Celebrating maritime excellence at Warsash awards 2026

During a special awards ceremony in the evening, outstanding cadets were recognised for their academic achievement, professionalism and contribution to life at the School, in front of leading figures from the maritime industry, including representatives from Princess Cruises, Carnival, MSC, Just Be Maritime, Clyde Marine Training, Merchant Navy Training Board, MVS, Warsash Association, MCA, Pembrokeshire College and Maritime Solent.

The Royal Institute of Navigation's John Milner Prize for Navigation, presented to the cadet or student who has demonstrated the best overall performance during their cadetship, was awarded to Lucy Gilbert, Deck FD Feb 2024, who is managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by Trinity House/Hill Robinson.

The Matthew Flinders Navigation Cup, presented to a deck cadet who has best promoted excellence in navigation, was awarded to Mohammed Aliyan Abdullah, Deck HND Sep 2023, who is managed by Anglo-Eastern (UK) Ltd.

The Isambard Brunel Engineering Cup, presented to the marine engineering cadet who has best contributed to promoting excellence in engineering practice, was awarded to Michael Hawkins, Engine HND Sep 2023 , who is managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by Trinity House.

The Officer Cadet of the Year Awards – presented to individuals who have performed to the highest standard throughout their cadetship and whose overall attainment in theoretical and practical elements is assessed as outstanding among their peers – were awarded to Deck FD Sep 23, Ben Lythgoe, managed and sponsored by Princess Cruises, and Elspeth Muir, Engine BEng Feb 24 managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by Trinity House.

The Clyde Marine Training Deck and Marine Engineer Officer Cadet of the Year Awards were awarded to Mathew Poile, Deck BSc Feb 24, sponsored by Fletcher, and Judah Rossi, Engine HND Sep 23, sponsored by Sentinel Marine.

The Warsash Association Commendation for Individual Achievement – which recognises an officer cadet who has demonstrated exceptional motivation, effort, and determination to bring their cadetship to a successful conclusion – was awarded to Jesse Strong, Engine HND Feb 24, managed by Ship Safe Training Group and sponsored by Cemex Marine.

The Higher National Student of the Year Prize was awarded to Seren Nix, Engine HND Sep 23, managed and sponsored by Carnival.

In the final address Professor Cathy Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Academic Strategy Planning said:

“A cadetship demands academic discipline, professional commitment, and personal resilience. Over the past several years, our cadets have divided their time between classrooms, simulators and life at sea, learning not only the technical skills required of a modern seafarer, but also the responsibility that comes with serving in a profession where others depend upon your judgement, leadership and competence.

“Today, they leave us not simply with qualifications, but with practical knowledge and professional experience that cannot be taught from a textbook alone. More than ninety per cent of global trade is transported by sea, and this evening’s graduates are now joining that proud professional community.”