Who's navigating? Wherever the winds take me

For Officer Cadet R Ben Voth, the Covid-19 pandemic was a prompt for a change of career. Now, he loves life at sea and has many ideas about how the maritime industry could do more to protect the world around us

Name: R. Ben Voth
Studying at: California State University Maritime Academy
Current position: Officer Cadet

What drew you to becoming an officer cadet?

I knew above all that I wanted to pursue a career at sea after completing my higher education. I was studying at a
community college when Covid-19 hit. At that point, I realised that I wasn’t happy and that I needed a change. I came across the California State University Maritime Academy and decided to change course – I have loved it ever since.

What have you enjoyed most about your studies so far? What has been most challenging?

I have enjoyed the hands-on learning components of my studies. It’s been a lot thought that far ahead yet. I aim to
become captain someday.

What could the maritime industry be doing better to help protect the planet?

Besides the big-ticket items of continuing to invest in alternative fuels and emissionefficient systems, the maritime industry needs to become better at marine stewardship. This includes doing things like ensuring waste and trash is correctly disposed of or  recycled on board and ashore, properly dismantling and disposing of retired vessels and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Above all, we must all do our part to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

ABOVE ALL, WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART TO REDUCE POLLUTION AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT