Elevate Offshore, a leading provider of survey, ROV, geotechnical, and inspection personnel for the offshore energy sector—including renewable energy, telecoms, and power—has proudly announced that Hans Elyar Ebrahim Schaeper has been awarded the Elevate Offshore Scholarship for the MSc in Hydrography program at the University of Plymouth. This newly launched scholarship fully covers tuition fees and provides invaluable mentorship from experienced industry professionals.

Scholarship Impact and Mentorship

The scholarship aims to support individuals pursuing careers in hydrography, addressing the growing demand for skilled personnel in this field. Andrew Blears, Managing Director of Elevate Offshore, expressed enthusiasm for Hans’s selection, stating, “This is just the first of many scholarship opportunities that Elevate Offshore plans to offer as part of our ongoing commitment to attracting and nurturing new talent in the industry. We are excited to support Hans in his educational journey and to provide a springboard for his career in the offshore sector.”

About Hans Elyar Ebrahim Schaeper

Hans, 23, recently graduated with Honours in Marine Biology and Oceanography from the University of Plymouth in July 2024. He is a qualified HSE Professional SCUBA diver and gained valuable research experience through a competitive internship at the Alfred-Wegener Institute. During his internship, he participated in a diving team that focused on deploying and maintaining underwater sensors, leading a project aimed at reducing marine biofouling on in-situ technology. His academic journey culminated in a dissertation titled “A Novel Method to Reduce Biofouling on In-Situ Marine Sensors.”

In his final year, Hans showcased his commitment to environmental issues by earning second place in the Just Picture It: Our Changing World photography competition, highlighting the impact of human activities on seabirds with a photograph of Gannets in their breeding nests littered with fishing nets and plastics.

Pursuing Hydrography

When asked about his motivation for pursuing hydrography, Hans stated, “I have a great interest in exploring the ocean, along with the drive to continue seeking new prospects and broadening my horizons. During my time at university, I had the chance to speak with lecturers and working professionals, and I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a competitive research institute, which further fuelled my curiosity about the ocean and its potential. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in hydrography to gain greater insight into the offshore world across all its sectors.”

He chose the University of Plymouth for his MSc in Hydrography due to its excellent teaching methods and limited number of universities offering this specialised programme. “Having sp

oken to previous graduates, I found that the University of Plymouth was the best choice for me to receive the education necessary to reach my goals,” he explained. The course leader, Tim Scott, also highlighted the exceptional opportunity that the Elevate Offshore Scholarship presents.

Personal Significance

Receiving this scholarship holds special significance for Hans, who has navigated his educational journey with dyslexia. He remarked, “Having received guidance from the university throughout my undergraduate degree due to my dyslexia, I believe that the mentorship provided by this scholarship – from those with first-hand experience in the industry – will be invaluable in aiding my studies over the coming year’.
Hans is particularly excited about the breadth of opportunities available in the offshore energy sector, stating, “The unique lifestyle of those in the offshore energy sector is something I hope to experience fully, allowing me the chance to explore the world while working on something I love.”

Future Aspirations

Once he completes his MSc, Hans aims to work within the offshore sector, leveraging the opportunities provided by Elevate Offshore and the University to build connections within the industry. He aspires to join a company that values the importance of the ocean and is committed to creating sustainable solutions for the future.
Hans envisions that the mentorship from Elevate Offshore staff surveyors will significantly shape his learning experience and career development. He stated, “Throughout university, I have benefited from working with industry experts in marine and sustainability sectors, which has allowed me to grow professionally. I hope to provide similar support to the next generation of surveyors and students in my career.”

By offering initiatives like this scholarship, Elevate Offshore aims to contribute to developing skilled professionals and promoting sustainable practices within the offshore energy industry.

The University of Plymouth website has more information on the Elevate Offshore scholarship and the MSc in Hydrography programme.