Nautical Science graduate Antarctic bound

Robert Bellis, who graduated with a first class honours degree in Nautical Science in July, has been awarded Maritime & Coastguard Agency Trainee Officer of the Year 2016.

Robert was selected from over 700 UK trainee officers who completed training this year. Robert’s degree programme included 12 months seatime as a trainee officer on a variety of merchant ships. He was sponsored by Conway Merchant Navy Trust throughout his studies, and his seatime was organised by Ship Safe Training Group. He is now just about to join his first ship, the research ship RRS James Clark Ross, in the Falklands as Third Officer and he is then sailing to the Antarctic.

Robert received his award, which was a decanter and cheque for £1,500, from the Shipping Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP (pictured above) at Trinity House, London. The ceremony was also attended by LJMU's Dr Alan Wall (Subject Head Maritime & Logistics) and Barbara Kelly (Programme Leader), who also collected a plaque to commemorate the achievement. He is the first LJMU student to receive this award.

Dr Wall commented:

"Robert has been best performing student at all stages of his degree studies at LJMU and the MCA panel have recognised that fact. I cannot recollect any marks below distinctive level. Robert has also been incredibly supportive of his cohort and represented them at Department and Faculty level. He has always been keen to promote the Merchant Navy and attend open days and national events. He is a great ambassador for the subject area - promoting a career at sea at his local school and in his continued involvement with his local Sea Cadet group."