MCA Officer Trainee of the Year winner – 2010

The next in our series features Karley Smith, who won the award in 2010.

Fleetwood cadets have won this award ten times in 17 years - an unrivalled achievement.

Karley told us a bit about how she came a seafarer and where her career has taken her.

Why did you decide on a career at sea?

My entry into the Merchant Navy wasn't planned. While studying for my A-Levels my younger brother embarked on a cadetship at Fleetwood Nautical College. I attended an open day that he was helping at and I was attracted by the opportunity to complete a degree while also training for a career at sea. I had always intended to go university, but this seemed much more appealing. To be debt-free and gain a degree, as well as professional qualifications with a clear career structure in a career that can enable you to see the world; what's not to like?    

Which company sponsored your cadetship?

Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd, managed by James Fisher.     

Which courses/qualifications did you study at FNC?

• Foundation Degree in Nautical Science / Officer of the Watch Unlimited CoC 2006-2009.
• Chief Mates Unlimited CoC 2013.
• Masters Unlimited CoC 2018. 

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

I worked for eleven years in the Offshore Oil & Gas sector and latterly sailing as Chief Officer in the private superyacht sector.  During my 16-year career at sea, I served on various ship types including superyacht, deep-water drill ships, diving support vessels, multi-purpose ROV, platform supply vessels, Ro-Ro, product tankers and nuclear fuel carriers. Whilst at sea, I was fortunate to travel all over the world, from the Far East, South America and Mediterranean, to the North Sea, Canada and West Africa. Since coming ashore, I have travelled to Alaska, Poland, Denmark and Monaco just to name a few, so the travel hasn't stopped!

What is your current role and who do you work for?     

I am currently a Maritime Consultant and Surveyor for Brookes Bell, a leading multi-disciplinary technical and scientific consultancy.  

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

A career highlight would be travelling all over the world as part of my job and being admitted as a Younger Brother of Trinity House in 2023.        

What are your career plans/aspirations for the future?

To apply my operational experience at sea in my current role ashore and progress within the company.