• Marine

Making the grade

James Fisher Shipping Services (JFSS) was delighted to hear at the end of 2017 that two of its officer trainees had received outstanding achievement awards.

Both started their training at Fleetwood Nautical College, near Blackpool in 2015 and these awards recognise their commitment to maritime officer training which combines academic studies with practical sea time within the JFSS tankships fleet.

Benjamin Welch 24, who completed a Foundation Degree in Nautical Science in addition to a II/1 Deck Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, was named the college’s top graduating student for outstanding achievement during his maritime officer training. He now works with the JFSS tankships fleet as part of its career advancement programme.

Joshua Bell 22, was awarded Liverpool Marine Engineers’ and Naval Architects’ Guild Engineering Apprentice of the Year 2017 having successfully completed his HNC in marine engineering in addition to a III/1 Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency. He has been gaining experience of the third engineer rank.

The awards came as part of the pair’s involvement with the JFSS career advancement programme which is designed to provide newly qualified officers with the experience and sea time to gain a permanent position within the JFSS fleet in either the second officer or second engineer rank.

‘We feel it is important to not only reward company loyalty but to also provide newly qualified officers with an opportunity to start their career, gain confidence and build on their knowledge as future officers in ourfleet.’

Says James Rowland-Smith, JFSS head of QSE.