The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) is inviting applications for two annual maritime scholarships. Caymanians wishing to undertake a programme of study to pursue a career in the maritime industry may apply for a scholarship to pursue an undergraduate, post-graduate or professional qualification in the disciplines of naval architecture, maritime administration, marine engineering, nautical studies and marine surveying. Consideration will also be given in areas such as specialist maritime legal services, human resources management, accounting, information technology and other areas in support of the maritime sector. The deadline for applications is Monday, 31st March, 2008.
“We want to attract the best and brightest of Caymanian youth to carry forward the Cayman Islands’ rich maritime tradition,” says MACI’s CEO, Mr. Joel Walton himself from a seafaring family. To this aim, a public relations media blitz, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture, will be undertaken to attract top students for the scholarship spots. However, mature persons with experience or a strong interest in the maritime sector, are also encouraged to apply, points out Mr. Walton.
This year a scholarship has been named the David Alexander Anderson Memorial Scholarship, the first Caymanian to attain certification as a naval surveyor from Lloyd’s College in London, who passed away last year.
The following requisite qualifications for potential applicants include:
- Caymanian or status holder;
- Resident of the Cayman Islands for past five years (students studying abroad are exempt from this);
- 17 years of age with a high school education to GCE A level or equivalent (mature persons with experience are exempt from this);
- A genuine interest in the maritime industry;
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, work ethic and character;
- A commitment to the development of the local maritime industry, and
- The personal qualities to benefit from the scholarship and use it to succeed in the maritime industry.
The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR), a division of MACI, was first established in the port of George Town, Grand Cayman, in 1903. From humble beginnings more than a century ago, back in the days of seafaring turtle fishermen, the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry today has evolved into a first-class international registry offering world-recognised professional and client-focused services to a global market. The CISR integrates the latest technology to service the needs of its international maritime clients and fosters the culture of safety and integrity on its vessels whilst paying proportionate attention to the welfare of its seafarers.
The Cayman Islands is the maritime flag of choice for many of the world’s mega-yachts as Cayman is a member of the United Kingdom’s prestigious Red Ensign Group and is rated Category 1, meaning it can register vessels of any size and description.
As part of its continuing global outreach, the Registry this month launched a new European office on the French Riviera in the Mediterranean port city of Cannes, France. Additionally, the Shipping Registry has a physical presence in Grand Cayman (Headquarters), Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Southampton, U.K., as well as representatives in London, Greece and Tokyo.
Additional information about MACI/CISR and maritime scholarships can be found at www.cishipping.com or by emailing Human Resources.
Scholarship application forms and details can be found online at www.brighterfutures.gov.ky or by emailing Brighter Future, The telephone contact number is 244-2417.
“The maritime industry worldwide has so much to offer interested parties – challenges, advancements, travel and attractive remuneration, amongst other advantages,” enthuses Mr. Walton, “that it is a real source of pride for us here at MACI to be able to offer these outstanding opportunities to aspiring Caymanians. The world is, literally, at their doorstep.”
For further information contact: Corporate Communications