Following 16 years of studying and working in care, adult returner Siobhan Douglas joined the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) to kickstart her new career at sea.

This was not Siobhan’s first time studying with us. She left Peterhead Academy in 2008 to study childcare at Banff and Buchan College and Aberdeen College, which later merged to form the NESCol we know today.

Siobhan also completed a Bachelor Award in Childhood Practice through the University of Aberdeen, graduating in 2022. However, last year, she realised it was time to take her career in a different direction.

She said: “After 16 years of working in childcare and residential care, I decided it was time for a change.”

Studying at the Scottish Maritime Academy

Siobhan joined the Trainee Deckhand course at SMA, the ideal starting point for new entrants interested in exploring a maritime career. It covers the basic training necessary to enter the Merchant Navy, offshore energy sector or fishing industry.

She said: “After speaking to someone I know who completed the Trainee Deckhand course two years ago and following his journey within the Merchant Navy sector, I was keen to find out for myself and applied for the course. Fortunately, I was granted a place, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Although the transition from the care sector to maritime was daunting, Siobhan took it in her stride and had an extremely positive experience on her course.

She said: “I have enjoyed every aspect of it: the practical, learning new techniques and knowledge, gaining great relationships with the College staff and other students. I wish I made this change sooner!”

Siobhan recommends SMA and the Trainee Deckhand course and believes that others should consider working at sea.

She said: “I feel the maritime sector should be explored more by others. The avenues you can take are fantastic.”

Siobhan’s first trip at sea

Siobhan has wasted no time getting stuck into her new career. She recently returned from her first trip on Grampian Deliverance with North Star, where she immediately fitted into the crew and life at sea.

She said: “Even though I only spent a short spell on the open sea, I have gained an amazing insight into the job I will be doing as a Trainee Deckhand and have learned about the roles and responsibilities of the other crew members.

“I am so grateful that the impression I have made so far with the crew on this vessel has given me the chance to join them again on the next voyage – it has given me a happiness I never knew possible. To be made to feel part of a team this quickly has been invaluable to me.”

Siobhan’s next steps

Siobhan hopes to continue learning and build up her experience on vessels.

She said: “I plan to work within the energy sector and renewables vessels to gain my six-month sea service time. I am also planning to complete the Efficient Deckhand (EDH) course and work towards being an Able Seafarer (AB).”

A career at sea could take Siobhan anywhere, and she’s excited for this next chapter in her life.

She said: “I’m most looking forward to exploring the world, learning new skills and knowledge, meeting an array of people and working as a team, and building my career progression pathway.”