Thomas Weise

Tom works for Isles of Scilly Steamship Group as Marine Superintendent. Tom is an experienced Maritime professional with a deep-seagoing background, followed by domestic passenger ferries and high-speed craft. Now working within passenger, freight and workboat maritime industries supporting the lifeline link operation to the Isles of Scilly.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in the Marine industry?

My parents booked a mini-cruise for my 18th birthday celebrations. I had planned to go into accountancy, but this one cruise changed my whole career direction.

What is the best thing about working in Marine?

Employing around 185,000 people in the UK you would expect it to feel like a large industry, but at every Maritime event there is always a friendly face. It is a small community and it always goes out of its way to support its own.

What are the types of challenges facing young people you work with?

The industry is rapidly changing towards more technological solutions (more screens, less hands on) – these solutions aren’t being fully trained at College. Whilst newer vessels are carrying these updated solutions, older vessels are not. The younger people sometimes struggle with dealing with older equipment, expecting newer equipment.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about going into the Marine industry, what would it be?

Get out and about; come down to visit us or chat to someone within the industry. There are certainly highs and lows, but this is true of any career choice.