ALUMNI
Our Alumni
In the last decade alone, we have welcomed an astonishing 23,000 learners from 113 different countries. Studying at South Shields Marine School has given our alumni the tools and knowledge for successful careers at sea. Many are working at a high level, all around the world. We’re looking to celebrate our alumni, so if you studied with us and you’d like to register your interest, click here, or email us at the bottom of the page.
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, you never stop being part of the South Shields Marine School global community. Your relationship with the college does not have to end when you finish your course; as a former student we value you and would love to hear from you.
The Alumni Association allows you to keep up to date with the latest news and stay in contact with other alumni. We would love our former students to join us on LinkedIn, you can follow our page here, or join our alumni group and chat with your former classmates here.
Success Stories
“My position was on the deck department as an apprentice, and during those two years I developed a great desire to sail and become a professional seafarer. After disembarking and returning home, I started to pursue schooling to become an Officer, which became a reality in late 2005. Since then I have served in the Africa Mercy (and before that on the Anastasis) during different times as a 3rd, 2nd, and currently as Chief Officer. Before Mercy Ships I have also worked in the oil industry in Brazil and on a cruise ship in Southeast Asia as well.”
“Knowing nothing about engines, I began to get training and my interest and passion in the engine room grew. I was able to go through an apprentice programme onboard the ship which prepared me for my exams and went on to attain my engineering Officers Certification through South Shields Marine College in the UK…People are standing with you. These people become your brothers and sisters. They become your friends. In the Engine Room, we work as a team. We have one goal that we are all working to achieve—to make sure people get help. It is a privilege and it is an opportunity”
“I have many responsibilities within my current role, including navigational watchkeeping, passage planning, monitoring the upkeep of all LSA and FFA equipment on board the vessel and managing the deck team. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained while studying at South Shields Marin School has been extremely useful, in particular the extensive practical skills. A career at sea is very rewarding and full of opportunities.”
“I love the sea in all aspects and always felt at home on shops. In my current role, I look after all the safety aspects on board – training, familiarisations, drills, security, attend management meetings anything else the captain asks. This is teamed with a typical OOW role for navigation and upkeep of all bridge, LSA and FFA equipment. The best part is being on the bridge and taking over the watch – it’s why we go to sea!”