Influenced by a father who joined the Royal Navy as a boy and worked his way up to Lieutenant Commander, Russ Hall enjoyed a busy life in boating before applying for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship.

He joined the Operations Branch of the Royal Navy himself in 1980, working aboard multiple ships before signing up for the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in 1987. Even though he was no longer at sea every day, Russ still owned his own boats and was involved in policework around marine and boating issues.

One of his most successful ventures involved forming a partnership with the Environment Agency Fisheries Officers to create what is still one of the most long-running and successful Boatwatch schemes in the UK. The work with this partnership led to the development of a volunteer Police marine section, which Russ led – he even continued supporting their work as a Special Constable after retiring.

Russ’s commitment to his work in marine community policing was recognised during PMQs in the Houses of Parliament and by Her Majesty the Queen’s Honours when he was awarded a British Empire Medal.

All in all, Russ had enjoyed many successful years working in and alongside the boating and marine industries. So, what made him apply for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship?

“As a member of the RYA and an Instructor I was aware of the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship,” says Russ. “I imagined that this would be for young people starting out on careers in the marine industry and didn’t really think that I might be eligible. Nevertheless, a bit tongue in cheek, I wondered if they would teach an old sea dog new tricks and made an application seeking support to undertake Yachtmaster and additional STCW training to improve my chances of employment.”

This extra training was something Russ realised he needed to progress in his latest seagoing venture as Guardian RIB Charter providing commercial RIB Charter services. He’d come to see that most commercial clients sought Skippers with higher qualifications than the Advanced Power Boat qualification he held and wanted to be able to offer them more.

“I attended an interview at Trinity House,” recalls Russ. “That alone was a privilege to go to such an inspiring historical building and to meet such an esteemed panel of interviewers. I made my case and they agreed to support my further training with funding.”

Motivated by the scholarship, Russ put the funds towards further training, achieving Commercially Endorsed STCW/RYA Yachtmaster offshore qualifications.

Having achieved so much in his life on the water, Russ still found new doors opened to him after he was awarded the scholarship. He’s become a real advocate for all that sailors of any age can achieve if they put themselves forward for the scheme.

“The qualifications have undoubtedly improved my desirability to employers,” Russ explains. “As a result, I have regular work providing Skipper services on behalf of a national marine services provider to a Government Agency. I also provide skippered support boat services to a leading producer of autonomous vessels on a regular basis.”

“I can’t recommend the scholarship highly enough and do so regularly to RYA students I encounter through work and instructing,” Russ continues. “What’s not to like? An organisation of international standing is prepared to invest in you. All you have to do is ask.”

About the scholarship

Applications for the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews being held every six months.

Find out more about the scholarship, eligibility and selection criteria or apply now.