New head for Scottish Maritime Academy
23rd November 2022
The Peterhead-based Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) has announced the appointment of experienced mariner and trainer Chris Bell (pictured above) as its new centre manager, reports Paul Scott.
Part of North East Scotland College (NESCol), the Scottish Maritime Academy provides training across the Merchant Navy and fishing sector. It is an approved provider for the MCA, Merchant Navy Training Board, Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges, Royal Yacht Association and Seafish.
Chris Bell steps up to the new role after four years as part of the SMA’s teaching staff, and will lead the centre’s plans for growth.
“The post is a fantastic opportunity to develop not only our course offering but also our delivery to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the sector and of students from the North East, across the UK and beyond,” he said.
Well-established in the sector, Chris Bell joined the Merchant Navy as a deck cadet at the age of 19. He sailed worldwide on ferries, oil tankers and gas carriers as an officer of the watch with BP and Northern Marine.
From 2011 he held onshore posts with Thomas Gunn Navigation Services and Atlantic Offshore as well as with Poseidon Navigation Services as operations manager, before joining SMA in 2018.
“My time with the SMA has been incredibly rewarding, particularly in championing the adoption of hybrid teaching which has helped to broaden our reach considerably, as well guiding the academy’s first-ever intake of deck officer cadets,” said Chris Bell.
“It has also enabled me to be part of UK-wide industry groups to help modernise fishermen’s training in line with new IMO STCW-F standards, as well as building relationships with commercial stakeholders to design tailored simulator training courses.
“Our work in strengthening links with schools in the region is another important strand, and I look forward to supporting the team to build on that work.”
Duncan Abernethy, NESCol’s director of business development, said: “Chris has the expertise, experience and energy to drive the SMA forward, and we are delighted to have appointed him to the role of centre manager.
“The academy is central to a vibrant future for the sectors it serves. It’s essential for the region that we bring new entrants through with the skills and expertise required, and the role of the SMA in upskilling the existing workforce is another vital part of its remit.”
The purpose-built facility on Peterhead Bay includes an ECDIS suite, Transas simulator with three training bridges, radio simulation room, net hall, chart rooms and library.
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This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.
