May 3, 2007 - The Cayman Islands has enjoyed a rich seafaring heritage, and the maritime industry which has supported generations of Caymanians is still growing today. Many attractive modern-day career opportunities exist in the Maritime sector, including naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime administration and nautical studies. The scholarship opportunities currently available via the Education Council could lead to employment at the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) for successful scholars.

Mr. Joel Walton, CEO of MACI, is keen to ensure that Cayman trains enough of its young people for the labour demands of the industry. He stated, "Over the last few years, the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry has faced, and has continued to overcome, the challenge of creating awareness of the maritime administration that operates successfully on behalf of our Islands. Today, as the Maritime Authority, our new thrust is to revive interest among our young men and women in these ever-evolving maritime careers, and to ensure that they do not miss these invaluable opportunities. It is my hope that these scholarships will give a strong impetus to the creation of a new generation of Caymanian maritime professionals."

The expansion of the shipping industry has also seen an increase in career opportunities at sea. For example, the pursuit of qualifications in the nautical sciences or in marine engineering allows progression through the various officer ranks, up to those of Master and Chief Engineer.

For those not wishing to pursue a seafaring maritime career, other avenues in the maritime sector include careers in ship design (naval architecture) or maritime administration. It is also possible, with suitable industrial training, to take up a career in marine surveying. In addition, career opportunities also exist in business support functions such as human resource management, information technology, specialist maritime legal services and accounting.

Training for careers in the maritime industry is available at a wealth of recognized educational institutions around the world. The four main areas of study (naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime administration and nautical studies), are all included in the list of priority study areas issued annually by the Education Council of the Cayman Islands to highlight areas of industry in which human resources are in demand. This list can be found on the Ministry's website, www.brighterfutures.gov.ky.

Hon. Alden McLaughlin, JP, Minister of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture, urged students to consider the maritime industry as a viable career choice. He said, "These post-secondary scholarship opportunities not only provide a useful springboard to launch an exciting career, but also assist in the preservation of a Caymanian tradition. I am keen to see that a continued pool of local talent remains available from which the maritime sector can draw."

Caymanians who are interested in a career in the Maritime sector may contact the Ministry for further information or an application form by email to [email protected], or by telephone on 244 2417. Forms are also available on the Ministry website. Applications should be received by the Ministry via the above email address or by mail to: Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture, c/o Government Administration Building, Grand Cayman, KY1-9000, CAYMAN ISLANDS.

The deadline for submissions for the next academic year starting September 2007 is 31st May, 2007.

Useful information about the Maritime industry can be obtained from the MACI website at: www.cishipping.com or by email to [email protected].