Trinity House and the RYA have launched an exciting new scholarship programme for those wanting a career at sea on small commercial vessels or to those already working in the sector who would like to further their qualifications.
For more than 500 years, Trinity House has been providing welfare and education for seafarers through its charitable aims.
It is renowned for promoting and funding education for seafarers in the Merchant Navy. In more recent times it has also provided bursary funding for ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations) personnel and cadetships for candidates entering the superyacht sector.
Trinity House and the RYA have always shared common ground. Discussions in recent times have resulted in an increased awareness of both the growth and the untapped potential within the Small Commercial Vessel Sector.
This area within the UK and on UK flagged vessels outside the UK provides huge employment opportunity across a wide variety of activities. From high-speed experience rides and eco-tourism from Cornwall to Scotland, charter race sailing on the Solent to windfarm workboats, round the world race yachts to superyachts globally – there is literally something for every taste in terms of career opportunity.
It has long been the case that RYA qualifications form the cornerstone of the Small Commercial Vessel Sector.
In simple terms, the appropriate RYA qualifications coupled with a commercial endorsement allow people to step onto this exciting career ladder.
But, the qualifications come only after a candidate can demonstrate competence, and unless an individual has years of personal experience that competence must normally preceded by a period of training which will vary in length dependent upon the type of qualification they seek.
Of course, training and qualifications cost money.
This is where the Trinity House RYA Scholarship fits in. Trinity House has committed to providing £30,000 in funding per year to aid the progress of a selected number of candidates. The RYA will then administer the process and promote the scheme through its network of RYA Recognised Training Centres.
The requirements
- The Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of demonstrated excellence either in education or in the maritime industry. Candidates will need to be nominated by the principal of an RYA Recognised Training Centre that holds recognition for at least some of the courses for which funding is sought and will also require a second reference in support of their application.
- Applications will be assessed by a panel of Trinity House and RYA Personnel along with industry representatives. Short listed candidates will be invited to an interview as part of the assessment process at Trinity House in London.
- There will be two intakes of nominees each year.
- The Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarship is open to UK citizens over the age of 18 (at time of interview).
- A list of courses and exams eligible for funding will be included in the scholarship details on the RYA website and funding will be paid directly to the RYA Training Centre upon invoice. Training will normally need to be completed within 2 years.
- The applicant must be able to demonstrate a clear intention to work afloat within the small commercial vessel sector.
- The RYA will administer the process and promote the scheme through its network of RYA Recognised Training Centres.
This scholarship represents a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals to receive either full or part funding to assist them along their way in a career at sea. Trinity House and the RYA are delighted to be working together on this initiative and we very much look forward to seeing the flow of successful candidates into a broad cross section of the industry.