St. Vincent and the Grenadines has another reason to celebrate as Vincentian maritime professional Shantell Compton has successfully graduated from the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, earning a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, specialising in Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration (MSEA).
Her graduation, held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, marks the culmination of an extraordinary academic and professional journey, one characterised by determination, perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to the advancement of the maritime industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean.
Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, the World Maritime University is an internationally recognised institution dedicated to advancing maritime education, research, and capacity-building. Studying at WMU provided an opportunity to engage with maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators, and future maritime leaders from across the globe.
Compton’s academic journey builds upon her professional experience within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, where she served for approximately nine years, developing valuable experience in maritime operations, safety, security, and public service. She subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science and Maritime Operations at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), before joining the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime Administration (SVGMARAD), where she gained further experience in vessel inspections, maritime safety, compliance, and other regulatory responsibilities.
Her decision to pursue postgraduate studies was driven by a desire to strengthen her technical knowledge, professional capabilities, and contribution to the maritime administration of her homeland.
During her studies at WMU, Compton specialised in Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration, a field that addresses critical issues affecting the international maritime community, including maritime legislation, ship safety, marine environmental protection, maritime governance, regulatory compliance, and the effective implementation of international maritime conventions.
Her time at the University also provided opportunities to participate in several international field studies and professional engagements. These included a maritime study visit to the Republic of Korea, where students explored developments in shipbuilding, green shipping, smart ocean mobility, maritime education, port operations, and marine environmental protection. She also participated in professional engagements in London, including attendance at the 13th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13), as well as visits and engagements with the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), NYK Line, and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
Beyond her academic responsibilities, Compton demonstrated leadership through her election as Course Representative for the Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration Specialisation, representing the interests of her classmates, facilitating communication with academic staff, and contributing to the student experience. This role further strengthened her leadership, communication, and international networking capabilities.
Her academic research also addressed an important issue within the maritime industry. Her dissertation, titled “Bullying, Harassment, and Workplace Welfare: A Comparative Study of Female Seafarers and Onshore Female Maritime Professionals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Wider Caribbean,” examined the experiences and welfare of women working within the maritime sector. The research sought to contribute to discussions on safer, more inclusive, equitable, and respectful maritime workplaces, recognising that the advancement of the industry must also include the protection, dignity, and welfare of its workforce.
Reflecting on her journey, Compton acknowledged that the experience was not without its challenges.
“Studying in a foreign country, adjusting to a different climate and culture, navigating the demands of an intensive postgraduate programme, and being away from family were all challenges that tested me in different ways. There were moments when the journey felt overwhelming, but I remained determined to see it through. I reminded myself that I was not pursuing this opportunity for myself alone; I was also carrying the hopes and aspirations of my family, my country, and the Caribbean maritime community.”
She further expressed gratitude to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, her family, colleagues, mentors, lecturers, and everyone who contributed to making the achievement possible. Special recognition was also extended to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, whose sponsorship and support facilitated her postgraduate studies at the World Maritime University.
For Compton, this achievement represents more than the attainment of another academic qualification. It is an opportunity to return with enhanced knowledge, international exposure, and a strengthened commitment to contributing to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ maritime sector.
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), St. Vincent and the Grenadines depends significantly on a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime sector. Strengthening national maritime administration, improving regulatory compliance, enhancing maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and developing local technical capacity are all essential to the country’s continued development.
Her achievement also represents an encouraging example for young Vincentians, particularly young women who aspire to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“I hope my journey encourages other young Vincentians, especially young women, to believe in their abilities, pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones, and recognise that where you come from should never determine how far you can go. Our small island may be geographically small, but our ambitions, capabilities, and contributions to the international community should never be limited.”
As she celebrates this important milestone, Compton remains committed to using the knowledge and experience gained at the World Maritime University to support maritime development, strengthen institutional capacity, and contribute meaningfully to the future of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
