https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog daily 0.75 2024-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/f50a6346-cde2-48cc-b5b3-1d55ded27ecc/Untitled-2-01.jpg The OM Blog - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/e819b6d9-759c-4c94-8903-d9898ac39f85/Bio+Images-15.png The OM Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/c6b4f289-604e-4507-911d-b756733e8334/Bio+Images-16.png The OM Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/421d1fa0-9731-45c8-90ad-43aed63f62ba/Bio.png The OM Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1e3b6c78-a23b-4cd3-b2ba-623b558666b7/Rowena.png The OM Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/c6ee0ab6-837f-4d0a-9597-2bd44ee03cee/Sophie+Barber-10.jpg The OM Blog https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/ehqn0daflvthpbegotwbx0bko6y58x monthly 0.5 2024-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/35efabd0-1535-42ce-993a-d372ed0a9e65/Sophie+Barber+Images-03.jpg The OM Blog - Yachting: A Young Woman’s Game? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/a7205872-4ebe-4aae-ab32-54136fb868ae/Sophie+Barber+Images-01.jpg The OM Blog - Yachting: A Young Woman’s Game? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/71d5ed34-93c8-48c2-93a0-be94921cfc0c/Sophie+Barber+Images-02.jpg The OM Blog - Yachting: A Young Woman’s Game? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/gender-inclusivity-in-superyacht-crew-hiringnbsp monthly 0.5 2024-09-06 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/navigating-sustainability-charting-a-course-for-eco-friendly-yachting monthly 0.5 2024-07-25 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/safety-to-sustainability-reflections-on-education-as-a-cornerstone-of-culture-change monthly 0.5 2024-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/20b1b1aa-447e-4f8a-a8fc-c707b53e0270/Mick+Blog-13.png The OM Blog - Safety to Sustainability: Reflections on Education as the Key to Culture Change - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/738c9c58-1655-4de2-957e-d75db81c7e38/Mick+Blog-14.png The OM Blog - Safety to Sustainability: Reflections on Education as the Key to Culture Change - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/the-rise-of-non-mandatory-training monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/uukg6sndvgjoj8ug6hrp61xu4m7o1k monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/trying-to-get-your-first-job-in-the-industry-how-to-maximise-your-chances-of-success-and-succeed-in-an-interview monthly 0.5 2024-01-18 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/ahead-of-the-curve-why-superyacht-engineers-should-aim-to-lead-the-drive-for-sustainability monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/superyacht-crew-feeling-burnt-out-how-to-stay-happy-and-focused-in-your-career monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/q-a-article monthly 0.5 2024-01-18 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/leap-of-faith monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/superyacht-crew-five-reasons-why-studying-a-degree-will-supercharge-your-long-term-career monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/superyacht-crew-prepare-for-your-future-today-why-your-cocs-and-a-ground-breaking-maritime-sustainability-degree-could-be-the-answer-to-your-future-career-success monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/why-you-need-a-mentor-in-your-life monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/theomblog/it-has-been-quite-a-year monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1625668292731-BNG1DXSHYH92NTCI9MCF/The+OM+Logo+Strapline.-01.jpg The OM Blog - It has been quite a year by anyone’s measure…… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.the-om.co.uk/theom daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626252291885-2MI3QIPXRG3H9FAN0Y5J/Picture1.png The OM https://www.the-om.co.uk/innovate daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1622036467755-6GRYS0K3P0K8PRUIZDRP/herry-sutanto-U8y_HV3mJTw-unsplash.jpg Innovate The key will be having a real finger on the pulse mentality to current and future developments in the sector, aiming to stay ahead of the curve, whilst maintaining excellent lines of communication and feedback from owners, builders, designer’s technical suppliers and all other stakeholders. We need to push past the current barriers to change and move forward towards a more intelligent and instinctive approach, recognising that people need enrichment, they need to grow and be empowered with the skills the industry of the future requires, and be valued in order to thrive. Change should not be viewed as a threat but as a natural function of a healthy organisation, we need to value what we have learnt historically, take that with us, and embrace the new. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626686632471-W94NCK29Q82FRQ4GA43B/04d71065-6992-4b9c-8df5-68aef5c1182b.JPG Innovate It is incredibly important as an industry, that the superyacht sector continues to evolve, not just in terms of technology and sustainability but holistically, from the ground up. If there are better ways to be doing things (and there are) we should be doing them and if we are not, then we should be really questioning why not? Crew are the beating heart of the industry and yet they are not valued as they should be. The way we train, employ and sustain them in the future could not only make a fundamental difference to the issues of career longevity and crew retention but positively impact the levels of knowledge, experience, skill and safety embedded at all levels across the fleet. https://www.the-om.co.uk/advocate daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626686070202-MT8WR9YO8AVCGP0Y68VR/PHOTO-2021-07-04-14-02-55.jpg Advocate - As someone who worked as a professional small yacht skipper and instructor in my early twenties in the 80’s, where I experienced fantastic unbiased support and encouragement from “the old boys” of the time, to later in my career when I was subjected to the worst of chauvinistic and belittling behaviour. I am passionate advocate for encouraging not just women but individuals of all genders to have equal and unbiased opportunities to work in all areas of the maritime industry both at sea and ashore. Working at sea, even in our modern era of regulated safety is still a dangerous profession, I have experienced a serious incident whilst at sea, and very sadly, I have first-hand experience of a student dying in a tragic accident onboard in Antibes. The experience of supporting the young man’s family through the aftermath, drove me to set up a bursary in his name, and provide automatic Nautilus membership for all the students in my organisations care. The wider outcome, was the conviction that the industry itself from the training providers up, needed to adopt a committed duty of care and level of integrity, to protect and support the crew and their families when accidents occur, however inconvenient that might be to owners, schedules and income. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626689496780-5TKCZJKDUTXFARC8896C/03e18c7b-7322-4b2c-99d9-cd7b81336b2c.jpg Advocate I have always as long as I can remember, wanted to champion the underdog, always wanting to give a voice to those who did not have one, I am acutely aware of how lucky I was to grow up sailing and spend the first twelve years of my working life at sea and ultimately to have found employment in the maritime sector for my entire working life. An uncomfortable reality of our industry is that for many young people accessing a career on a superyacht is completely impossible, the barriers are just too great. Those barriers are often social and nearly always financial, even when the social barriers can be overcome, the financial ones remain exceedingly difficult to bridge. There are organisations out there and small bursary pots who are trying in a small way to redress the balance, but it is never enough, and through my own work encouraging young people to make careers in the industry, and many years of applying and lobbying for more support, I frequently find that despite my best efforts anything over the cost of the most basic training can be almost impossible to find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626688006659-XQIOKFBSQK5H7PKK12NW/IMG_4536.jpg Advocate - As a final note, not every crew member or every captain is fit enough to do the job, issues with alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, mental health struggles and desperate unhappiness (it is very possible to be lonely in a crowd on a superyacht) and even easier to put the demands of the vessel and owner ahead of your own life and family, are not infrequent. It is easy to point the finger, but it is harder to make a positive impact, In the past few years there has been a number of organisations set up to help and support those that are in the clutches of addiction, and those facing desperate mental health battles, with most mainly being reliant on the voluntary time of some amazing people. I applaud all those who are making a stand, trying to provide help and support and raising their voices to make a difference, but there is so much more to talk about and so much more work to do. Through the work of THE OM and by collaborating with others I hope that together we can make a bigger impact in making this industry a more open, equitable and safer place to be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626687784577-DW2HCQ1AV32W94KE47ML/7b295df4-a136-453e-afd5-98baae61af6f.jpg Advocate - So many young people are not even aware of the opportunities available to them and even if they were, do not have the support and guidance around them to succeed. From my early days working in sail training and seeing the transformative effect of taking kids to sea, using the routines and physical challenges of life onboard to give them a sense of achievement and worth. I have no doubt that working in the industry is an incredible opportunity; regardless of whether it is for five years and counts as your “university of life” or it is your lifelong career. I am driven by a personal mission to work with the industry to remove financial and social barriers to enable young people to access careers at sea and I am convinced the answers and the money is there, we all simply need to do so much more. https://www.the-om.co.uk/collaborate daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626688724355-XZJFC0EYKD5ST87DWPYU/PHOTO-2021-07-04-14-03-55.jpg Collaborate - It has always been my long held belief and something I have acted on all my working life, that working with, and not against is the most intelligent and successful way to work within a professional environment. Even if an organisation or an individual is your fiercest competitor, it is always worth finding common ground, always worth combining forces to create positive mutual benefit. For anyone who has worked at sea, they will know the difference that a happy well structured and mutually supportive team can make to a great working environment and the impact that a negative, fractured and poorly managed team can have on the mental health and personal motivation of those having to endure it. My strong conviction to operate positively is carried through to my working ethos, I am really fortunate to have a good level of vision, allowing me to see opportunities, and potential. I thrive on connecting people and organisations with ideas and solutions, building and developing successful relationships with them, that lead to long and successful partnerships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626689126521-YEYRQ9U96QGXMZO0UN43/4e6c2d4d-c222-41e3-ac65-ef051952400e+copy.jpg Collaborate - Time spent supporting others and joining forces to achieve common goals, is invariably the better way, and many of the issues that the industry faces today will be solved much more effectively by the leaders of the sector by taking an open and collaborative approach across the board. Sharing skills and resources, to work towards developing a strategy to take the superyacht industry forward into the next phase of its evolution. Through the activities of The OM I will be collaborating with a broad range of superyacht and maritime focused organisations, to develop projects and initiatives and promote awareness of our aims. https://www.the-om.co.uk/educate daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626691340855-5P5LRFQ041F013UEIHPZ/PHOTO-2021-07-19-08-21-47+copy.jpg Educate - I have an issue with barriers, in whatever environment I am working my natural inclination is to challenge them. I have a tendency when confronted with one, to find a way around it, regardless of whether it physical or metaphorical. I believe when it comes to education, there should be no barriers to you and your learning, no barriers in terms of time, finance or your confidence in your own ability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626704392715-ABGGPT1BK4TTZ9GTNHB3/a21b8641-0ff1-4aec-b3ba-828b4d643688.JPG Educate Not everyone finds school, or the education system to be an inspiring experience, so many people when faced with having to make decisions about their future careers age 15, have no real idea what they want to do. Typically they feel most motivated by being outdoors or on the water, on a skateboard or turning their hand to a practical task, and because of this they are written off as “not academic” and not university material. For them, the prospect of university and a working life sat behind a desk, is the antithesis of what they want from their futures. They want to get started now and get working, In my experience, so many incredibly capable heads of department, officers and captains in the industry, have not necessarily arrived equipped with degrees and extensive academic backgrounds. So many individuals in the industry do not see themselves as academic and yet they hold hugely responsible and complex roles onboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626706556195-F3W5OPSMEQLRRG4YFC8F/41cfb41c-fa98-4e9a-b840-739769ce51df.JPG Educate After working hard for your CoC’s once completed after a period of relief and euphoria (and relief at your bank balance not taking any more hits) your mind starts to turn to other things, what next? Learning should never stop, you should always be seeking to acquire new skills and education. Therefore that next phase is your continued personal and professional development, which is by far the most interesting journey you can take yourself on. Through the activities of The OM and working in collaboration with partners, I will be working to explore and develop the options for professional crew to continue their learning journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1626691239111-5IT5NQQX5Q4Y3556SWM1/PHOTO-2021-07-19-11-16-01.jpg Educate Once in the industry, the focus is quite rightly on safety, and gaining MCA CoC’s, alongside time gaining skills and experience. It is an expensive and time consuming process, which for most is not supported financially or in terms of paid study leave by their vessels. It is also, for the most part outdated and lagging badly behind the actual operational needs and realities of the yachts. The MCA training route has been a valuable and robust structure, it is no easy task producing a training route whose learning outcomes need to equip crew with the knowledge base to command vessels as varied as a 30m performance sailing yacht and 90m state of the art motor yacht. However that is the nature of the industry. https://www.the-om.co.uk/contact daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://www.the-om.co.uk/partners daily 0.75 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/480881cd-3a9a-4719-8c70-2ccccb27d22c/Crew+Pass+Announcement-01.jpg Partners & Collaborations - CrewPass THE Om has a working partnership with CrewPass, joining forces to promote our shared aims to make the industry not only a safer place for crew, but also to support CrewPass members in their professional careers. The pioneering CrewPass concept which values the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in the maritime industry, by providing background checking, not just for the owner’s safety and onboard experience but also for its impact on the vessel, the crew and the professionalism of individual crew members. Crew are an essential factor in the success and operation of the industry; however, they do not always get valued and retained in the way they deserve. CrewPass has already made an impact by working with crew agents and vessels globally to help superyacht professionals stand out from the crowd when seeking employment and gain the trust of their employer once employed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/4fc61b62-8cc6-4918-a600-8db837149e35/Iami+2+GUEST-02.jpg Partners & Collaborations - Guest Program THE OM works with and supports the work of the IAMI GUEST programs, the recognised Yacht Qualification Body for Non-Mandatory Training and Professional Development. Delivering specialised and tailored education programs for superyacht professionals across all departments. Founded in in 2008 and launched in 2013, the GUEST Program took 5 years to design and develop through the efforts of a passionate group of volunteering hospitality and service experts and professionals, who shared in the vision of creating the Superyacht Industry Standard for Interior Training. The GUEST Hospitality Program is the only accredited Service and Hospitality training platform developed for the Large Yacht Sector and offers interior crew the benefit of a clearly defined training route, leading to the IAMI GUEST Certificate of Competence. Now no longer confined to Interior training, GUEST accredited training providers are now able to offer essential professional development programmes, actively advancing onboard roles and careers from entry level, deck, interior, chefs, heads of departments and captains. Emma, Director of THE OM, as Chair of the GUEST Maritime Subgroup, supports the work of member organisations to help the GUEST programs to continue to grow and develop, constantly being reviewed, updated and redesigned to ensure crew are appropriately trained so as to meet guests and owners’ expectations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1b18dd78-bad0-4984-9dfb-564f5809322b/Yacht+Crew+Help.png Partners & Collaborations - Yacht Crew Help As an advocate for crew welfare THE OM supports and promotes the work of Yacht Crew Help, which is a free and confidential multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew, available all day, every day. Despite the many benefits of working on board a superyacht, the challenges of working away from home for long periods and living in close quarters with colleagues can become overwhelming. Yacht Crew Help support crew whatever problem they are facing, wherever they are in the world. The helpline officers are trained in counselling skills, suicide risk, assessment and emotional support to crew all over the world. They are connected to a wide range of fellow organisation and do whatever they can to find the help that is needed. The programme is run by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network. (ISWAN) a charity which promotes the welfare of seafarares working in all sectors of the maritime industry. Yacht Crew Help is funded by charitable grants and donations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/05aba6ce-a6e0-499f-8005-88d1129dd2f2/Instagram+Post-01.png Partners & Collaborations - Life After Yachting THE OM is a contributing supporter of the LIFE AFTER YACHTING (LAY) crew platform. Designed to help support crew find the help, advice and inspiration they need to prepare and transition into successful careers ashore. The work of THE OM is committed to enabling crew to achieve successful careers, not only through providing mentoring and guidance but actively developing solutions for training and professional development. Helping crew bridge the gap between their maritime qualifications and onboard experience by broadening their skillset to meet the needs of the future industry alongside their own potential for a shorebased career. “We are thrilled to have Emma join our array of experts at life After Yachting. Her experience in the industry and wish to improve crew progression whilst onboard and beyond, via the work of THE OM make her a perfect fit. Life After Yachting is a free portal, that connects crew with trusted partners, business mentors, personal development coaches, financial advisors, hospitality and technical specialists. All of whom seek to give a clear pathway to crew throughout their career and to create a smooth transition ashore when the time comes. Yachties helping yachties and driving positive change in the industry” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/8a38f53c-ac66-4979-8a16-2a0cb9b6fe0f/Instagram+Post-01.jpg Partners & Collaborations - MLA Colleg e “MLA College is a registered English Higher Education Institution serving students and professionals in the marine and maritime industry through its delivery of distance learning undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We are delighted to be entering a partnership with Emma and THE OM. Emma’s experience, aligned with our delivery model, allows new opportunities for professional development both for crew within the superyacht sector and for maritime professionals. We look forward to supporting and assisting the superyacht community to achieve a more sustainable future for all.” Prof.John Chudley. Rector MLA College has unparalleled and award-winning experience in delivering supported onlin distance learning for maritime professionals, combined with their close links to the United Nations, their Sustainable Development Goals’s and the UN CIFAL City of London initiative they are experts in the field. “Education and training is not just something that should be confined to the pursuit of maritime CoC’s, there is much more to be achieved by the industry in supporting superyacht crew to continue their professional development throughout their careers. Alongside the pursuit of achieving sustainability, crew are the human capital vital to the sector, the industry needs to value them as a worthy investment for the future, benefiting their own pursuit of excellence, personal growth and happiness within their roles, alongside career longevity and ultimately owner experience.” EB THE OM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/45a1a753-5047-40f8-ac46-aa000bdce9ce/Falmouth+Marine+School.png Partners & Collaborations - Falmouth Marine School The OM works with Falmouth Marine School as a consultant on a number of projects developing pioneering degree level engineering education and training to support a sustainable future for the marine, maritime and superyacht sectors. Falmouth Marine School is Cornwall’s College of the Ocean with its campus in the heart of the historic maritime town, providing an industry standard education and training facility for the maritime sector including Ocean Sciences, Marine Engineering, Boatbuilding and Renewable Energy and Watersports. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/3b64dc4f-3bb3-40fa-90fd-1003d97db5c7/Instagram+Post-01.png Partners & Collaborations - LEGASEA Mentorship THE OM supports the work of LEGASEA, the superyacht industries social impact platform, committed to seeing our industry at its best, and leaving it better than we found it. LEGASEA Mentorship is the first industry-wide mentoring program for career focussed yachting professionals. Designed to remove the luck of the draw from career progression and opportunities, members connect with mentees, mentors and peers shoreside and at sea. Utilising a high impact, intuitive mentoring software, organic connections are cultivated via the comprehensive online platform. Individuals can be both Mentors and Mentee’s, creating a circular knowledge economy, ensuring every participant gains incredible value whilst engaging. Emma, Director of THE OM is an official LEGASEA mentor for the 2022 mentorship programme. The LEGASEA Mentorship Platform gives the most extraordinary opportunity for superyacht crew to access a hugely diverse group of superyacht industry professionals, employed at sea and ashore, all offering their time as mentors for free. You can seek advice and wisdom, pick their brains and benefit from their professional experience as a professional mentor. “It’s a human trait to want to leave a LEGASEA” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/63dc164d-7db8-4247-a2bb-dd2cd9c344bc/Iami+Post-01.jpg Partners & Collaborations - IAMI THE OM is an Associate Member of The International Association of Maritime Institutions, which is a network of Maritime Educators who have worked together for over 100 years. They do much work behind the scenes for the superyacht sector. IAMI represent the Maritime Training Providers, Colleges, Universities & Schools who deliver maritime training in all areas of maritime operations worldwide. IAMI members work with regulators to review & develop seafarer training across the sectors, including the Superyacht sector and are also responsible for managing the MCA Examinations & Certificate issue for various sectors, including the Yacht Deck and Engineers Certification. IAMI are also the governing body of the GUEST Program, & provide support, accreditation and management of the scheme, as well as the IAMI GUEST Certification. IAMI works in consultation with sub-groups, made up of representatives from member organisations, who have the opportunity to feedback and discuss the issues on current training, the demands for new training as well as qualification development and responsibility for reviewing new routes to certification based on the requirements of the Maritime industries and STCW 95. IAMI has Associate members, who include the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), MYBA, PYA, the UK Chamber of Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board, the Maritime Skills Alliance, and the European Union Education Forum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0aef87b0-c91a-447c-8a80-b19d0bdcd884/POWLogo.JPG Partners & Collaborations - Pearls of Wisdom THE OM is an enthusiastic and passionate supporter of the Pearls of Wisdom initiative, initially started by Cherise Reedman in Autumn 2021 with a small event held in the New Forest to highlight the issues that disproportionately affect women in yachting. The event acted as a platform for women with current or former careers in the superyacht sector. Rapidly gaining traction and going on to a further two sell out events in The Shard in the spring and In Palma Mallorca in the autumn 2022, bringing together inspirational women, to discuss life beyond yachting, share experiences, wisdom and advice. Showcasing the diverse opportunities that are available and aiming to collaborate to focus on breaking the stereotypes of traditional roles and collaborate to promote mutual benefit. “You want to be part of something that is bigger than yourself. This event brings people together without the expectation of anything but for us to serve, guide and celebrate them and that’s beautiful thing. imparting wisdom to powerful women is something we wish to excel in” Gemma Hulbert Founder, The Yacht Stew https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/8fc53e76-06b4-4b07-9cc0-ff96ac7a6329/Nautelus+Announcement+Posts-01.png Partners & Collaborations - Nautilus International Nautilus International and THE OM recognise that their common and complementary philosophies contribute to the good working conditions and welfare of maritime professionals employed across the yachting industry. We see value in forging a strategic partnership which focuses on mutual respect, trust and above all, the shared vision for the success of international yachting, whilst maintaining high employment and welfare standards for maritime professionals in the industry. THE OM has a commitment to support crew to achieve successful careers and to drive the industry towards an innovative, sustainable and equitable future. As an addition to its dedication to advocate for the welfare of yacht crew, THE OM wishes to spread awareness of Nautilus Internationals work, and ensure that crew benefit from its legal, welfare, advisory and collective support. Nautilus is a trade union and professional organisation, serving, supporting representing and protecting the interests of over 22,000 individuals working within the global maritime yachting industry and is the sole trade union, entitled to organise within the global yachting industry for nationals of any country. https://www.the-om.co.uk/testimonials daily 0.75 2024-03-12 https://www.the-om.co.uk/services daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://www.the-om.co.uk/crewmentorsupport daily 0.75 2024-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1660826691092-HFKPXSZJBFN8C98AB6HQ/unsplash-image-mHC0qJ7l-ls.jpg Crew Mentor Support - How does it work? Usually I start with a phone call, where we just chat and get to know each other a little better, we can start to look at the individuals hopes for the mentoring process whatever that might be and gain an understanding of potential goals or what the relationship will look like. From there we will arrange an additional call where we set goals and agree terms of engagement. Alternatively not everyone is ready or interested in that kind of process and what they require is someone who they can consult occasionally for guidance on how best to deal with issues onboard or help at certain points, for instance when looking for a new job, and weighing up the pros and cons or different job offers. So it’s very much tailored to the individual and completely flexible, from regular structured sessions to occasional calls or WhatsApp messaging, to close contact through an intense period where advice is needed. Ad hoc: We range over all areas of the help and advice available and start and stop on an open basis. Agreed process: Agreed goals and a series of sessions and agreed outcomes over a period of time. Back up: I am here when needed. What is the cost? I have provided my mentoring services for free for 20 years, as my way of giving back to an industry that I love. However, the sheer amount of time that I now devote to it means that this year, I have had to make the decision to charge for my time. The cost is agreed between mentor and mentee on an individual, mutually agreeable basis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1660826603798-MKBOZNTQT64Y4MAGZ4LA/unsplash-image-afyeajNGFKg.jpg Crew Mentor Support How do you have the knowledge and experience to mentor individuals from such a broad range of specialisations.? That’s a really good question, I am fortunate that I have a pretty good level of emotional intelligence and I find it easy to both understand and build strong empathetic relationships with crew. That and three other factors, I am passionate about the industry and have built an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of it over the years, I am a bit of a geek in that respect! I worked in the industry for a long time across all departments bar engineering however I have a strong technical interest, particularly in sustainability and recently worked with a UK College to develop a pioneering superyacht engineering program, and that combined with my previous experience, means I can tick most boxes. Ultimately the issues and challenges are different onboard when an individual goes from a junior to leadership level, I am always learning and developing my skills and that’s something I try and pass on in my work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/b2afce59-1a2a-49d5-89a0-919e35bc0e25/87dd31d2-99cb-46ce-bcd1-be967c4d4763.JPG Crew Mentor Support - Wouldn’t it be better for a mentee to find a mentor who is a senior member of their crew or a senior employee within their organisation. Mentoring is so important in all its aspects, I would always encourage finding someone on your yacht who is senior to you or having someone who is ahead of you in their career to advise and guide you, there is no limit to who you work with and ask for support. However sometimes it is valuable to have a mentor that is neutral and is not directly involved in the operations of the vessel or organisation and who can provide unbiased and much broader guidance through the nature of their career. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/c2285136-309a-4492-be76-6a0b2e9a6f02/f5da5ba9-3c80-4f0e-a6ec-adbf0c5f57f4.JPG Crew Mentor Support - Have there been highs and lows in the experience for you? Yes for sure, I still get emotional when crew that I have trained and or supported pass their CoC’s or attain their lifetime career goals. I know how much blood sweat and tears; sheer hard work and tenacious drive lies behind those achievements. It’s always fantastic to share the euphoria of a new promotion or position gained. It’s also very rewarding when an individual has maybe lost heart, lost sight of themselves and is considering leaving the industry and through our interaction is able to rediscover their enthusiasm and find a new way forward. But yes, there have been lows and continue to be so, not all conversations are uplifting and not all conversations result in the outcome you would wish. There continues to be some very unprofessional individuals and practices within the sector and when those behaviours are supported from the very top, it can be very difficult to find a solution. For me it’s always very disappointing and frustrating to see and hear about circumstances that were prevalent 20 years ago still going on now, but that’s what drives me to run my business and create training and change in the sector to create a more innovative, equitable, professional and inclusive future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/a14993dd-a2e5-4abf-a286-b2a556ebea1b/27ce6e00-9a20-4582-af28-f9bf7d3fc134+3.JPG Crew Mentor Support - I take on a small number of new mentees each year, if you think it is something that would enhance your professional life, then please take a look at my testimonials and get in touch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/abe1ecc5-15af-4984-a833-1eb15a3ef55c/559a9ad8-cfa2-4c2b-a7c4-007c49764419.JPG Crew Mentor Support - At times it can be a very careful balance, my role is to seek to add perspective and insight to help solve a dilemma, issue or decision that an individual is facing. By taking the wrong line of approach it would be easy for me to undermine the line of command on a vessel, rather than seek to give the individual the tools to deal with a situation professionally. Sometimes there is no perfect answer, the nature of the industry means that the issues I discuss with a mentee can kick up real moral and professional dilemmas, where tough decisions have to be made as to whether the response is one that would reflect the individuals personal moral and professional code, or one that retains their job. Being a mentor is both a privilege and a challenge, I am acutely aware of the responsibility, especially when it comes to major decisions. But it’s not all a one-way process, it’s a hugely rewarding experience for me too. A good mentor/mentee relationship is full of debate and conjecture, where both parties learn so much through each interaction. I love the work, following individuals through their careers and watching them grow as individuals, the highs, the lows the cock ups, and the triumphs, it’s all a huge pleasure. On a more serious note, it continues to allow me an extraordinary window on to the day-to-day reality of life onboard, and the collaboration of a group of professionals who support and underpin the work I do to effect positive and proactive change within the sector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1660826544970-MLFSCIA673AI3Z56O1H6/unsplash-image-MOcAMtp2Ilo.jpg Crew Mentor Support - Mentor Q & A How did you start mentoring crew? Completely by accident, after 12 years at sea, I was fortunate to transfer my skills into developing and delivering training for superyacht crew in interior, chef and latterly running the first Superyacht Deck Cadetship Programme for 10 years. I built relationships with the individuals that I trained both in the classroom and once they were at sea actively working in the industry. It became obvious very early on in the evolution of the program that the students stuck at the training and developed a much more professional approach to their careers if they were able to access advice and support when they needed it. WhatsApp was the key to making it work and enabled me to message and chat to crew globally with ease. The immediacy of it meant that, I was able to help in real time and help them avoid, knee jerk decisions and unwise behaviour. The vast majority of those individuals are still in the industry in senior positions or are out on the other side working in related careers, and although I moved on in my working life, our relationships have endured, and I still work with them to support their career journeys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/25731f82-9cbc-4e84-843b-a118fbf88dc8/20860463-5f13-4c6a-adf2-e68749daa821+2.JPG Crew Mentor Support - Finding a mentor isn't easy, someone who is truly committed to being available to supply intelligent, informed, advice without agenda, someone who has “been there and done it” who will challenge you as well as support you, with the benefits of their own experience and knowledge. For the uninitiated, the idea of seeking a mentor, is to find someone that has specific skills in your sector and who has the experience to help an individual to develop and grow within their career, supplying time, wisdom and direction. In my capacity as a professional mentor, I help crew and maritime professionals find solutions to their career, training, business and sometimes personal challenges, finding pathways and resources to lead them to successful outcomes. The aim being to enable them to find clarity and motivation to achieve their goals in their current careers, and forward onto life beyond yachting or their shore-based long term career aspirations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/06f02b15-9dd4-498b-9b28-c302999ae1a1/4476fd11-4576-4967-86e8-ff338f28d08a.JPG Crew Mentor Support - What do you help with? Education and Training: Advice on mandatory and non-mandatory training and education, what’s available, when to do it and what benefits your career the most. Professional Development: Building qualifications and professional skills, associations and experiences to build on your career and employability. Personal Development: Guidance on your own personal journey of discovery and growth alongside your career. Career Planning: Making the best decisions to benefit your career, weighing up the options, choosing the right time to stay and the right time to move on and how to best do that to for all concerned. How to choose the right position on the right vessel to achieve your goals and have a happy and rewarding career. Life Goals: Long term planning and guidance on how you can balance your career whilst learning new skills and preparing for the future. Burn Out: Helping crew survive and avoid burnout and find a strategy to move forward, reset and regain their focus and enthusiasm. Interpersonal Issues and challenges onboard: Un biased, neutral, honest and professional advice to navigate the challenges of working onboard. Life After Yachting: Help with planning and achieving a successful exit from the industry Business and Start Up advice: Guidance and advice on business ideas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/c381174e-0632-4c66-9bec-a712064b0b3b/f45cbe0f-b831-4481-b635-c79b202ace55.JPG Crew Mentor Support - What is the one most important aspect of being a mentor? I think building trust, listening, and whilst supporting, giving guidance, and sharing experiences and wisdom are very important, the key to the process is to enable a mentee to develop the skills and tools to help them find solutions independently in the long term. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1660826661694-CVY4M6PX4I514Q7OTTNX/unsplash-image-R-vEolhiyAY.jpg Crew Mentor Support Do you mentor crew new to the industry? Yes, I do, I do work to encourage awareness of the industry amongst young people whenever I can, through partnerships and collaborations and also by talking to anyone who will listen, through that, I take on a small group of individuals each year to help them to find the right training and support them into their first roles and beyond. Who do you mentor? I work with over 200 individuals, on a regular or ad hoc basis, across the board from Captains, Chief Engineers, Officers, Pursers. Interior HOD’s Bosuns and deck and interior crew as well as shore based maritime professionals. https://www.the-om.co.uk/matt-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Matt Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/02c7ed6a-c131-4345-b2d9-15ab1d6439d7/Matt+frame-04.jpg Matt Case Study - Which leads on quite neatly to why I applied for the BSc Hons in Sustainable Maritime Operations, this course has given me options for a career after working at sea. I have made the decision to not pursue any higher qualification beyond my current Chief Mate 3000 CoC as I really enjoy the role of Chief Officer, in the long term I want to get a shore based job, especially if I ever have a family. I also am lucky enough to be in a position where I am able to find the extra time to learn about things that interest me and to focus on my personal development, which is what I believe to be one of the major advantages of this course. My professional seafaring career has been a mixture of hard work, sheer effort and commitment, right time right place and a lot of luck. When I first started out you had to walk up and down docks all over the Riviera handing out CV’s and “dock walking”. I have come a long way since then and I see this next phase of study as my next big challenge, it definitely takes a bit of effort but the advantages it brings to me personally make it worth it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Matt Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/596dea75-6397-4e96-a456-4d9040c93c16/Matt+frame-01.jpg Matt Case Study - Matt: Chief Officer 80m motor yacht. My approach to studying whilst working on a busy vessel, has been to employ the idea of using good organisation and studying little and often, however this hasn’t always gone to plan. For anyone else thinking of doing this course, don’t do what I did initially after starting the BSc in January this year in the middle of a busy charter season, when I completed the first piece of coursework in five pretty intense days on charter … you don’t get much sleep! I gained a foundation degree through my yacht cadetship but passing my Officer of the Watch 3000GT exam, was the easily the most focused I have ever been in terms of academic study, for around 2 years I was either at work or at maritime college doing my modules only seeing my family and friends in the scraps of time I had left. This major commitment did mean I passed it all first time and all of the knowledge has become quite firmly lodged in my brain and gave me real confidence in my ability. However when I passed the exam and calmed down after my 15min of joy, I was hit, quite firmly, with the simple question of “now what?” https://www.the-om.co.uk/archie-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Archie Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Archie Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/fd9df212-682e-455e-b08a-231f27a84f25/Archie+Frames-04.jpg Archie Case Study - During my time, I have served on both motor and sailing yachts ranging from 40m to 80m most recently. My career onboard yachts has given me so much, from a financial point of view, but more importantly a personal development aspect. Working at sea has shaped me and I cannot wait to experience what the next 10 years has in-store for me as I progress onwards into the capacity of captain. However what happens when I am ready to hang up the epaulets and return to a shore based life? How will I provide for my family when I reach an age where that is to be expected of me? The ocean has become my home away from home, and the environment and its preservation is something I feel extremely passionate about. Therefore, continuing my study into maritime sustainability makes a-lot of sense to me, my practical experience giving me a valuable insight into the sector, and now allowing me the opportunity to further my knowledge. I have seen first-hand the negative impacts that come with these big boats on this delicate ecosystem, I have a genuine desire to do my part to rectify for this. After all, there is no maritime industry without a healthy thriving marine environment. For us preservation is everything. Going forward, I am excited to complete the BSc program, I know that I have a lot more travel in-store… many more interesting people and experiences. One day when I hang up my mop, I definitely believe that skills and qualities I have gained from my service so far will transfer well into the shore-based corporate structure, and I have learned that I am a pretty adaptable and so I am confident I will turn my hand to whatever opportunity comes my way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/38229be4-54c7-41bf-acc8-b2fe94aec00c/Archie+Frames-01.jpg Archie Case Study - Archie: Chief Officer. I started the BSc SMO in January this year, for me the distance learning format could not be better, I love the idea of being able to work remotely, and in this new post COVID 19 world that we are living in I expect it will become the new norm. But the freedom of movement that being able to complete this degree from wherever work takes me is a huge draw factor. In terms of balancing my workloads, I am not too concerned. I have become well practised at utilising my valuable free time, I have spent the last 5 years working on dual season charter motor yachts in high pressure environments, this has definitely shaped how I operate in not just my professional life but also my personal life. I am a tasked based individual. I thrive under a common goal, and revel in team success, I have manifested into a fastidious list writer, who will be rarely seen without my little red notebook in hand. I have not always been so diligent academic endeavours, during my years at high school, it was never a lack of ability that was my problem, but like many teenagers, my time management was not the best! https://www.the-om.co.uk/mick-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Mick Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/3bb5bb25-1ad0-4304-9c9b-8c8a51526652/Mick+frame-04.jpg Mick Case Study - I feel that the MSc syllabus aligns strongly with my career arc, particularly as I commence the Project and Data Management module. I aim to continue my seagoing career as chief engineer for now, while also focusing on building skills for an eventual transition to shore based employment. Studying at this level supports these aims and has been an ambition of mine for a long time. I have become increasingly interested in sustainability in recent years, particularly since becoming a chief engineer. Working towards sustainable goals is an important part of my role onboard, it’s something that has value to the community as well as my employer. I know that building experience and knowledge in this field will allow me to develop my career in interesting and fulfilling ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Mick Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/a68efd70-6e33-4b73-bb19-6e78bbe50cb6/Mick+frame-01.jpg Mick Case Study - Mick: Chief Engineer. I started studying for my MSc in January 2022, balancing my study with a rotational chief engineer’s role and a busy family life. In practice this means putting in a lot of late nights and early mornings in order to complete module assignments, times where I can work uninterrupted and keep my focus. I find it important to maintain two values: the first is balance and the second one is patience. Social life, family life, rest and exercise are extremely important parts of a fulfilling life; human needs must be balanced with college workload - spending time to reduce stress helps maintain focus. Patience is necessary because I have found it necessary to read volumes of research papers just to get a few sentences. It can be necessary to write, delete and write again many times to make a point and keep to a word count. It’s daunting and frustrating at first but ultimately rewarding. https://www.the-om.co.uk/sam-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Sam Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Sam Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/eb688ffb-61b4-4595-bf89-89bfba82667e/Sam+Frames+Example-01.jpg Sam Case Study - Sam: Delivery and Yard Captain. After 10 years working full time onboard sailing yachts with very little time out, I made the decision to expand my knowledge of the marine industry as a whole. The inbuilt flexibility of the Sustainable Maritime Operations BSc program, has allowed me to juggle working, studying this course and pursuing my MCA qualifications alongside some personal time out. I hope that the broader appreciation of all marine sectors helps me not only make more informed decisions onboard my current vessel but also moving forward in my long term career, wherever that might take me. I have been incredibly fortunate to work on a variety of sailing vessels throughout my career, growing skills in management and leadership, navigation and seamanship, fund, and time allocation, all whilst working up the hierarchal ladder. Finding solutions for many and varied obstacles in different geographic areas, whilst meeting the requirements of high-net-worth individuals, their families, and friends requires a positive and resourceful outlook. Currently, I am the chief officer and delivery captain onboard a dual season performance yacht. In the last couple of years, I have overseen two multi-million-euro refit’s and completed two successful Atlantic crossings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/01e64b27-d34a-4afa-885a-5b13e4883e9f/Sam+Frames+Example-04.jpg Sam Case Study - This growth in position and responsibility has been challenging but also extremely rewarding. The management of crew, who are from diverse cultures, have various levels of knowledge and experience, who have different aspirations, and who all need continuing support physically, mentally, medically, and encouragement to achieve is something I enjoy. The process of planning, budgeting, monitoring, updating, and keeping to a determined time frame during escalating projects has improved a distinct set of skills, aside from the fundamentals of sailing and running a deck. I believe that the more experience and knowledge someone has, the more informed a decision is with greater perspective and real time relevance. I have sacrificed pushing through my OOW and onwards at a pace, because I have had amazing opportunities that cannot be bought. However, I feel it is now time to level up my experience with structured learning that will help continue my career in the marine industry. I have only experienced a small aspect of this sector and I hope to expand and challenge my current knowledge and beliefs, the Sustainable Maritime Operations BSc (Hons) degree is a hugely exciting prospect to aid in the growth of my maritime career. I have been incredibly fortunate to have done so much by twenty-eight, but there is much more to achieve and knowledge to gain. https://www.the-om.co.uk/ryan-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Ryan Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/507efd89-1391-4cbb-a7e4-248df08b23dd/Ryan+frame-04.jpg Ryan Case Study - So far I have been fortunate and have worked in the sailing fleet since the start of my career, working to really high standards whilst experiencing some incredibly varied itineraries, refitting in New Zealand, racing, sailing across the Pacific and rounding Cape Horn and sailing up the coast of South America was an experience I will struggle to ever forget. I am certainly not afraid of doing some long miles and going off the beaten track. Although currently I have much more to achieve in my career at sea, completing the BSc is important to me in planning for my long term future and investing in my own personal and professional development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Ryan Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/9efa9d65-5487-4a26-86ce-b037954862a0/Ryan+frame-01.jpg Ryan Case Study - Ryan: Mate 56m Sailing Yacht. I started a new job in January at exactly the same time as I began my degree and immediately after passing my OOW 3000. Flying halfway around the world to join the vessel and then straight into a busy season, it’s been tough to be honest managing my time to do both things well, but I know its going to be worth it in the long run. The course is designed for seafarers and let’s face it; we are inherently busy. Recently I had to contact my tutor as I knew that I would really struggle to get an assignment in because we were going through an extremely busy charter period. I was granted an extension with no problem at all and was able to finish it properly, to the standard I wanted in the extra time given. https://www.the-om.co.uk/poppy-case-study daily 0.75 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/be763bdc-990f-434f-961e-fcfe66bf6a5b/image-asset.png Poppy Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/91c92bba-2ea1-4b2d-8961-9ffa76b3291e/Poppy+frame-04.jpg Poppy Case Study - Throughout the past year, I have been working closely with a mentor, Emma from THE OM, to help me focus on where I want to take my career in the future. At the point of leaving my last position, I knew I wanted to stay in the industry but also knew I needed a break from seagoing positions. This degree helped me keep a foot in the door of the industry, whilst also learning and developing in a sector which I think is becoming ever more important. At the start of 2022 I started working for a crew agency based in the UK, this worked perfectly alongside my degree and allowed me to have evenings and weekends to complete my coursework. I believe the workload in the coursework is more than manageable, whether you are or aren’t working, nevertheless it requires pre-planning in order to not get behind. I found I was achieving better grades and feeling more confident as my modules went on, which I think has a lot to do with my personal management of time and priorities. having completed the MLA College degree, I now have the confidence to start on my OOW modules and I am looking forward to my next steps back into the industry. If you are interested in continuing to learn and the themes of this article resonate with you, Emma Baggett and her company, THE OM, have partnered with MLA College to promote an opportunity for superyacht crew to access a final year BSc or MSc In Sustainable Maritime Operations. This degree is delivered via online distance learning, designed to be accessible and completely flexible around working routines. If you don’t have previous academic qualifications, you can use your CoC’s to gain entry. With the opportunity for qualified OOW and Engineer Offices to gain direct entry to a final year BSc and Masters and Chief Engineers to jump straight to an MSc. Whether you want to build on your maritime qualifications or translate your experience and qualifications gained in the sector into a successful career ashore find out more http://the-om.co.uk/smo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0d088062-3dc5-4238-8467-c7227acb226b/NavyGraphic-02.png Poppy Case Study - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/2a8d5878-ba1e-48ed-af2e-63bafe052fa4/Poppy+frame-01.jpg Poppy Case Study - Poppy: Bosun. My time at MLA College started in May 2021 after deciding to begin the course when I quit my last seagoing position to have some time out, I aimed to take the summer off and enjoy some time with my partner whilst travelling around Europe in my self-converted van. I started my second module the same week that we left the UK and completed all of the coursework whilst living in the van. I found it rewarding to have something to focus on whilst I wasn’t working, and it kept my brain ticking along throughout this period. Studying in interesting places whilst travelling made the whole process much more enjoyable and in the end, the two coexisted with one another very successfully. At first, I struggled to manage my time with the coursework, it was very easy to prioritise having a good time and enjoying my time off and forgetting about the latest essay. I had to set strict boundaries and expectations for myself, I focused on 1 hour of lectures and 1 hour of extra reading per day. Once I had finished my lectures I swapped that hour out for writing my assessments. this really helped me feel more in control of the workload. Simple solutions like instead of taking a book to the beach I would take a journal or report I found online. I also often read when I was a passenger during long drives, you forget you're actually working towards your coursework and therefore it becomes a lot more enjoyable. https://www.the-om.co.uk/smo daily 0.75 2024-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/63369a8a-1edd-42d9-b44b-536400f0f3dc/Inpartnership+Graphic-01.png BSc & MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/85079ffa-1bc9-4357-8963-b828c10f4a3d/The+OM+MLA+College https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/b352758a-f3ba-4ab8-871c-43da64c82cf1/7a5fd810-3fb7-4f05-935b-28ed9e287341.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1669280418699-JQQ2TZKU9PJKPYE1ER9I/unsplash-image-nfF5-G6cFwY.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0ed7db2e-1c16-4f5b-9963-2ba16ed09537/8eceff61-4f64-47e8-b90d-08a2b0b95114.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/3f77ed0f-053e-4462-9acf-266cc789bf8f/e4b06334-1782-489a-b164-ac672eb40173.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1669280549722-MSM65BWJ0AA1104JNZVU/unsplash-image-iOmFn_anJvA.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/1669280605993-AN6F255LE29HQ6LZZQZG/unsplash-image-MaC5w1tu2VU.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/8b72af34-18cd-4b20-9e79-72637bf2ae39/SMO+Course+Graphic+Updated-01.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/4b3c1275-fa64-4a2d-889a-058c80b1e89e/SMO+Course+Graphic+Updated-01.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/2c2e35c0-e60d-48c1-bacf-0b0792d7a09d/Website+Resources+Tabs-11.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/4f52f7a3-ec7a-423e-8772-2747a1e5bb73/Untitled-3-04.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/466c10d0-fc43-4926-a8e9-0428687b063a/Website+Resources+Tabs-08.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/4acbf782-c22c-4df9-94c7-4785077d25c9/News-02.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/3ebbf39a-e3d0-4f2f-a992-81cb63303a7a/Website+Resources+Tabs-09.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/28acf429-2e49-4fea-a607-bb9202d9b842/Untitled-3-05.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/c22b483b-1c80-4519-a706-dd1958248079/Website+Resources+Tabs-12.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/a6ce52a4-b4ae-4b61-b42c-7239df82b4b0/Untitled-3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/ad76aebb-1091-43e1-864e-b9590bcbf060/Untitled-3-07.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/dad50827-8e96-4787-8d4c-c19a789c03f7/News-01.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/246497c4-13ea-46f8-ac46-d620ffa0295b/Website+Resources+Tabs-10.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/0fc04e18-2faa-47af-ae3f-c86989a6bfdd/15.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/a1335250-d760-417a-a5e7-129179e8f5a9/IMG_0091.JPG https://www.the-om.co.uk/latest-projects daily 0.75 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/284334ff-7a07-4163-838d-0983075380ba/Cowes+Enterprise+College.png Latest Projects - Cowes Enterprise College https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/10e0c5e1-bade-4428-a69b-5688d1394664/Latest+Projects+Images-04.png Latest Projects - MLA COLLEGE: PARTNERSHIP, PROMOTING, SUPPORTING & DEVELOPMENT. The OM continues to work in partnership as a consultant and ambassador for distance learning provider MLA College in Plymouth (part of the BAU Global International University Group and a partner of Plymouth University) to open up high quality, supported, online distance learning degree level programmes for maritime professionals and superyacht crew. Current projects include forging industry partnerships to support research into Operational Sustainability and working to raise awareness of the MSc and BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations program opportunity within the sector. (For more info on MLA College and THE OM partnership look on THE OM Partnership Page.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/f414d4d7-e529-42dc-b9a1-46e3f29489cc/FMS_Building_Innovative_Event_square_1080x1080px.png Latest Projects - BUILDING INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE MARITIME FUTURES: DISCOVERY DAY 23rd March 2023 National Maritime Museum Falmouth Concept, design and management of a Discovery event to support the outcomes of the strategic development project for Falmouth Marine School (FMS). This event will be an exciting opportunity to explore the development of emergent technology and innovation within the maritime sector to develop sustainable solutions. The event will focus on four key areas of interest in Innovation, Sustainability, Emerging Technologies, Education & Training, to be delivered via inspiring presentations from a broad range of guest speakers representing: The Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Development, Marine Electric Drive and Power Storage Solutions, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Solar Energy, Virtual Reality training for the Marine Industry, and showcasing innovative education programs including FMS HNC/FdSc Sustainable Marine Technology & Superyacht Engineering programs, and MLA College Plymouths award winning BSc and MSc distance learning Sustainable Maritime Operations programs. After lunch, attendees will also have the chance to experience the use of virtual reality as a training environment, network and have a Q&A with the presenting organisations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/71563bde-0aed-45f1-b790-dbd331f0efb5/Latest+Projects+Images-11.png Latest Projects - ARTICLES & RESEARCH: SUPERYACHT CONTENT As natural extension of my work with crew and the yacht industry and as a result of the conversations and discussions I have on a weekly basis, is the ongoing production of articles, Blog Posts and research, I currently have two articles in research stage looking at Women in Yacht Engineering, examining their experience’s, career paths and thoughts on the future of their profession. And a Q&A with 10 newly qualified Master 3000 (Yacht) crew members, looking at their vison and mission as the next generation of superyacht captains to come through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/5902704f-e8c6-4a20-87da-6be5a4e03f6f/Latest+Projects+Images-03.png Latest Projects - SENTINI MARINE & V360 GROUP: COLLABORATION & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Currently working with Jon Lee of Sentini Marine and Greg Beach of The V360 Group on a number of projects promoting their work in creating technical documentation and pioneering Apps, to powerful Virtual Reality Training solutions across a broad range of safety critical maritime technical applications. From commercial shipping, the yacht sector, offshore renewable energy to high risk nuclear operations and emergency response. We are also collaborating on a bespoke project for FMS commissioning a fully VR engine room simulator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/2f9def92-1efe-4a05-8f0b-f9a981143a09/Latest+Projects+Images-09.png Latest Projects - THE CREW COACH: TCC TRIBE MENTOR Supporting the extraordinary and prolific work of Karine Rayson and her work as THE CREW COACH as a Guest Mentor to her TCC “Tribe” Mentorship Program. Allowing tribe members to connect with respected leaders in the superyacht industry. A high achiever, ex superyacht crew and holder of multiple degrees, Karine worked tirelessly to create her Crew Coach platform to deliver training and education programs to support the pursuit of personal and professional development for yacht crew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/4db80bd9-e1f5-43af-b4f6-991ed94b3372/Untitled-1.jpg Latest Projects - Raising the Bar Engaging, Inspiring and Retaining Superyacht Talent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/53144c16-15b4-4654-bb2a-ced6d5903c55/Latest+Projects+Images-10.png Latest Projects - MENTORING & CAREER SUPPORT: SUPERYACHT CREW Currently supporting over 200 superyacht crew with advice, support, mentoring and career advice with structured or ad hoc sessions to support their careers and personal and professional development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/99279107-5cb8-4104-a609-e7f170f91ee6/Latest+Projects+Images-06.png Latest Projects - IAMI/GUEST PROGRAM: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Working as Chair of the Working group in line with the GUEST Five Year Strategic Plan to continue our mission to develop and innovate programs driven directly by industry need which empower all crew across all departments to “fill the gaps” in mandatory training and achieve their potential and professional excellence. This year we have a number of new programs in development with industry partners including Yacht Owner Representative, Yacht Interior New Build & Refit, Yacht Administration Officer. As well new courses in AV & IT and Luxury Food Specialist Training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/8a8c40a1-64b7-4c37-91a0-581c97765373/Latest+Projects+Images-01.png Latest Projects - FALMOUTH MARINE SCHOOL: STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND PROJECT BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES Consultancy with Falmouth Marine School to support their Strategic Development Fund project “Building Sustainable Futures.” It is a real pleasure to be back working with an organisation with whom I share so many common goals. With the opportunity to contribute to an innovative Marine Sustainability focused project, whose outcomes fit so seamlessly with the strategy and aims of THE OM. Through their involvement in this project, FMS will support capacity building and employer engagement activities to develop new approaches to Building Sustainable Futures for the local economy, maritime careers and education, with a particular emphasis on their institutional specialisms in marine engineering. Delivering innovative, sustainable training and knowledge-sharing; employing cutting-edge technology to find sustainable solutions for the maritime sector. Driving research into the creation and embedding of sustainable models of delivery, to underpin all curriculum development at the college, including the utilisation of virtual and augmented reality and digital learning technologies to enhance the learning experience. Inclusive within the project is our shared and continued aim to build future proof engineering training for the evolving maritime, renewable energies and superyacht sectors. (For more info on FMS and THE OM partnership look on THE OM Partnership Page.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/fee62fc1-f331-4da1-8e0a-f0b618e2bcbb/Latest+Projects+Images-08.png Latest Projects - GRIT UNLOCKED: INDUSTRY EXPERT COACH Collaborating with the powerhouse superyacht industry entrepreneur that is Margarita Amam, (Founder of IMS GmbH) to support her pioneering venture, GRIT Unlocked and offer Industry Expert Coaching support to the professional candidates. GRIT is the first platform providing true and unbiased recruitment for companies offering equal opportunity employment, specialising in elite headhunting and coaching of ethnic talents for yachting and luxe industry businesses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/337e9ec3-378a-4412-b2dc-e53920c84ed0/Latest+Projects+Images-05.png Latest Projects - IAMI/GUEST PROGRAM: BRANDING WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA THE OM recently completed a rebrand project for the GUEST Program, collaborating with Joey Meen GUEST Director and Graphic Designer @alisha__designs and developed a new website concept. We are currently building on that new branding with a new approach to messaging and imagery to spread awareness via social media with a series of posts based around building understanding of IAMI/GUEST and its history and programs, and the transition to its new remit as “The recognised Yacht Qualification Body for Non Mandatory Training and Professional Development”. As a governing body we were keen to retain a level of gravity, but also have a fresh more appealing and accessible approach, in the aim to appeal to a much broader audience. That potential audience consists of a wide group of targets from entry level through to senior and experienced crew across all departments, training providers, and the industry itself in all its breadth. Work on the website will be completed to first stages by March. (For more info on IAMI GUEST and THE OM relationship look on THE OM Partnership Page.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ab6a1118844e32d84bc7e1/3d5f9822-98a7-4afc-9105-787160adc713/Latest+Projects+Images-12.png Latest Projects - ADVOCATE: I currently work with a number of voluntary workgroups to report, and support change in the sector in regard to poor or unprofessional practices, supporting the value of crew welfare and reform. I am a passionate believer in the value of good leadership and professional conduct onboard and will continue to work with like-minded individuals and organisations to give a voice and push for accountability in the sector. 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