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Marine trainees get support from Steamship Company
24
Sep
2010
Future officers of the sea are getting a helping hand with their maritime training, thanks to a package of support announced today by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.
The company, which operates lifeline sea links between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, has committed to sponsoring one trainee officer per year, with each course running for three years.
18 year old Daniel Jenkins from the Isles of Scilly and 22 year old William Barnsley-Parsons from Hampshire (pictured) are the latest recruits being given the opportunity to learn new skills and take up training and professional development facilitated by Clyde Marine, through this Government-backed scheme.
Both Daniel and William are training to be deck officers to gain an HND in nautical science and will get the sea time on board Scillonian III to gain practical experience during the course.
For the next three years, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company pays for the trainees� course fees and expenses, safety training, uniforms, PPE exam fees and a living allowance. Clyde Marine Training, based in Glasgow, will oversee the students� training programme and assess their progress.
Jeff Marston, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company said: �It is imperative that we support the future of the shipping industry in this way and for us it�s really important that we continue to encourage the personal and professional development of these trainee officers. We�re delighted they�re able to spend time on board Scillonian III and our other ships to experience first-hand life at sea. We�re delighted to be working with Clyde Marine to facilitate this relationship and to ensure the training and activities they offer can continue.�
Daniel Jenkins from the Isles of Scilly said: �I�m really looking forward to my training with the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company. Being born and bred on St Mary�s, working at sea is a family tradition. I used to work on the tripper boats on the Scillies, taking visitors between the islands � but training on the Scillonian III will be very different! I�m looking forward to finishing my training and travelling around the world but without this sponsorship, I wouldn�t be able to do this training, so I�m really grateful to them.�
Chris Blair from Clyde Marine Training added: �We are very grateful to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company for its ongoing support that ensures young people like Danny and William are gaining the skills needed to move the industry forward. Without sponsorship they would not be able to get onto this programme, so it�s essential to enable them to begin their marine training. In order to gain their HND in nautical science, they have to have a certain amount of practical experience at sea which is what the three-year programme with Clyde Marine offers.�
At the end, the trainees will sit examinations and get certificates or competency as officer of the watch, either as ships navigation officers or engineer officers for any vessel or size trading worldwide.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company owns and operates the Scillonian III as well as freight ships, the Gry Maritha and Ivor B, inter-island vessels Lyoness Lady and Swift Lady. The company also owns Penzance Dry Dock and Land�s End Airport.
Ends
23 September 2010
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