OUR STORY

The founder of Seven Seas Preparatory Academy, Marcus Cheesman, spent many years working in the cruise industry, from large cruise yachts to cruise ships and found a passion for training seafarers. The idea was to make training relatable, so crew can be better prepared with specific knowledge prior to joining their ship. With that, Marcus wanted the company to grow to more than just deck and safety side. What if we made an introduction to life at sea accessible to all. With his wife and partner, spending over 20 years in the entertainment industry, they wanted to expose and give the tools for a successful ship contract to all. Seven Seas Preparatory Academy was created with the idea to introduce and mentor those seeking a career at sea. We are able to find a way to make training flexible and accessible by providing multiple locations and online classes. All courses and instructors are of the highest quality, strictly adhering to the most current STCW requirements.

OUR VISION

Seven Seas Preparatory Academy is excited to introduce, train, and mentor those seeking a career at sea! We want to give you the tools for success no matter what department you will find your self in.

Marcus Cheesman

FOUNDER

Marcus started his Maritime training in 1987 at the early age of 13, attending the UK’s only Nautical school, Trinity House. Upon graduation form the school Marcus was selected for a deck cadet apprenticeship with P&O Cruises and continued to further progress through the ranks ultimately obtaining his unlimited Master Mariners license in 2002. Marcus gained further experience shoreside, responsible for Training and Marine operations for Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. Marcus always had a passion for teaching and sharing his professional experience and so it seemed natural to start his own Maritime Training School.

Laura Karklina

Co-FOUNDER

Passion, hard work, and positive attitude is the base of what Laura Karklina lives by. With many years in the Entertainment industry, Laura has performed with many renowned choreographers and shows all over the world. She has performed on Cruise Lines, Commercials/ Film, and Broadway. Laura has also had the pleasure to be an adjudicator with many competitions and has had an opportunity to choreograph on multiple projects throughout Orlando, Florida. Inspired by her own mentors, Laura found her passion for helping other dancers early in her career, which inspired her to develop the Entertainment Training Department for Seven Seas Preparatory Academy. Laura and her team are excited and ready to get Performers prepared and motivated to follow their dream!

SENIOR INSTRUCTORS

Wendy Umla

Captain Superyachts

Wendy has had extensive business experience before becoming a yacht captain. Wendy progressed through a very successful executive career in business as International Development Manager for three companies in varying industries. She has also served as a Regional Manager overseeing reps in as many as 21 states. Wendy’s management techniques are detail oriented and high organizational while synergistic with developing teamwork and the continuation of industry perpetuation. That along with the continuous draw of the ocean carried her into a successful career as a captain of private and charter yachts. Raised in NY with the water outside of her window, assured her that the water would always be in her life. She swam before she could walk, and drove boats long before a car.

Wendy has run boats up to 140’ and as crew up to 220’, worldwide. She holds a USCG 3000 ITC license with equivalencies with 3 other countries.  She has cruised the US (including the Great Lakes), Canada, Caribbean including Bahamas, western Mediterranean, and New Zealand along with multiple trans-Atlantic crossings. She ran a corporate charter boat during the Louis Vuitton and America’s Cup races whilst in New Zealand.

Scott James

Senior Maritime instructor

Scott is a Master Mariner,  He is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College and has over 40 years of experience in the marine industry.  His experience includes sailing on oil tankers and cruise ships and also sailed as Chief Mate and Captain of the Maritime College's training ship the Empire State 6.  The last 20 years of his career he spent working shoreside in the cruise industry in several positions which included being the company's Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer.  

Brian Dennison

SENIOR FIRE INSTRUCTOR

Brian is the Training Director at Port Canaveral Maritime Training Academy. He has worked at the Academy, as an adjunct instructor and instructor coordinator, since 1998.  Brian has over 30 years’ experience in public safety ranging from emergency response in a municipal fire department to managing emergency scenes for the second busiest cruise port in the world.  

Brian has dedicated his public safety career to training personnel within his own organization, as well as people from all walks of life, in the safe responses to emergency situations.  Brian retired as Shift Commander of fire rescue serving the City of Cape Canaveral and the Canaveral Port Authority.  He is the instructor and curriculum coordinator, as well as a lead instructor, for the Port Canaveral Marine Firefighting Academy which is utilized by several international cruise lines, as well as individuals that aspire to be employed within the marine industry. He has been a CPR instructor for over twenty years, a public education specialist to local community organizations, as well as the local public school system. 

With over 30 years in the fire service, he brings experience in pre-hospital medical, fire and emergency response, emergency management, mass casualty incidents, maritime firefighting, hazardous materials and confined space operations.