“It was lovely to see the ongoing support Sailors’ Society gives right in front of me.”

5 Feb, 2018

Sailors' Society's regional development manager Gavin Lim hands Calista her scholarship

18-year old Calista Chan from Singapore is one of the beneficiaries of a Sailors' Society funded MaritimeONE scholarship.

On her first voyage to the United Kingdom, she bumped into Portbury and Avonmouth chaplain Steve Loader.

She's shared her thoughts on why she chose a career at sea and what Sailors' Society's support means to her.

Calista recently bumped into Sailors' Society's Portbury and Avonmouth port chaplain Steve Loader on her first trip to the UK

I was interested in a career in seafaring because of the adventurous nature of it, your office is ever moving and travelling around the world.

As a child I was drawn to maps and charts and hoped I could visit as many countries as possible in my life.

I heard about the nautical studies course from a friend and was curious about the possibility of navigating the seas.

My parents have been incredibly supportive regarding my choice of course, they want me to do what I love – and love what I do.

I have learned a lot from the lecturers at school and my colleagues on board.

You need many different skills to be a seafarer and there are challenges and difficulties along the way.

I have grown as an individual and learned how to be more independent, honed my seamanship, leadership and people skills – to name but a few.

I aspire to climb the ranks and become a captain one day.

Having been on board as a cadet for six weeks, my goals have become even clearer and I am even more determined.

The MaritimeONE scholarship is helping me financially and also providing me with encouragement.

After my internship as a cadet I have to return to school for my final year, which means additional courses that are rather expensive.

On top of that, we have to pay to sit examinations.

My mother is a single parent to two children and the scholarship eases the load on her.

Knowing I am supported financially is a great help to my family.

Steve was able to give Calista some presents before she set sail again

As a female seafarer it is great to have Sailors’ Society supporting me in every way possible and it really encourages me to know that there are people who believe in me.

My aspirations no longer seem farfetched and I’m not willing to give up on my dreams!

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