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How Seafarers Can Build Their Qualifications: A SBTS Update...

Writer's picture: Melissa  RammMelissa Ramm

Hi, my name is Melissa and I haven't written in ages! "BOOOOOO!”( Facepalm)


Hope everyone is doing well and fighting off the January blues. How is it almost the middle of January already! I want to write today's blog to catch up with myself and you, the reader, on what's happening with Shaped by the Sea.


Christmas is a thought long of the past, as the new year is full steam ahead for me. Being a temporary land lover has had some perks over the last few weeks, spending time with loved ones, doggos, and catching up with friends.


On the 7th of January, I got some wonderful news... that my application to the Slater Fund Scholarship was approved! Woohoo! (Yes, I did jump up and down like a maniac).


For those who don't know, the Slater Fund is run by the Marine Society, whose focus is to support British seafarers to achieve their potential. They are a charitable organisation that supports not only merchant seafarers but yacht crew as well.

You apply via the application form that can be found on their website under the Nautilus slater Fund scholarship.


Who can I Apply?

  • You must be a british seafarer that resides in the Uk and over 21 Years old.

  • You must have completed all necessary seatime for the qualification you wish to obtain.

  • Evidence of Sea service testimonials and be able to apply for your NOE ( notice of Eligibility).

  • Head to the website to find out more...


You may think, "Melissa, why are you writing a blog about this?" Well, not many seafarers or yachties are aware that this is an option for support when working towards your next ticket. Over the next few months, I will be studying back where I did my Yachtmaster Offshore six years ago (bloody hell). Where did the time go!

I look forward to returning to UKSA and hitting the books over the next few months to finish the remaining courses in working towards Officer of the Watch.


Beach on the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight

I am a little nervous but excited to challenge myself in learning. It's been a while since I've studied in a classroom setting, and this can be a challenge to adapt back to. The process of working towards this qualification is not easy; it's not supposed to be.


I often think, why should I share these things about my career online?


I only write about things on the blog that I know may help another seafarer. There are so many yachties who consider going down this path but often don't know where to start or what they need to get started.


Depending on how they started in the industry, they might know everything they need to get to Officer of the Watch from coming through a Cadetship programme, or they might know nothing as they joined yachting to go sailing and didn't consider it as a career until a few years in.


Where to start when working towards any seafaring qualification;


  • Decide what your goal is, be it Yachtmaster Ocean, Master 200, Officer of the Watch 3000gts or any other.

  • Check the criteria.

  • Work out where you are in the process and what you need to achieve to be ready for the final exam.

  • Talk to others, ask your First Officer, Captain or friends about their experiences.

  • Make a plan, Believe in yourself!!!!!!


The Year, Ahead...


As much as I would love to be able to write a blog post every week, this is unrealistic while studying, but I will do my best to write throughout the process of studying each course and post at a later date.

I will try to post things I have already written and not shared with the world to keep Shaped by the Sea alive.

For the next few months studying is the focus and the blog will be on the back burner. Although, everyone that knows me will know I'll do my best to multitask.


As always, Keep Smiling, Laughing and Loving the Sea xo


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