Hello Robert - I presume we met through our involvement with Hebridean Princess.

It seems a long time ago since then. I left them to run Hull Marina, and then spent the last 6 years as dockmaster in Hull before retiring last year.

Cheers,

Howard

Yes I certainly remember Ian Cameron. I interviewed him for the post of Master in a pub in Great Yarmouth while we were fitting out the ship at George Priors. He only had a sft drink and it wasn't until sometime later that i found out that he was a senior member of the mormon church and therefore didn't really approve of alcohol. Nothing wrong with that, but I kept having to remind him that on a passenger ship like HP one of the attractions for passengers was the bar because he was always trying to shut it early!

Ian was a great asset to the ship but no longer involved; the last I heard he was involved in a company which organises holidays on cargo ships.

Howard

	Also In This Section Go Back To:  Careers

 If you have an interest in all things mechanical then a career as a Marine Engineer may be just what you are looking for.

Onboard a ship you would have the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of all the machinery. This would include the main engine (diesel - or steam perhaps), generators, cooling systems, control systems, hydraulics, pumps, air compressors, oil purifiers, distillation plant - and a lot more.

The Marine Engineer learns diverse skills necessary to trouble-shoot an electronic control circuit on a switchboard, overhaul large and small diesel engines or a refrigeration unit, make a new valve spindle on a lathe, weld a broken pipe or tackle any other job needed to keep the ship operating.

The training programme is of the "sandwich" style involving periods at College and at sea and will be completed in three years.

Below is an outline of the standard Engineering Cadet Training Scheme. The length and contents of specific phases may vary depending on which college a cadet studies at.

PHASE 1 - INDUCTION
Up to 6 months at college. All cadets will undertake the mandatory Pre-Sea courses:- Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting and Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities. Cadets will be given an introduction to the Merchant Navy and the VQ training they will receive at sea and will commence workshop skills training. Cadets with GCSE's only will also undertake some academic studies to prepare them for the HND studies later in the course.

PHASE 2 - FIRST SEA PHASE
Cadets will go to sea with their sponsoring company for a period of several months. During this time the cadet will undertake tasks and reports in their portfolio required for the Level 3 N/SVQ in Merchant Vessel Engineering. The cadet will be learning the work and duties of a Marine Engineer on board ship.

PHASE 3
Cadets return to college after their initial sea phase and embark upon the studies for Part 1 of the HND in Marine Engineering. Subjects studied during this phase will include:-
Engineering Science, Analytical Methods for Engieners, Pneumatics & Hydraulics, Instrumentation & Control Principles, Marine Electrical Systems, Marine Diesel Propulsion, Marine Turbine Propulsion, and Marine Auxilliary Plant.

PHASE 4 - SECOND SEA PHASE
Cadets will return to sea with their sponsor and will now continue working towards the Level 3 VQ in Merchant Vessel Engineering. As on the earlier sea phase the cadet will be required to complete tasks and reports in the portfolio and understudy the duty engineer. The cadet will also assist with any Safety Equipment maintenance that is carried out. By the end of this phase the cadet should be able to undertake the role of a Junior Engineer Officer on board ship under supervision.

PHASE 5
Cadets return to college after their second sea phase and commence the studies for Part 2 of the HND in Marine Engineering. Subjects studied during this phase will include:- Business & Management Techniques, Engineering Design, Naval Architecture, Thermodynamics and Management.
The cadet will be formally assessed on his VQ work and issued with the Level 3 VQ qualification. After completing the studies for the HND the cadet will undertake a final oral examination with an MCA exmainer to obtain his Certificate of Competency. The successful cadet will now progress to be a Junior Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy.






Frank Wilkinson       Once Navy Always Navy