Last week we heard from the new Marine Officer Cadet working on the Sand Fulmar, this week we hear from Iain Macleod who is currently doing his sea time with Captain Peter Dixon and the crew on the Sand Heron.It is always great to hear from new people in the business and here is Iain’s impressions of CEMEX and working with the crew:

“I’m Iain Macleod, a Deck Cadet from Isle of Lewis in the north west of Scotland. I have been studying in Glasgow for PD in nautical science and am currently aiming to become a qualified OOW.

Through Clyde Marine Training and my sponsoring company, Royal Caribbean Cruises, I sailed for four months previously round the Caribbean and Mediterranean on a cruise ship, but due to the COVID shutdown and all cruise lines sitting at anchor for months on end, I was left at home during my sea time while other cadets got to continue their career.  Then the Merchant Navy Training Board helped secure me a place on Sand Heron (and fellow cadets on other ships throughout the fleet) to continue my development and learning on board. This has provided me with great experiences so far and a very different learning environment from my previous ship which had a crew of 900. Now with a crew of 13 you get to know everyone and develop good working relationships – this has really helped me learn more.

So far sand and rocks have proved easier to handle than cruise passengers! It also gives me a greater knowledge of working with cargo and all the equipment that’s required to load and discharge it. The Master and Bridge Officers have all taken keen interest in my training find any opportunity they can to get me hands on experience with all aspects of the job. I have been shadowing the 2nd Officer and Chief Officer in their duties.

I’m really grateful to the CEMEX for the opportunity it’s given me and would recommend anyone to work on a ship of this kind if opportunity arises.”