Celebrating the next generation of maritime professionals

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 presented to Yelyzaveta Ivanova, HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, originally from Ukraine.

Yelyzaveta, who is managed by Clyde Marine Training and sponsored by Sentinel, aims to obtain her Officer of the Watch (OOW) ticket as soon as possible, and to continue her academic journey by starting a master’s degree in September. She says, “My goal is to combine academic growth with professional development to make a meaningful contribution to the maritime sector.”

Commenting on her training at WMS, she adds, “I’ve built strong connections with classmates and lecturers who I hope to stay in touch with throughout my career and life, and I’m very grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained and the practical experience that has prepared me well for working at sea.”

The Royal Institute of Navigation's John Milner Prize for Navigation was awarded to Lothar Merrifeld, FdSc Nautical Science, Sept 2022, who is managed and sponsored by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. He says, “I have enjoyed developing my knowledge of the maritime sector – an area which has produced so many great Britons over the centuries.”

The Matthew Flinders Navigation Cup, awarded to the deck cadet who has best promoted excellence in navigation, was presented to Natalie Thompson, HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, who is managed and sponsored by MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd.

The Isambard Brunel Engineering Cup, awarded to the marine engineering cadet who has best contributed to promoting excellence in engineering practice, was presented to Callum Andrews, HND Marine Engineering, Sept 2022, who is managed and sponsored by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Deck and Marine Engineer 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 Officer Cadet Shae Wallace, HND Nautical Science, Feb 2023, managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by Maritime London, and Marine Engineer/ETO Cadet Officer Gary Langley, HND Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Feb 2023, managed and sponsored by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

Upon completing his studies, 45-year-old Gary aspires to qualify as an ETO and ultimately attain the status of Chartered Engineer. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “I have particularly enjoyed the challenges associated with pursuing higher education as an older student. If you believe you can achieve it, anything is possible – if you’re prepared to put in the effort.”

The Clyde Marine Deck and Marine Engineer Officer Cadet of the Year Awards were presented to Deck Officer Cadet Sam Newman – HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, managed by Clyde Marine Training and sponsored by Union Crude Carriers – and Marine Engineer Harvey Merson-De-Mendoza, BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering, Sept 2022, managed by Clyde Marine Training and sponsored by Royal Caribbean Group (RCL).

Speaking about his career aspirations and training at Warsash, Sam Newman (22) from Hythe says, “I would like to eventually come back to Warsash to complete my Chief Mate’s ticket and continue working on passenger ships until I eventually become a Master.

“What I’ve enjoyed most about the course is the hands-on working experience I gained when completing my sea time and being able to visit corners of the world I would never have imagined myself going to.”

Harvey will be using his newly acquired Certificate of Competency (CoC) to continue working on superyachts. He says, “The course significantly enhanced my understanding of the science and fundamental principles behind sound engineering practices, which has greatly increased my confidence in my work. It also provided valuable insights into relevant legislation and correct practices, crucial for accurate decision-making.”

The Higher National Student of the Year Prize was presented to Alarna Morgan, HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by SAGA Cruises.

The 28-year-old from Chester says, “Following the completion of my course and once qualified, I will be joining a ship with Saga Cruises as a 3rd Officer. I aim to have a long, successful career on cruise ships and to work towards my Chief Mate’s Licence – and one day become a Chief Officer.”

Special mentions for their part in the successful organisation and running of the Warsash Women’s Group were given to Elena Noad Carretero, HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, managed by Just Be Maritime and sponsored by Saga Cruises, and Stephanie Humphrey, HND Nautical Science, Sept 2022, managed by Clyde Marine Training and sponsored by Purus.

Two further prizes were awarded to graduates from Solent University’s BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design and BEng (Hons) Yacht Design courses.

Jacob Benjamin Wills (21), from Gosport, was presented with the University’s BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design Prize for his preliminary design of a 13m racing yacht fitted with a dynamic stability system hydrofoil.

After completing a master’s, Jacob aims to work in the performance yacht design industry. He says, “There is a large market for performance yachts in the UK and the rest of Europe, so I’ll be aiming high for well-renowned companies such as Guillaume Verdier Naval Architects or VPLP Design, with the hope of finding myself working at the forefront of yacht design.”

Commenting on his course, he adds, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Solent. The expert lecturers and interesting courses have been excellent. The variety of projects across the course is amazing and has given me a vast understanding of the different aspects of yacht design.”

Corin Nelson-Smith was awarded the BEng (Hons) Yacht Design and Production Prize for his designs of a 56’ fin-keeled pilot cutter for charter and sail training use.

The 23-year-old from Wickham is currently working on the build of a 47’ John Alden schooner at Ben Harris Boats in Gweek, Cornwall, to develop practical skills and experience in traditional wooden boatbuilding, and to better understand how a classic yacht is constructed from the keel up. With a passion for the traditional yachting side of the industry, he would like to be involved in the design of ‘modern-classic’ yachts or the restoration of existing classics.

Speaking about his course, he says, “It’s been great throughout the whole course to have access to such a knowledgeable lecturing team, and my favourite module has definitely been the final project, which allowed us to apply our newfound naval architecture and engineering skills to a project in our own area of interest, with the invaluable guidance of a project supervisor.”