MLA College Superyacht Crew Case Studies
INNOVATE |ADVOCATE | COLLABORATE | EDUCATE
One of a series of case studies of superyacht crew currently enrolled on the MSc and BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations (SMO) courses, how do they approach the tricky dilemma of balancing a very demanding working life, whilst studying a degree level course and what was their motivation to enrol on the program?
Sam: Delivery and Yard Captain. After 10 years working full time onboard sailing yachts with very little time out, I made the decision to expand my knowledge of the marine industry as a whole. The inbuilt flexibility of the Sustainable Maritime Operations BSc program, has allowed me to juggle working, studying this course and pursuing my MCA qualifications alongside some personal time out. I hope that the broader appreciation of all marine sectors helps me not only make more informed decisions onboard my current vessel but also moving forward in my long term career, wherever that might take me.
I have been incredibly fortunate to work on a variety of sailing vessels throughout my career, growing skills in management and leadership, navigation and seamanship, fund, and time allocation, all whilst working up the hierarchal ladder. Finding solutions for many and varied obstacles in different geographic areas, whilst meeting the requirements of high-net-worth individuals, their families, and friends requires a positive and resourceful outlook. Currently, I am the chief officer and delivery captain onboard a dual season performance yacht. In the last couple of years, I have overseen two multi-million-euro refit’s and completed two successful Atlantic crossings.
“It is now time to level up my experience with structured learning…”
Sam: Delivery and Yard Captain
This growth in position and responsibility has been challenging but also extremely rewarding. The management of crew, who are from diverse cultures, have various levels of knowledge and experience, who have different aspirations, and who all need continuing support physically, mentally, medically, and encouragement to achieve is something I enjoy. The process of planning, budgeting, monitoring, updating, and keeping to a determined time frame during escalating projects has improved a distinct set of skills, aside from the fundamentals of sailing and running a deck.
I believe that the more experience and knowledge someone has, the more informed a decision is with greater perspective and real time relevance. I have sacrificed pushing through my OOW and onwards at a pace, because I have had amazing opportunities that cannot be bought. However, I feel it is now time to level up my experience with structured learning that will help continue my career in the marine industry. I have only experienced a small aspect of this sector and I hope to expand and challenge my current knowledge and beliefs, the Sustainable Maritime Operations BSc (Hons) degree is a hugely exciting prospect to aid in the growth of my maritime career. I have been incredibly fortunate to have done so much by twenty-eight, but there is much more to achieve and knowledge to gain.
