Captain Worth Nautical Trust Award for Overall Excellence in the 2026 Diploma in Foreign Going Master Programme, Charlotte De L’isle (L) and New Zealand Company of Master Mariners Prize for Overall Excellence in the 2026 Diploma in Nautical Science Programme, Isabella De Bruijn.        

In Brief:

  • For the first time in five years, both Overall Excellence Awards have been awarded to female students at the New Zealand Maritime School prizegiving.
  • Female representation in the Diploma in Nautical Science has increased from 14 percent in 2022 to 31 percent in 2026, with student numbers more than doubling.
  • Award recipients Charlotte De L’isle and Isabella De Bruijn are preparing for their next assignments at sea in January.

Isabella De Bruyn received the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners Prize for Overall Excellence in the 2026 Diploma in Nautical Science Programme.

While Charlotte De L’isle was recognised for the Captain Worth Nautical Trust Award for Overall Excellence in the 2026 Diploma in Foreign Going Master Programme.

The awards come in the year the Maritime School celebrates its centenary, marking 100 years of maritime education alongside growing female participation in nautical studies.

For Isabella, who was inspired to pursue a maritime career by her father, a chief engineer on cruise ships, the award marks an important milestone in a journey that began with a visit to the Maritime School towards the end of high school.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind,” she says of following a career at sea.

Reflecting on her studies, Isabella enjoyed learning about different aspects of maritime operations, from ship construction and navigation to simulators, maritime rules and weather.

“I’m very, very grateful. Everyone in my class was super intelligent, super smart, friendly, so I’m really honoured to receive the award.”

Isabella will join a Holland America cruise ship in January, taking the next step towards her career at sea.

For Charlotte, the award recognises her achievement after returning to the Maritime School following several years of gaining experience at sea.

“This year’s been really full-on year learning how to be a master’s mate. It’s hitting all the more complex situations that can arise within the maritime sector.”

Receiving the award was particularly meaningful given the size of this year’s cohort.

“This has been one of the biggest class of mates and masters that the Maritime School has seen in a long time, so it’s quite a great honour to be the top of the class for this year.”

Charlotte is also preparing for her next assignment at sea, joining a ship in January for a voyage departing Buenos Aires and travelling to Antarctica.

Rob Shaw, Head of the New Zealand Maritime School (L) and Kees Buckens, Industry Engagement and Simulation Manager

The prizegiving brought together students and lecturers to celebrate the achievements of those completing their studies and preparing for the next stages of their maritime careers.

Addressing the graduates, Rob Shaw, Head of the New Zealand Maritime School, acknowledged the demanding nature of maritime qualifications and encouraged students to recognise the significance of what they had achieved.

Mr Shaw also urged graduates to maintain their connections with the school and support those following in their footsteps, particularly in helping future students access opportunities to gain sea time.

“Think about how you guys actually make the shift from being the student that you’ve been recently to being the mentor for the next generation that comes through.”

Kees Buckens, Industry Engagement and Simulation Manager also congratulated the graduates and reflected on the changing nature of the maritime industry, including the growing role of artificial intelligence and automation in shipping.

“AI is changing our world. It’s learning how to sail ships. Your job will rotate around that.

“These are the challenges that you’re going to have to deal with in your future. It’s an extremely exciting time to be involved in this industry.

“You guys are prepared to deal with everything that is thrown at you. Well done for reaching this level and reaching this milestone in your life.”

New Zealand Maritime School offers a range of programmes from certificate to master’s level.

Study areas include marine engineering, nautical foreign-going, domestic marine, marine electron-technology, super yachts and short courses in maritime.

New Zealand Maritime School 2026 Diploma in Nautical Sciences and Diploma in Foreign Going Master Programme students at their prizegiving ceremony