Wednesday, 16 July 2008

ENGINEERS CHOOSE SHETLAND

 

Candidates from Southern Ireland, Orkney and Shetland have come together at the NAFC Marine Centre this week to undertake a six-day MCA Oral Examination Preparation course that takes them just one step away from attaining either their Fishing Vessel Engineer Class 2 Certificate of Competency or Merchant Navy Engineer Officer of the Watch qualifications.

 

Section Leader of Engineering at the Centre, Duncan Kidson, explained the attraction for external candidates attending the course.  He said: “Our reputation for high quality Fisheries and Merchant Navy training is becoming well known outside of Shetland. The candidates from Southern Ireland work on board the Irish Fisheries Research Vessel Voyager and have commented that this particular course is very difficult to access there.  They are both enjoying the course and have praised the onsite accommodation and helpful staff.

 

“We also have a candidate employed by Orkney Ferries who is looking to update his qualifications enabling him to work on larger vessels within the company.  He is pleased that the whole package of tuition, exams and accommodation is offered in Shetland.

 

“The Shetland candidates include fishermen and ferrymen, and our second group of Engineer cadets, for whom this is the culmination of their three years of study.

 

“We are delighted to have attracted people from far and wide to the Centre on a course that is not widely available elsewhere. Whilst the majority of candidates are from Shetland, the additional external candidates helps ensure the viability of the course now and for the future.  We are also pleased to gain positive feedback on both our facilities and our staff.”

Further information from:

Duncan Kidson, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772223, email or visit www.nafc.ac.uk
Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email