Siobhan is first female cadet to become Merchant Navy engineer officer

Lerwick woman Siobhan Bradley has become the first female cadet to qualify as a Merchant Navy engineer officer at the NAFC Marine Centre’s School of Nautical Studies in Scalloway.

She and four male students successfully passed their MCA oral exams last week, allowing them to sail on any British ship of any size anywhere in the world as a watch keeper in the engine room.

Siobhan said: “It’s the best feeling ever. The qualification has opened up a lot of doors for me and I intend to go back to sea to work as soon as possible.”

Michael Amedro, also from Lerwick, is one of two cadets who will return to work for his sponsor company. He said: “I needed to pass in order to work for the company. I plan to stay at sea and hopefully get my chief’s ticket and this is the first step. I’ve always wanted to do this and would recommend a career at sea to anyone.”

The other Merchant Navy officer cadets to qualify were Scott Williamson and Ross Pearson Lerwick and Graeme Mainland from Orkney.

Four external candidates, who had joined the cadets on their studies, were also celebrating last week. One candidate from SIC ports and harbours operations, two from SIC transport services – ferries and a fisherman from Banff all successfully passed this professional qualification.

NAFC director Professor David Gray said: “This is a great achievement and I’m delighted for everyone who has qualified. It is also very pleasing to see candidates from outwith Shetland choosing to study at the centre, which demonstrates that our first class training is becoming increasingly well known further afield.”

Senior engineering lecturer Roger Pascal said: “By passing this exam, the cadets have now attained their Officer of the Watch Engineering Certificate of Competency, which means they are qualified to sail on any British ship of any size anywhere in the world as a watch keeper in the engine room.

“I’ve been very pleased with the quality of students’ work throughout and am thrilled with their results. I wish them all every success in their future careers.”