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In a first for Russian Navy, all-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol

In a first for Russian Navy, all-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol

Russian Navy

In afirstfor theRussianNavy, anall-femalenavycrewcarried outpatrols on theBlackSeaon Friday in preparation for Russia'sNavyDay celebrations later this month.

Thecrew, on board apatrolboat, fulfilled a broad array of drills on their maiden voyage, simulating how they would react to an incursion by saboteurs including by tossing RGD-5 hand grenades into thesea.

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Olga Chelkova, a senior engine mechanic said shedecided to become a member of thecrewbecause it's ''very interesting''.

"It's promising and, most ofall, it's an experiment that women have never taken part in before."

The voyage marks a symbolic step inRussianwomen's quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men.

Thenavystill holds barriers to entry for women. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 lists 456 jobs in 38 industries which women are barred from doing because they would entail "heavy work and work in harmful working conditions".

The role of captain is not on the list butseaman is, and serving aseaman's apprenticeship is standard practice for male cadets and a necessary step to take on a command role.

TheRussiangovernment plans next year to shorten the list of jobs women are barred from holding.