MCA Officer Trainee of the Year winner - 2007

We begin this series with our very first winner of this award way back in 2007 - Liam Thompson.  We caught up with Liam to find out more about his career.

Why did you decide on a career at sea?

I was looking into a career in the Royal Navy until a local Captain (Dave Eccles) kindly offered to talk to me about the “Merch” I was hooked from leaving his house, the travel opportunities, the debt free education, the opportunities within the industry in the future, he sold the package and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Which company sponsored your cadetship?

Zodiac Maritime.

Which courses/qualifications did you study at FNC? 

Cadet HND route. I also studied for my Chief Mates & Master licenses at Fleetwood.

Did you choose FNC or did your company?  If you, why?

My training provider selected Fleetwood for me and even though I was a local lad living in Thornton, I still lived in the halls and threw myself into the student life.

Where has your career taken you since graduating - companies, roles and places?

"I was one of the first batch of cadets Zodiac sponsored and was later employed directly with when I obtained my OOW [Officer of the Watch], I spent a total of 11 years with Zodiac on their various types of ships mainly bulk carriers, container ships and LPG gas boats. Once I had my OOW I also worked in their London HQ working within the different departments to gain a better understanding of how the company operated and how the industry works “behind the scenes”.  This was in parallel with my sea service.

After leaving Zodiac, I wanted to be closer to home after the birth of our youngest child and did a year with various crewing agencies and vessels. During this time I worked for Hanson Marine, the UK’s biggest dredging fleet and was happy to be employed by them on an full time basis.  In total spent five happy years with them rising to the rank of Master.

I left Hanson Marine when an opportunity came calling at Liverpool Pilotage Service and that’s where I am today.  I’ve been at Liverpool for five years now and never looked back, it’s definitely been the pinnacle of my career.  The daily variety of vessels and ships’ crews and Masters and I get to do the fun bit of ship handling all whilst getting paid to do so.

Give us one highlight from your time at FNC and one from your career so far

It will go without saying but winning the inaugural award for MCA Officer Trainee of the year was the highlight of my time at FNC. I was very proud to receive this not just for me but also for FNC.  I have always felt I didn’t just win myself but also for the college. My career is my highlight; I can’t pinpoint one thing, I’ve enjoyed my entire time and continue to do so, from leaving school with the required GCSEs, to getting my Masters license to piloting vessels in and out of the Mersey - it’s been a brilliant journey.

What are your career plans/aspirations for the future?

I’ll be staying at Liverpool pilotage until I retire, I’ll continue to grow professionally and embrace the next generation of seafarers and hopefully pass on my knowledge (if anyone will listen!).

Anything else you want to tell us?

The Merchant Navy is the best kept secret, the vast majority of people don’t know what we do but will enjoy the products that have been shipped and not have a thought on how it’s got to their homes. It’s a wonderful career with extensive travel, world class teaching facilities, the opportunity to meet with every nationality there is and getting paid to do so.

If you feel inspired to look into a career at sea like Liam, find out more on our website, the Careers at Sea website, call us on 01253 504800 or email us at maritime@blackpool.ac.uk