For some years our colleagues in Cemex UK Marine have been supporting other shipping companies with training opportunities on our ships for their cadets. The Cadets, who are sponsored by the Maritime Educational Foundation and managed by Safe Ship Training Group, will spend time on our Cemex vessels to gain some valuable experience, and while with us, help to keep our crews on their toes with their many questions!
A recent Cadet, along with members of the Cemex Go Innovation dredger ship crew, have shared some insights to having Cadets onboard.
Cadet Harriet Cooke shared her experience: “I’ve really enjoyed my time onboard Cemex Go Innovation. I’ve gained lots of hands-on experience in all areas such as navigation, mooring and maintenance of the vessel. I’ve grown confidence in watch-keeping from lots of coastal navigation and having the opportunity to practice ship handling such as anchoring.
My time onboard CGI has especially helped me work towards my OOW exams, as well as helped me to prepare for when I am a newly qualified third officer. The crew onboard have all been extremely helpful when any questions and have always pushed me to improve my knowledge and confidence in all areas. I have participated in lots of realistic drills which have helped me learn emergency response and procedures, which will be useful in my oral exams.”
Captain Dave Pearson – Cemex Go Innovation told us: “We have had quite a few Cadets onboard over the last two years and by and large they have been a pleasure to have onboard. We enjoy training the Cadets as we find it keeps our knowledge fresh and up to date, they are enthusiastic and really appreciate the time that is given to them by myself and my officers. We have had several female and male Cadets who have found the placement in this company to be completely different to their experiences with several other training providers who have not been quite so supportive. Cemex have now sponsored our own Cadets both engine and deck and we hope to see them progress and become valued members of our onboard teams.”
Chief Officer Matt Gheisari, Cemex Go Innovation, said: “Having Cadets onboard has been a breath of fresh air. It keeps us all on our toes with the constant stream questions. It helps us all stay ahead of the curve by keeping our own training at the forefront of our thoughts and trying to pass on as much knowledge as we can to future generations.”
Meanwhile, Jesse Strong, the first engineering cadet to be sponsored by Cemex UK’s Marine business, was one of the attendees to visit MSA Portsmouth as part of his Cadet Simulator Coaching & Mentoring Programme. The Engine Cadets had fun in the engine control room, putting their skills into practice and training on the bridge simulator with emergency scenarios. The group also had the opportunity to join our Cemex Go Innovation ship for three days during their university easter break. This gave the Cadets a fantastic insight and practical experience of an operational ship.