Oceaniczne, will take command of the container ship Port Gdynia.
Paulina Pacuła pierwsza kapitan na statku Morskiej Służby Poszukiwania i Ratownictwafot. MSPiR SAR
Paulina Pacuła began her service in SAR in June 2023 as the first female officer in the agency’s history. Prior to joining SAR, she built her professional career in commercial shipping, working first as a deckhand and later as an officer of the watch. Within less than two years she progressed to the rank of captain, marking a record-breaking advancement.
Growing role of women in the maritime sector
Pacuła’s promotion reflects a broader trend of increasing female representation in senior and command positions across the maritime and rescue industries.
At the end of August 2025, another milestone will be recorded within Polish Ocean Lines (PLO). Beata Knazovicova will take command of the container vessel Port Gdynia, becoming the first woman in the company’s history to serve as master of a vessel flying the Gdynia-based carrier’s flag.
A new chapter in Polish maritime and rescue history
The advancement of Paulina Pacuła within SAR and the nomination of Beata Knazovicova in PLO are symbolic developments for the maritime industry. Both events represent a breakthrough in Poland’s shipping and rescue institutions, opening new perspectives for women in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
It is worth noting that women have already held and continue to hold significant leadership positions within the Polish maritime economy. Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, former president of PLO, now serves as a Member of the Polish Parliament (Sejm), while Beata Koniarska is a member of the management board of PGZ Naval Shipyard.
Female command in the Polish Navy
When speaking of women at sea, Lt. Cdr. Małgorzata Pająk also deserves recognition. She became the first woman in Polish naval history to assume command of the hydrographic vessel ORP Arctowski. Commander Pająk, a respected hydrographer and naval officer, took over command of the vessel in 2023, marking a new chapter in the Polish Navy’s history.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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