Five Bermudian seafarers have successfully completed the first stage of an advanced maritime cadet programme on Prince Edward Island.

Rickai Lightbourne, Torian Morrissey, Mtume Hart, Taariq Butterfield and Tri-Rique Berkeley travelled to Canada at the beginning of the year to take part in the Bridge Watch Rating and Engine Room Rating course.

The Bermudian Maritime Cadet Programme is funded by the Department of Workforce Development and was established in 2010 to give Bermudians the chance to expand their knowledge and training.

“The course made me think about the direction I was heading and it’s another qualification in my pocket,” said Mr Morrissey.

The 28-year-old ferry pilot, who has worked for Marine and Ports for more than seven years, added: “Originally my plans were to become a tug boat pilot but I took to the classwork pretty well and it’s made me think about going for branch pilot.

“To get the final qualification I still need to do two months at sea, but after that I’ll have my Bridge Watch Rating.

“I found the course very informative. It was a good experience and also the first time I had actually seen snow.”

The 12-week course ran between January and April and took place at the Holland College’s Maritime Training Centre.

Mr Hart, 44, who works as a senior pilot for Marine and Ports, added: “The course was an eye opener to me and provided all of us with a great deal of new knowledge.

“My hope is that after I have done my two months at sea this qualification will help me move up the ranks into a management position in the department.”

The training course involved a raft of safety protocols and personal survival techniques including first aid, firefighting, fire prevention and radio operator.

While the quintet also had to complete and pass a seaman’s medical exam that included a physical test as well as vision and hearing tests.

Marine and Ports employee, Mr Lightbourne, added: “The Bridge Watch Rating training course helped me by giving me a wide knowledge about types of ships and tugs and what takes place on them; the industry, firefighting and communications.

“But most importantly it taught me first aid, safety and survival skills. My future plan is to go further and achieve at least my second officers watch certificate — the Bridge Watch Rating course just gave me that stepping stone.”