Warden of the pilots Rudolph Cann has been named as the director designate of the Department of Marine and Ports.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport today.

Mr Cann has more than 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry and began his career with the Department of Marine and Ports in 1980 at an entry level position.

He progressed through the ferry service, becoming a Senior Ferry Pilot, and was selected as an Apprentice Branch Pilot in 1987, commencing nautical studies as a bursary student.

Mr Cann was named Senior Branch Pilot in 2001 and promoted to Warden of Pilots in 2008.

“I have been involved in the maritime industry for my entire professional life and look forward to the opportunity to continue to contribute to the Bermuda maritime heritage,” said Mr Cann.

A statement released by the Department of Marine and Ports this afternoon said: “Mr Cann will continue with his professional development with the intent to make him the ideal candidate to assume the director’s post in July 2017 when the incumbent director’s (Lieutenant Commander Richard Russell) contract expires”.

It added: “He has a long and effective track record as a manager in public service and is presently undertaking further certification in port management at North West Kent College in the United Kingdom.”