Steve Williams is one of Seafood and Maritime Training’s (SMT) longest-serving trainers and assessors, bringing decades of maritime experience to his teaching. His journey began in the 1980s when he worked with the then Fishing Industry Training Board of Tasmania in collaboration with the Tasmanian Police Department, delivering Coxswain and Diesel courses.

With 35 years of service in the Tasmanian Police, including 33 years as a part-time diver and as a member of the Water Police team, Steve’s career on the water is extensive. Since retiring from the police force 19 years ago, he has continued sharing his knowledge in a casual capacity with SMT.

Steve has conducted courses in Elements of Shipboard Safety, Coxswain Deck, Wader Safety, and Diesel Engines. His passion for teaching is evident, saying he loves “being able to pass knowledge on” to eager students who “soak up the knowledge and are interested in the subject.” Teaching feels like “second nature” to Steve, as his expertise allows him to answer questions with ease.

Reflecting on the differences between SMT and his police career, Steve highlights the joy of working with motivated learners. “At SMT, I’m dealing with people who want to learn,” he says.

One of Steve’s most memorable moments was during a Wader Safety course with a student in his 60s who couldn’t swim and feared losing his job. By the end of the day, the student was confidently swimming with waders on, calling it the “best day of my life.” Steve’s role in developing the original wader’s course for Hydro as a Sergeant with Search and Rescue further showcases his contributions to maritime safety.

For Steve, the best part of training is engaging with students from diverse backgrounds and ages. His dedication to teaching and sharing his expertise continues to inspire future generations of maritime professionals.