After completing three years of officer training at Fleetwood Nautical College last year, Lizzie began working aboard crew transfer vessels (CTVs) supporting offshore wind farms in Germany and Liverpool.
Curious to learn how vessel traffic is monitored and supported from shore, she contacted HM Coastguard and was introduced to Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Manager Keith Bennett and his teams in Dover and Falmouth.
Lizzie asked to meet the team and was invited to HM Coastguard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Dover, where she spent two days on shore observing and discussing how the team keep vessels travelling across one of the world’s busiest waterways and shipping routes safe.
Keith said: “During her visit, Lizzie showed great enthusiasm, curiosity and professionalism. Her strong marine background, combined with her articulate nature and eagerness to learn would be a significant asset in any Vessel Traffic Services career.”
Throughout her time with the team, Lizzie was shown how VTS systems and operators at both Dover and Falmouth watch rooms work together seamlessly to monitor vessels travelling the Channel.
She also learned about vessel reporting, the information exchanges between officers and VTS operators, and the rules and protocols that govern vessel traffic separation schemes.
Lizzie said: “I was able to listen to dialogues between the team and vessels and being sat in the MRCC, I could really make sense of discussions I’ve had myself while on board my vessels.
“It was helpful to see where boundaries were, the nature and styles of reporting, and messaging that was given to help guide vessels.”
“Junior Officers can be nervous and can tend to give information very quickly, but the team at Dover would prefer that communications are slower and more controlled – taking time to relay information accurately.
“While I’ve enjoyed being at sea, I’d really enjoy a role on shore. Meeting the team at Dover really provided me with lots of useful advice for that move towards the control side. Keith’s team really are some of the nicest and most helpful people I’ve come across.”
While Lizzie’s days at sea might well be coming to an end, her enthusiasm and love for maritime remains, where she says there are plenty of opportunities for young people to travel, explore their skills and open new potential.
“Ever since I decided to pursue my career in maritime, I’ve thought that I’ve made a great decision – I took a leap, but my apprenticeship has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I want to stay in maritime, there’s just so much you can do.”
HM Coastguard VTS Team Leader Helen Falconer added: “It has been a real pleasure meeting Lizzie and getting to show her what we do. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I hope working with us helps her consider a career in VTS.”
