Muhammad Tamimy has recently been a sea cadet on the Sand Fulmar.

He sent us this story about how much he is enjoying his time onboard. It is quite long but we thought you would enjoy it!

“I started my training to become a Ship’s Officer in 2018. I decided that I wanted to be a Deck Officer. The academic phases of my training were to take place at the historic Warsash Maritime School, now based in Southampton, and the sea training was to take place on a variety of ships.

So far, I have served on sail training ships, a general cargo ship and cruise ships. During my time on these vessels, I have visited the Caribbean, Central America, Mainland Europe, and the Mediterranean.  I have also had the opportunity to sail through both flat calm seas and a Force 12. Fortunately, I discovered that I was not prone to seasickness.

Furthermore, I have had the privilege to represent the Merchant Navy at Winchester Shipping Festival 2019 and the Festival of Remembrance 2019, where I was tasked to represent the Merchant Navy and all that It stood for in front of Her Majesty the Queen, members of the royal family and the Nation. It was rather moving to represent the presently shrinking British civilian fleet, its past and present Officers and Men. 

Sand Fulmar

One morning I received an email titled ‘Next Ship: Sand Fulmar’.  I was relieved to get a ship as getting sea time is very difficult and I had found myself stuck at home for about two months.  I was delighted to find out that it was a British (UK flagged) ship with British Officers. It’s rather strange that up until this ‘trip’ I was in the Merchant Navy but had never stepped onto a British civilian ship.

I have been on the Fulmar for nearly three weeks now. I am glad that I have been on other ship’s as it has made me appreciate the opportunity given to me by CEMEX UK. I have been with companies where ‘Safety First’ has been nothing more than a futile punchline and where crew welfare is often forgotten. I have sailed with crews where you need to beg to be trained. I can fortunately say the aforementioned experiences are something I shan’t experience on Sand Fulmar.

There is a marvellous safety culture and the ship’s company are treated really well by CEMEX. The Officers have been training me from day one and frankly, I’m flabbergasted by their kindness. I feel my vocabulary is inadequate to express my gratitude towards Cemex UK for giving me the opportunity to experience a happy ship and I should very much hope this isn’t my last time on a CEMEX vessel.”