The Pull of a Career in Maritime: A Journey from Engineering to Yachting

In this interview, Terrane Roker, our newest Business Development Manager in our Marine Services team, shares insights into his career journey in the maritime industry, spanning from engineering to yacht services. With a rich background in both commercial and leisure yachting roles, Terrane provides valuable perspectives on the industry's nuances and his role in supporting yacht owners and their professional advisors in the Caribbean and US regions.

Background and Career Path

Terrane embarked on his career journey with a foundation in engineering, gaining a degree in mechanical engineering technology from the University of The Bahamas. Reflecting on his early days, Terrane shares, "My engineering background equipped me with invaluable analytical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving, which laid the groundwork for my transition into the maritime sector." His first step into the maritime world began with his promotion to a maritime supervisor role at a Bahamanian fuel and energy company. Entrusted with overseeing fuel services across the Bahamian archipelago, he quickly found himself captivated by the maritime industry's intricacies and challenges.

Transitioning from commercial to leisure maritime services marked a turning point in Terrane's career trajectory. Drawn to the burgeoning yachting industry, particularly along the East Coast of the United States and the Caribbean, he seized an opportunity to explore the private side of the business. Terrane remarks, "I saw significant growth potential in the yachting sector and decided to transition to yacht services, where I could leverage my expertise in client relationship and operations management." His roles as a yacht support agent and later as operations manager at a yacht support agency, provided him with the perfect platform to use his client-focused expertise to meet the unique requirements of private and charter yachts.

Transferable Skills and Industry Insights

Leveraging his engineering background, Terrane emphasizes the transferable skills that formed the bedrock of his progress in the maritime sector. Analytical acumen, critical thinking, and time management skills cultivated during his engineering studies translated well into his roles within the maritime operations.

"My engineering background instilled in me a disciplined approach to problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail, which have proved invaluable in navigating the intricate world of marine services," Terrane says. "In the yachting industry, every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Whether it is streamlining clearance procedures, arranging crew travel, or managing provisions, my goal is always to ensure seamless operations and to exceed client expectations.”

The Power of Relationships in the Marine Industry

At the heart of success in the maritime industry lies a fundamental truth: relationships are the key to success. “In the marine sector, the significance of personal service cannot be overstated. The ability to effectively communicate, and to cultivate mutual trust with clients, captains and crew members are crucial, as they lay the foundation for long-term partnerships” Terrane affirms.

"Throughout my career, I have always prioritized building trust and establishing personal connections with all the industry stakeholders and parties involved,” he remarks. "Honest and clear communication and solid relationships between yacht owners and service providers are essential in the marine industry, as they underpin mutual understanding, reliability, and the ability to adapt to challenges."

Trident Trust's Expansion into the Caribbean and US Markets

In his current role as Business Development Manager, Terrane is spearheading the marine services team's expansion into the Caribbean and US markets.

"Expanding Trident Trust marine services' footprint into the Caribbean and US markets presents an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation," remarks Terrane. "While Trident Trust’s Marine Services offering already enjoys a well-established presence in Europe, there is immense potential for Trident to become a trusted partner for vessel registration, administration, and HR & crew payroll services across these regions.”

“Our extended presence in North American and Caribbean markets, coupled with our global reach, enables us to offer clients comprehensive marine services tailored to their unique needs. In addition to yacht ownership and flag registration services, we can also provide operational support and crew payroll services to clients in the Caribbean, including Barbados, the Bahamas, British and US Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Nevis, and Panama. Being an approved service provider for the Marshall Islands registry further enhances our capabilities, while our Panama hub coordinates resources efficiently in the region, ensuring seamless service delivery.”

With a keen eye on market trends and a deep understanding of industry dynamics, Terrane sees a promising future for Trident Trust in the Caribbean and US markets.

"As we embark on this new chapter, I am confident that Trident Trust's innovative solutions and client-centric approach will resonate with stakeholders in the Caribbean and US markets," he affirms. "By leveraging our expertise and forging strategic partnerships, we are poised to drive growth and offer exceptional value to our clients."

For more information, please contact marineservices@tridenttrust.com or visit our Marine Services page.