Marina Starovoitova, formerly second-in-command officer, has been appointed to captain the Yamal nuclear icebreaker. This was announced at a gala inaugurating a series of celebrations in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry, held at the Nizhni Novgorod stadium, Rosatom press service reported.

“Being a captain means maintaining the traditions of the atomic fleet and taking care of the crew and the icebreaker. I see this as my main duty and I will perform it every day. Hopefully, I will cope and meet your expectations and the expectations of my colleagues,” Ms. Starovoitova said. 

Marina Starovoitova joined the merchant fleet in 2005 after a career as a teacher of Russian language and literature. She worked on different types of vessels, combining practical experience with her studies at Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping. In 2014, she graduated with a navigator's degree.