At the Maritime Training Academy (MTA), we love celebrating our students’ success and sharing their stories with the world.
Camelia has recently completed our Diploma in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying. Here Camelia shares her experience of studying and advice to future students…
What is your current job role?
”I am the Marine Coordinator at Guardian General Insurance Limited, where I oversee the underwriting of marine risks across Trinidad & Tobago and several Caribbean territories. My role involves assessing marine hull and cargo risks, reviewing technical documentation, supporting claims, coordinating the Marine team, and working closely with brokers and clients to provide sound underwriting solutions.”
Why did you decide to study this course?
”I enrolled in the Diploma in Yacht & Small Craft Surveying because I wanted to expand my technical knowledge beyond marine underwriting and develop practical surveying skills. My company invested in my professional development with the goal of establishing an in-house marine surveying capability, and I saw this as an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation for my long-term career. Ultimately, my ambition is to become a practicing Marine Hull Surveyor and continue progressing within the marine industry.”
What were the highlights of your learning experience?
”One of the highlights of the course was the breadth of knowledge it provided across all aspects of yacht and small craft surveying. I particularly enjoyed learning about vessel construction, structural inspections, defect identification, valuation principles, and preparing professional survey reports. The course challenged me to think critically and apply theory to real-world scenarios, which significantly increased my confidence in understanding vessel condition and marine risk.”
How do you think this course will help you in your career?
”This qualification has provided me with the technical foundation to begin my journey as a practicing Marine Hull Surveyor. It complements my marine insurance background by enabling me to better assess vessel condition, identify risks, and make informed technical recommendations. As I gain practical experience through mentoring and field training, I believe this qualification will allow me to contribute as an in-house surveyor for my company and serve as an important stepping stone toward my long-term goal of working with a classification society.”
What advice would you give to someone considering studying with us?
”I would highly recommend the course to anyone looking to build or advance a career in the marine industry. It is comprehensive, well-structured, and provides a solid balance of theory and practical application. My advice would be to stay committed, manage your time well, and make the most of the learning resources and tutor feedback. The knowledge gained is invaluable, and the qualification opens the door to exciting opportunities within marine hull surveying, insurance, and the wider maritime industry.”
