Warsash Student Receives John William Slater Award & Lands Job on M/Y Ulysses

A former student of Warsash Superyacht Academy, deckhand, Alex Boulton, has received The John William Slater Award for outstanding achievement in Officer of the Watch Unlimited studies 2016.

Alex, from Shrewsbury, gained his officer qualifications with the help from the Nautilus Slater Fund and won the award for his effort and application, achieving four distinctions and one merit.

“Alex impressed staff with his academic performance and exam success on what is a challenging 27 weeks of study" said Lars Lippuner, Director of Warsash Superyacht Academy, adding "We are equally pleased that his efforts have been rewarded with a second officer position on board a 107 metre vessel.”

Adam Boulton (centre) receives his award

Surprised and chuffed to be singled out for this award, Alex said, “It was a fantastic course at Warsash and the support I received from the Nautilus Slater Fund, Marine Society and tutors was incredible. It really gave me the impetus to apply myself and work hard to achieve the results I got.”

If you have obtained enough sea service and bridge watchkeeping experience, Alex highly recommends applying for the OOW Unlimited certificate saying,

“It takes planning, dedication and commitment but holding an unlimited certificate has opened many doors for me. It expands your career pathway and enables you to take your pick of positions on offer.” 

Regards help with funding, Alex says: “Once I’d been sent the link to an application form on the Marine Society website, it took me just four weeks to get all the paperwork completed and sent to getting the great news that I had been awarded £17,500 from the Slater Fund to go towards my course fees and living expenses while studying at Warsash for the 27 weeks of the course.”

MY Ulysses - courtesy of Burgess Yachts

After qualifying in July, Alex took the position of second officer on board the 107m superyacht Ulysses. “This is a great job and my future plans are to work towards my chief mate certificate and then ultimately at some stage Master Mariner.” said Alex.

Click for more information about the Slater Fund.   

Click for more information about the Officer of the Watch Unlimited certification for experienced seafarers.