10/03/2008
Scottish Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, today [10th March 2008] launched 'Next Steps - Nautical', a Deck Cadet training course offered by Banff and Buchan College. The event, which took place onboard Ocean Mainport Rescue's 'Ocean Ness' in Aberdeen Harbour, was attended by local school children and representatives from the maritime business community.
The 3 year course, resulting in an SQA HND in Nautical Science, has been developed by Banff and Buchan College in response to a global shortage of qualified seafarers. It will provide opportunities for school leavers to become fully qualified Master Mariners and to develop a professional seafaring career despite the reduction in the number of boats in the local fishing fleets.
Bob Sinclair, Principal of Banff and Buchan College, said: "This course, together with the range of maritime training opportunities provided by the College, should help to address the skills gap which the industry is currently facing. Working in conjunction with the shipping companies we are able to offer the students a fantastic opportunity to complete work-based training during their studies."
Fully approved by both the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Training Board, the course has been developed in conjunction with four Aberdeen based shipping companies: Ocean Mainport Rescue, Vroon Offshore Services, Nomis Shipping and North Star Shipping. Each company will sponsor 4 Cadets by providing them with the required work-based sea time necessary to complete the course.
John Bryce, Managing Director of Ocean Mainport Rescue Ltd, said: "The Emergency Response and Rescue vessel industry, within which each of the four companies who are supporting the course operate, is an exciting and challenging sector to be involved in. Skills shortages are a serious problem which must be tacked head on if we are to retain the high standards of service and safety which are essential in all maritime industries."
16 places are available for the first course intake which is scheduled for August 2008. For further information contact the admissions team at Banff and Buchan College on 01346 586100.