Meeting with Emmaline: Achievements and Progress
Last week, I learned that one of the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) President’s Cup winners, Emmaline, was enrolled in the STCW refresher course. I had been eager to meet her and discuss her progress. After several attempts throughout the week, I finally had the opportunity to connect with her at the certificate handover ceremony.
Since earning her Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science and winning the President’s Cup in 2018, Emmaline has made remarkable strides in her career. In 2022, she graduated with a BSc in Navigation and Maritime Science from the University of Plymouth (UK). Along the way, she has accumulated an impressive list of achievements:
- Miss Regatta 2023 – Current pageant titleholder.
- Youth Positive Award (2018) – Recognized for exemplary leadership and dedication at the Seychelles Maritime Academy.
- PADI Certifications – Holder of Junior Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver certifications.
- Dance – A professional traditional dancer, she has performed Seychelles’ cultural dances and is set to appear in Below Deck Down Under (Season 3, premiering February 2025).
Emmaline’s passion, determination, and multifaceted talents are truly inspiring. It was a pleasure to meet her and hear about her journey firsthand.
Now, she is preparing for an exciting new chapter, joining a superyacht as a Deckhand next week. When asked about her long-term ambitions, she shared her lifelong dream of working in the yacht industry—specifically on superyachts. We discussed the importance of gaining watchkeeping experience on board and working towards an RYA Ocean Certificate. With the right mentorship and continued dedication, there is no doubt that she has the potential to become one of the first female Captains to command a superyacht.
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