Page 16: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (July 2020)

Profles in Training

Profles in Training:

MARCus

CHeesMAn

All Photo: Seven Seas Preparatory Academy

Founder, Seven Seas Preparatory Academy

By Greg Trauthwein arcus Cheesman started his maritime train- Marcus always had a passion for teaching and sharing his pro- ing in 1987 at the early age of 13, attending fessional experience and so it seemed natural to start his own

Trinity House Navigation School, the UK’s maritime training school in his new home state of Florida. only Nautical school. Upon graduation he Seven Seas Preparatory Academy is a young but expanding

M was selected for a deck cadet apprenticeship maritime training business. Launched in 2018, it experienced with P&O Cruises and continued to progress 400% growth after its frst year of operation, which led to ex- through the ranks with P&O Cruises, Princess panded training programs to include yacht stewardess training,

Cruises, Holland America Line (including Windstar Cruises) deckhand programs and cruise line entertainment training. and Disney Cruise Line, ultimately obtaining his Master Mari- “We came into the maritime training business with a fresh ap- ners license in 2002. He has piloted vessels on the busy River proach and with the premise of not following the normal,” said

Humber based in his home town Hull, UK, before moving to Cheesman. “From my experience working ashore in the cruise the United States, holding positions responsible for Nautical line industry and responsible for training, time was a restric- and Marine operations and Training for Princess Cruises, Crys- tion, hence I saw the need for a blended approach,” tal Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. Throughout his career, While he started his own maritime training at a very young 16 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • July 2020