The Peterhead-based Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) has appointed Chris Bell as new centre manager.
Mr Bell steps into the new role after four years as part of the SMA teaching staff and will lead the centre’s plan for growth.
The SMA, part of North East Scotland College (Nescol), provides training across the Merchant Navy and fishing sector.
Mr Bell is highly-experienced in the sector, having joined the Merchant Navy as a deck cadet at the age of 19.
The former Mintlaw Academy pupil 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.
Strengthen links with schools
He said: “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.
“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.
“It has also enabled me to be part of UK-wide industry groups to help modernise fisherman’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.”
The nautical centre of excellence is an approved provider for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Merchant Navy Training Board, Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges, Royal Yacht Association and Seafish.
‘Academy central to a vibrant future’
Nescol director of business development Duncan Abernethy said: “Chris has the expertise, experience and energy to drive the Scottish Maritime Academy 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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