Master Mariner’s legacy set to inspire next generation

A Master Mariner who left a lasting legacy on the Tasmanian maritime sector has being acknowledged with the Tasmanian Ports Authority (TasPorts) launching a new scholarship in partnership with the University of Tasmania.

The TasPorts Charles Black Memorial Scholarship will provide a Tasmanian first-year undergraduate student with up to four years of financial support to pursue a career in maritime at the Australian Maritime College (AMC).

TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the scholarship was designed to pay tribute to the significant and unparalleled contribution that the late Charles Black made to the Tasmanian maritime sector over more than 30 plus years.

“Charles was a lifetime mariner and maritime industry expert who, amongst other achievements, was appointed as Tasmania’s first Harbour Master in 2006 following the amalgamation of four local port authorities to become TasPorts,” Mr Donald said.

“Prior to this, he was the Harbour Master and CEO of the Port of Launceston, where he originally commenced as a Marine Pilot. Charles had a lifetime of knowledge and experience that he continued to share with TasPorts after his retirement in 2015 and right up until his death in late 2018.

“He was hugely respected in the maritime industry and also in the Tasmanian community, for not only his professional accomplishments but also his character, which was often described as loyal, steadfast and practical,” Mr Donald said.

“It is an honour to be able to provide this scholarship to an aspiring mariner.”