A CMT cadet has been named Northern Lighthouse Board 2020 ‘Outstanding Deck Cadet of the Year’ at the City of Glasgow College’s virtual graduation ceremony.
Fionn McKee, 21 from the Isle of Skye, recently qualified after 3 years of training comprising 3 phases of classroom learning and two sea phases.
Following the December ceremony, Fionn said: “I’m really grateful to have received this award.
“My training was split between learning at City of Glasgow College and sea time spent onboard the fleets Multi-Role ERRVs.
“During my sea time I sailed on 7 ships in the Aberdeen fleet, sailing throughout the North Sea and out to the West of Shetland. It was a great learning experience, the crews I sailed with were all incredibly helpful and highly skilled, always willing to show me how to do things and share their experience. A huge thank you to every member of the 13 crews I sailed with.
“I put a lot of hard work into my written exams following sea time and it was fantastic to see my work recognised by my lecturers who selected me for this award.
“I have since qualified as a deck officer, and these achievements would not have been possible without the incredible support from the crews I sailed with, the staff at Clyde Marine Training, Vroon Offshore Services Aberdeen and Deeside Crewing.”
Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said: “Deck Cadet of the Year rightly recognises those individuals who excel in their studies and stand out as exemplary classmates and students. Our congratulations go to Fionn who is a great example of our College purpose to let learning flourish.”
Philip McAllister, Fionn’s CMT Training Officer offered his own praise: “On behalf of CMT, I am delighted to congratulate Fionn on achieving the Northern Lighthouse Board Outstanding Deck Cadet of the Year award.
“Throughout Fionn’s time as a cadet he showed himself to be fully committed to his training, displaying the professional attitude required of a modern Junior Officer. Fionn has been a credit to himself, his sponsor, CMT and I would like to wish Fionn well in what I am sure will be a successful future career.”
Angie Dow, Crewing Supervisor at Deeside Crewing Services (a Vroon Group subsidiary and Fionn’s sponsoring Company), added: “Fionn was everything you expect a Deck Cadet to be. He served on several vessels and all his appraisals were marked as excellent with comments like trustworthy, willing to assist and learn, great attitude, great potential, conscientious and works safely at all times.
“His Training Record Book was always up to date and he worked extra hours when needed, and never shied from requesting feedback which greatly aided him in his learning on-board the vessels. He was a pleasure to have onboard the VOSL fleet.”