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At Sentinel Marine, with our growing fleet, we are always keen to inspire the next generation of seafarers and to raise awareness of the diverse range of maritime careers.
So, who better to inspire students at the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead recently than Sentinel Marine cadet Kyle McGonagle? After all, many of our senior team started their careers as cadets including our chief executive officer Rory Deans.
Eighteen year old Kyle from Arbroath, has already completed five months of sea time with us with seven months to undertake, and he is currently studying to obtain MCA Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency and HNC Nautical Science.
Kyle joined our crewing department team to promote maritime careers and to encourage the next generation of merchant navy seafarers. Kyle was sharing his experience of his cadetship with Sentinel Marine to date with potential candidates looking for their first steps in a successful seagoing career.
We’ve got a long track record of nurturing new talent in the marine sector.
In 2015 we committed to support 30 cadets through their training by 2023 and we’re on course to do this. Since we started this programme, we’ve trained a total of 23 cadets and several still work with us here at Sentinel Marine.
Trainees who have competed their training programme and remain with us include Sergejs Scerbinawho was a winner at the North East Scotland College Student Achievement Awards in 2019, nominated by his tutors for his enthusiasm and commitment. Since joining us in 2018, Sergejs has also undertaken his FRC Coxswain course and is on schedule to obtain his AB certificate in the near future. His aim, which we are sure he will achieve, is to become a captain.
We currently have 12 cadets in training including seven deck and 5 engineering cadets, including our first female cadet Nina Mastrangioli.
Nina is our first female cadet, however, she’s not Sentinel Marine’s first female seafarer. That title goes to experienced seafarer Joanna Panasiuk. Joanna joined us with extensive experience on RoRo passenger vessels, chemical tankers and survey and supply vessels. Joanna’s first job was to join the crew which was delivering the Malin Sentinel from China.
However, covid put paid to that plan and she joined the vessel instead on its arrival in the UK. Joanna obtained her officer of the watch certificate while with us and currently serves as second officer on the Malin Sentinel working towards her chief officer certification.
At Sentinel Marine, we are committed to developing maritime careers and fostering talent within the industry. Having the newest and most efficient fleet, designed around the care and comfort of our crews, we know we can attract the very best talent to join us.
Anyone considering a cadetship or trainee seafarer position can contact us by emailing Crewing Manager Natalie Fitzpatrick at natalie.fitzpatrick@sentinel-marine.com.