MCA TRAINEE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2012

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is once again recognising the exceptional dedication of a recently qualified seafarer with the MCA Trainee Officer of the Year Award 2012.

The honour aims to encourage and recognise quality within the maritime industry. It’s given to those that demonstrate outstanding achievements during their training. Nominations are made by nautical colleges alongside the trainee’s sponsoring company. The winner is decided by a panel of judges, including representatives from the MCA and other industry figures.

This year’s winner is Elizabeth Ann Dykes from Wigan. She studied at Fleetwood Nautical Campus and commenced her cadetship in January 2009 with James Fisher & Sons plc serving on coastal oil tankers. 

Elizabeth says: “Ever since stepping on board a cruise ship when I was young, I knew I wanted to work within the maritime industry.

“I am so pleased about being nominated and winning this award. I was surprised that I was even considered let alone win it.”

Philip Naylor, Director of Maritime Safety and Standards, says: “The MCA’s vision is to be the world’s best maritime safety organisation and recognising excellence in seafarer training is fundamental to achieving this. Young seafarers and trainees of today are the Masters, Chief Engineers and Chief Executives of the future.

“The colleges presented the awarding panel with a very tough job this year because the candidates were all of an exceptionally high standard. That stands as testament to the qualities of the UK’s seafarer training regime and the character of our young people.

“Nevertheless, Elizabeth stood out from this very talented group because of her dedication to her studies and the fact that she is a natural leader who brings groups of people together to work collaboratively and as a team to achieve their objectives.”

The award was presented by Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive of the MCA, at the Marine Society and Sea Cadets’ Eighth Annual Court today, 10th October.

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