Scholarships announced for future Tassie mariners
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has awarded five scholarships, totaling $47,000, to students at the University of Tasmania as part of its 2024 scholarship program.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
- Tenisha Jones – AMSA Sara Bool Women in Maritime Engineering Scholarship
- Angelica Starlight – AMSA First Year Access Scholarship for Maritime Studies
- Samantha Roser – IMAS Environmental Excellence AMSA Scholarship
- Kyla Fuller and Tracey Vella – AMSA Vocational Near Coastal Seafaring Scholarship
AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Kinley, emphasized that these scholarships address key challenges in the maritime industry, such as the ongoing skills shortage and the underrepresentation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the sector.
“Our scholarship program ensures a steady flow of maritime professionals by creating pathways that make it easier for individuals to start a career in the industry,” said Mr. Kinley. “This not only supports our regulatory work but also reflects our commitment to fostering diversity and developing the next generation’s skills, knowledge, and experience in maritime professions.”
University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, expressed gratitude for AMSA’s support in aiding students throughout their academic journey.
“The scholarships provided by AMSA alleviate the financial strain many students face while attending university. It’s particularly gratifying to see this support directed towards meeting the national demand for these crucial skills,” Professor Black said. “We extend our thanks to AMSA for supporting our students, especially through the mentorship and ongoing assistance provided even after their studies are completed.”
Quotes from Scholarship Recipients:
Kyla Fuller (AMSA Vocational Near Coastal Seafaring Scholarship recipient):
“This scholarship will be pivotal in shaping my career. Without it, I would have had to return to work and delay completing my studies. Receiving this support from AMSA has greatly enhanced my future career prospects.”
Tracey Vella (AMSA Vocational Near Coastal Seafaring Scholarship recipient):
“This scholarship has afforded me the invaluable opportunity to study two maritime courses while easing the financial burden on my family. They say good things come to those who wait, and I’m excited to enter the maritime workforce with the knowledge gained from my studies.”
