Apprenticeship course: Deck Officer of the Watch (near coastal)
Company: Mersey Ferries
College of study: Fleetwood Nautical College
What inspired you to pursue a career at sea?
I spent a lot of my childhood by the water and have loved being near it, on it or in it for as long as I can remember. I studied a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology and during my time at university I did fieldwork aboard numerous vessels such as fishing trawlers and started getting out on the boats with my scuba diving club which made me realise I was made for being out on the water instead of sitting behind a desk and working with large datasets. I’ve never been afraid to try something new and this led to me pursuing my career at sea.
How have you found your training course so far?
I’ve really enjoyed my training course so far, it’s been really nice to meet so many new people from different backgrounds and with different levels of experience and we’ve all come together and helped each other get by as if we’re a little family. All of the tutors are always on hand to give help when it’s needed and it makes it that little bit easier when they’re all up for a good laugh too.
What skills and traits do you believe are most important as a Deck Officer apprentice?
I believe the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively is one of the most important skills you can have as a Deck Officer apprentice, being confident and personable can tie in well when it comes to good communication in a workplace but I always believe there’s plenty of time for people to develop their skills and build more confidence if they don’t have it from day one.
I think being resourceful and being able to take initiative shows willing aboard vessel and whilst studying in college, and the ability to problem-solve either in cooperation with a team or when working by yourself is really important.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their Career at Sea?
Honestly just get your foot in the door and get stuck in. Give yourself a chance to see how much you’ll enjoy it and all of the opportunities it can open up for you. It’s a chance to meet new people, see new places in a lot of the roles at sea, and once you start it’s like you could never go back. Take the chance and try something new (and enjoy a bit of sea breeze on the daily).
