Who Can Apply
The Capt. Lavarre S. Thompson Memorial Scholarship is open to aspiring Bahamian mariners who are committed to pursuing professional captaincy. Review the criteria below carefully before submitting your application. If you have questions, please contact us.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be a citizen of The Bahamas. Proof of citizenship may be required as part of the application process.
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in obtaining a Class A or Class B Captain's License through a recognized local maritime or navigational institute.
Applicants should show a clear interest in contributing to the Bahamian maritime industry — including transportation, tourism, charter operations, fishing, or other marine services.
Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent qualification. Proof of graduation may be required as part of the application process.
Applicants must already be accepted into — or actively enrolled in — a recognized local maritime or navigational institute offering the Class A or Class B Captain's License program.
Preference may be given to applicants from the Family Islands. Applicants from the Family Islands are encouraged to indicate this on their application.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need. This should be addressed in the written responses section of the application.
What to Submit
All three documents must be submitted together. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Submit
Applications may be submitted electronically via the online form, or by the method specified in the official scholarship announcement. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
A fully completed Capt. Lavarre S. Thompson Memorial Scholarship application — submitted online or via the official PDF form.
One letter from a person who can speak to your character, work ethic, or interest in the maritime industry. This may be an employer, community leader, teacher, mentor, or maritime professional.
A written statement explaining your interest in obtaining a Captain's License, your maritime career goals, and how the scholarship will assist you in achieving those goals.
Common Questions
Yes. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent qualification. Proof of graduation may be requested as part of the review process.
Yes. Applicants must already be accepted into — or actively enrolled in — a recognized maritime or navigational institute offering the Class A or Class B Captain's License program. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient.
Yes. While maritime experience is valued, the scholarship is open to aspiring mariners at any stage. What matters most is a genuine commitment to pursuing a Captain's License and contributing to the Bahamian maritime industry.
A Class B Captain's License typically covers smaller vessels and nearshore operations, while a Class A license covers larger vessels and broader operational scope. Both are eligible for scholarship coverage.
There are no stated age restrictions. Captain Thompson himself obtained his license at age 39 — the scholarship honors that spirit of growth at any stage of life.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the maritime or navigational institute on behalf of the selected recipient — not to the applicant personally.
Yes. You may download the official PDF application and submit it by the method specified in the official scholarship announcement.
You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. The scholarship committee will review all submissions and contact applicants regarding the outcome.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply. Captain Thompson's legacy is one of determination — take the next step in yours.