Honoring a Legacy of Seamanship
Supporting aspiring Bahamian mariners who are committed to pursuing professional captaincy and contributing to the growth of the maritime industry in The Bahamas.
About the Scholarship
The Capt. Lavarre S. Thompson Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Captain Lavarre S. Thompson and his contributions to the maritime community.
Captain Thompson spent many years working in the maritime industry — serving as deckhand, rigger, mate, and captain. He had a deep connection to the sea from childhood, a passion that shaped both his career and his life. Everything he did on the water was done with passion, skill, and pride.
Read His Story →His Journey
"At 39, he took an important step — enrolling to obtain his Class B Captain's License, demonstrating that determination and commitment to growth can come at any stage of life."
He was deeply committed to safety at sea, believing that professionalism and responsibility were essential for anyone entrusted with the command of a vessel.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be a Bahamian citizen.
Demonstrate a genuine interest in obtaining a Class A or Class B Captain's License.
Show interest in contributing to the Bahamian maritime industry — transportation, tourism, charter operations, fishing, or other marine services.
Preference may be given to applicants from the Family Islands.
Demonstrate financial need as part of the application.
The Award
Award Coverage
The scholarship award will be applied directly toward tuition for the Class A or Class B Captain's License program at Gadites Maritime & Navigational Institute. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the institute on behalf of the selected recipient.
Funds are disbursed directly to the institution — not to the applicant.
Deadline
Rolling Applications
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Refer to the official announcement for the current deadline.
Submission
Electronic or Written
Applications may be submitted electronically or by the method specified in the official scholarship announcement.
What to Submit
All applications must include the following documents. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
A fully completed Capt. Lavarre S. Thompson Memorial Scholarship application.
One letter from an employer, community leader, teacher, mentor, or maritime professional who can speak to your character and interest in the maritime industry.
Explain your interest in obtaining a Captain's License, your maritime career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
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Download the official application form, review the requirements, and take the first step toward your Captain's License. Captain Thompson believed that commitment to growth can come at any stage of life — and this scholarship is here to support that journey.