Course of study: HND, Nautical Science
Sponsoring Company: Carnival UK
College of Study: City of Glasgow College
What inspired you to pursue a career at sea?
Ever since I was 6 years old, since stepping onboard Ventura in 2011, my dream sparked to become a cruise ship captain. And 15 years later, I’m pursuing that dream with the same company that gave it me all those years ago.
How have you found the training course?
Both training at college and at sea have been Amazing. Especially being on a cruise ship, the opportunities to learn on the job and also experience what it’s like to travel the world is definitely something I am fortunate enough to experience. The practical element onboard ship is priceless, and the people you meet and the mentors who guide you are what made my cadetship.
What skills or traits do you believe are most important as an officer cadet?
Being yourself, and bringing humour and character to the job. Many people can learn the rules verbatim or even be a mathematical genius, but in my opinion, bringing character and being yourself whilst putting in 1000% effort goes a long way, and keeps up moral onboard, which is something I find important.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a career at sea?
My advice would be what my Chief Officer once told me on my first trip onboard Iona: ‘There will be days that will knock you down, but go to bed, get back up and start again, and keep up that positive attitude to life, because this job is far from easy, but it will show you the world’ – those words have stuck with me, and will do for the rest of my life.
