PPA’s first ever female marine cadets set sail

Pilbara Ports Authority CEO Roger Johnston said PPA was the first in Australia to offer a marine cadetship programme which gives school leavers experience on international trade routes.

“As the number of Australian-registered ships reduces, it’s increasingly difficult for young people to secure the time at sea required to earn marine qualifications,” Mr Johnston said.

“To address this, Pilbara Ports Authority developed the Marine Cadetship Program to develop talent locally to support the industry, as well as improve career opportunities for young people in the Pilbara.

“We are working with Rio Tinto to offer Katelyn and Jeri the unique opportunity to gain international sea experience and qualifications, with cadets the future leaders of our industry.”

Marine Cadet Katelyn Arnold says she is looking forward to setting sail.

“My long-term goal is to be working towards completing qualifications and the sea-time needed to become a Master,” Ms Arnold said.

“I also want to be a support network for other women and youth starting in the maritime industry.”

Marine cadets have a daily work routine while at sea, including working on the deck and the navigation bridge.

Katelyn and Jeri will be on board a Rio Tinto owned Newcastlemax vessel managed by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management. Rio Tinto’s fleet consists of approximately 250 contracted and owned ships that complete more than 2800 voyages each year.

Rio Tinto Commercial’s Chief Operating Officer, Ashley Howard, emphasised the importance of developing young maritime professionals.

“We are delighted to partner with Pilbara Ports Authority and Anglo-Eastern to support the ambitions of young people in our local communities,” Mr Howard said.

“Training future leaders in the maritime industry is not only critical to our business, but also to the operation of global trade routes.”

The young women joined the Marine Cadetship Programme in March this year and will spend three years completing their Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) Diploma.

The Marine Cadetship Programme was established by PPA in 2018 to meet the future needs of the industry and give cadets a blend of shore-based learning and on-board training.

There are currently five marine cadets enrolled in the programme, with an additional two expected to start early next year.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/dry-bulk/30112021/ppas-first-ever-female-marine-cadets-set-sail/