Youngsters at the Federation of Church Schools of Shalfleet, Freshwater and Yarmouth were given a unique insight into life at sea during a visit from Wightlink’s Captain Tom Vincent.
Captain Tom, who has worked around the world on vessels including 100,000-tonne oil tankers and the hybrid flagship Victoria of Wight, led assemblies at both Shalfleet and Freshwater as part of the Federation’s Inspire Talk initiative.
Pupils quizzed the experienced mariner on a range of topics, including the size of the biggest ship he has captained, where crew members eat on board, and how ship engines are started. He also explained the important role of the Merchant Navy in transporting goods such as food, cars and oil to the UK.
Captain Tom, who usually works night shifts on the Victoria of Wight sailing between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, told the children:
“It is more than just a job, there is something very special about being at sea, whether it is seeing whales and dolphins, or just the feeling of being in the middle of a vast ocean.”
Headteacher Elizabeth Grainger has said:
“It was fantastic to welcome Captain Tom into both schools at the Federation for an Inspire Talk. He enthused the children, talking about his work – the children asked some super questions.
“At the Federation, our Inspire Talks are designed to support the children in thinking about what they would like to do when they are older. Wightlink has been a huge supporter of this initiative and it was a pleasure to have Captain Tom to visit.”
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