Master Mariner Captain Bill Tate Joins First Class Lecture Line Up at UKSA

Sept. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Captain Tate, who is instrumental in the development of new professional training courses for the international super yacht and large ships industry, joins UKSA on September 19 from North West Kent College where he was Head of the Maritime Operations Centre.

His role will be to develop the Professional Development division within UKSA’s Yachting department and oversee the delivery of MCA approved training to STCW standards .
UKSA CEO Jon Ely said: “This is a significant appointment for UKSA. The maritime industry is a fast evolving one and Bill is integral to the development of new qualifications and teaching processes which will provide mariners present and future with the skills and knowledge they require to remain at the forefront of their profession.”

Bill said: “I am delighted to be joining the Senior Lecturing Team at UKSA.  I have been involved with the organisation for a number of years and have always been impressed with the vision and dedication of the staff and their exceptional work with young people.  I am looking forward to extending  the existing professional training courses and to the challenge of integrating the Large yacht qualifications with the traditional maritime industry.”
 
Bill is presently working with the Maritime Skills Alliance which includes the Merchant Navy Training Board, British Tug Association, Work Boat Association, British Marine Federation and the Company of Watermen to develop a new suite of qualifications across the marine industry.

He trained as a Master Mariner with BP Tankers before joining  P&O Ferries (Dover).  In 1996, he moved to the National Sea Training Centre at Gravesend as a Senior Nautical Lecturer and later Head of the School of Maritime Operations

During his time at NSTC, Bill worked closely with the Super Yacht industry and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency in developing the professional courses leading to Officer of the Watch and Master qualifications. He has worked with training providers in Antibes, the USA, South Africa, Italy and Australia and as a visiting lecturer at UKSA.  

Bill is the Course Director for Diploma courses with the Lloyds Maritime Academy in both Ship and Small Craft Surveying. He is the Yacht representative on the executive board of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) and a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute and a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

UKSA’s senior lecture team includes former Merchant Navy radio operator Paul Martin; Lt Cdr Douglas Sewell MBE, previously responsible for the Royal Navy navigation training and now acting as Senior Lecturer for Deck Officers; Senior Engineering Lecturer Paul Bennett; and Ship Security specialist Steve Rouse who also oversees UKSA’s mentoring and careers guidance service.

UKSA offers the full range of MCA and RYA accredited maritime training from deckhand, over deck officer training to Master 3000GT, as well as training engineers and interior crew.

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UKSA has worked to provide life changing outcomes for young people for 25 years. In that time, the charity has helped more than 100,000 individuals challenge personal boundaries, develop personal and employment skills and embark on fulfilling maritime careers.

This has been achieved by harnessing high quality maritime education, mentoring and support and making it available to all regardless of their background and ability. UKSA Alumni include the record breaking sailors Dee Caffari MBE and Hilary Lister.

An increasing number of young people are choosing the maritime sector as a career choice over and above University or other employment sectors. They are inspired by the rewards of a career with global opportunities.

UKSA trains 800 people each year for maritime employment, and works with a diverse range of employers, from the superyacht owner Roman Abramovich to the Nielson Holidays and PGL activity holidays to help them into employment.