For years they were kept off warships for fear of diverting the attention of their male colleagues in times of danger. Ali Kefford meets Lisa Thomsen, who believes the policy of sending women to sea has been a success

AS HMS Southampton approaches the Falkland Islands the tension on the bridge tightens its grip on those bringing the ship into port.

Commander Mark Trevor has a predisposition for undertaking complex sailing manoeuvres at the helm of his multi-million pound destroyer.

And coming alongside at East Cove is a prime opportunity for some sharp steering.

He spins the ship round on her nose as crew members stand to attention in the chilly South Atlantic dawn.

But it would not be possible for the captain to accomplish such watery wizardry without relying 100 per cent on his crew.

And as the 3,560 tonne-destroyer nears the shore, Lt Lisa Thomsen is striding around the bridge, wearing a pair of headphones - acting as the link with the radar navigation team and anti-collision plotters down below.

Lisa, who hails from Brechin, near Aberdeen, is one of an increasing number of women going to sea with the Navy, since they started going on deployment 10 years ago.

Initially, there were concerns that this mingling of the sexes on the ocean waves might prove something of an emotional can of worms.

It was feared the sailors might concentrate more on the aim of Cupid's arrow than the aim of their guns. But there is a strictly observed no-touching policy, and couples who serve on the same ship maintain their relationship ashore.

Today the general consensus is that the feminine influx has diluted a previously testosterone-heavy atmosphere and men and women work perfectly well side-by-side - despite being in the cramped, claustrophobic conditions - for months on end.

The only area where women are barred is on submarines, mostly because of a lack of accommodation space.

Around one seventh of HMS Southampton's current crew comprises the fairer sex.

This is no job for delicate flowers. It is not compulsory, for instance, to co-ordinate your nail polish with your uniform.

In fact there is little evidence of the bottles, tubes and cans of potions, creams and perfumes, often considered a vital component of the female existence (besides, the accurate application of mascara as waves toss a destroyer through 45 degrees would be pretty tricky)

Lisa is the Officer of the Watch One - OOW1 - and Signals Communication Officer, in charge of a sub-department of 30 sailors.

It's her job to work with the navigator when the ship is arriving at, or leaving port.

While at sea, she is one of those to crew the bridge around the clock, when the destroyer is, literally, in her hands. Indeed, those on watch when HMS Southampton did collide with another ship over a decade ago, causing damage worth millions, were formally disciplined.

Lisa's strength of character socks you straight between the eyes. She's bright, forthright and witty - a 28-year-old to be reckoned with.

"You would think it would be quite easy to avoid us at sea. It's quite surprising how often you come across situations which could easily result in a collision," she says.

"We are the link between the Operations room and the outside world. On exercise this is vital and it can get very, very hectic up here."

"But the more experience you gain the less stress you feel. I've pretty much seen it all now.

"I love it up here when all that stuff is happening. I love working with submarines and aircraft - it's such a challenge. It really takes you to your limits."

Lisa is sitting on a stool on the bridge ("the best place to get some peace and quiet"), sipping coffee from one of those containers that won't slop if toppled by heavy seas.

HMS Southampton is in Portsmouth Harbour, having just returned from trials in a choppy English Channel.

Earlier in the year, the ship went on a six month deployment to the South Atlantic where she acted as the Falkland Islands' guard ship.

"We have five females in the ward room which is really nice. It does make a big different to have some female company. But there are more and more women coming through all the time," she explains.

"When I went to sea on HMS Glasgow in 1997 I was the only female officer in the ward room.

"I think women bring a very different management technique. A lot of the times you can get around things without shouting.

"There's definitely a future for women in the Royal Navy. It's only going to get better with more females joining.

"When you are at sea you don't even think about how your hair is looking, you just get up and get on with it.

"The Navy to me has had its highs and lows. The highs are better than you could ever wish for. I thought South Georgia was one of the most amazing places I have ever been to in my life. It was fantastic to see penguins and icebergs everywhere - and have elephant seals barking at you.

"At the same time there are very low points when you have three hours sleep for four days. One of the hardest parts is waiting to sail. Once you leave it's a relief. You can set your mind to work."

Lisa is half American and half Scottish.

Her dad was in the US Navy so, to an extent, a propensity to be drawn to crashing waves was in her genes.

But it was while she was studying for a degree in civil engineering at Glasgow University that she started considering the navy as a serious career option.

"I thought 'do I really want to be a civil engineer?' - the choice was quite simple really."

Yet Lisa's eight year short term commission is drawing to a close.

She will have one more shore-based job before hitting civvy street.

It would now be difficult for her to become a civil engineer because she has no training in the profession other than her degree.

"I don't want to leave the people I love any more. When we sailed for the Falklands I was leaving my boyfriend and my mum and dad. I felt such a wrench. I think it's because I'm getting older. I've got to think about settling down a bit.

"The Navy has been brilliant - I've seen so much of the world. But now I want to the other side. I want to have a house. I want to be able to go home every night and see my family and be with my boyfriend and that stuff. The navy has had their chunk of me. I have given them a competent officer of the watch. Now I think I want to try something different.

"This ship's programme has been particularly hard. It's been very hard work - but really rewarding. I'm quite sad to go now."

Lisa doesn't know what job she'll find but she may well move back to the States with her parents and sister.

"sIt's scary because this becomes your whole life. A great majority of your friends are in the navy; your life is driven by your ship's programme.

"It's quite an enclosed community. To go out in the big world is quite exciting."