21 July, 2008

SHETLAND’S marine training centre hopes to be able to repeat a visit on board a cruise liner as part of its annual training programme.

For the first time a group of cadets from Shetland’s NAFC Marine Centre have toured the cruise ship Maasdam as part of their training.

The delegation included deck and engineer cadets working towards their final exams, teaching staff and NAFC training co-ordinator Caroline Hepburn.

The group were given a tour of the bridge, the engine room including loading bays and garbage separating areas as well as all the hospitality areas onboard.

Ms Hepburn said she hoped trainees will now be able to visit one of Holland America Line’s vessels every year to see how a large cruise ship operates.

“We hope it may encourage new recruits to our cadet programme to consider that, when they qualify, they could get a job on board a cruise ship,” she said.