SIMPSON BAY–Eight persons recently graduated from a three-month maritime training course sponsored by Holland America Line. The course was free of charge for participants.
The graduation celebration was held recently onboard Aqua Mania Adventure’s Lambada as a way to give students’ families an opportunity to participate in their new career. Graduates successfully obtained the US Sailing Association qualifications such as basic keelboat, basic cruising, bare boat cruising and completed a coastal navigation course.
In addition, they received the international certification STCW 2010 which is the minimum qualification standard for any on-water maritime position; providing an entry to professional careers on Island, onboard Cruise Ships, Yachts or Merchant ships. They also obtained their VHF Radio licences and a certificate for completing the basics of vessel maintenance.
Participants learned about sailing and boat maintenance and obtained seven certifications, including obtaining the Small Commercial Vessel (CSV) boat master 1 licence for sailing vessels up to 36 feet and a powerboat endorsement for up to 28 feet.
“This is a very proud moment because this is the first group ever in St. Maarten that will have the boat master 1 licence for sailing vessels up to 36 feet and a power boat endorsement for up to 28 feet,” Kidz at Sea founder Garth Steyn, said during the graduation ceremony, reflecting on how impressed he was by the students during the course. “The fact that the majority had never sailed before, during their final exams they all came out showing confidence and that they had developed seamanship skills. They also learned the importance of showing up on time, team work and that there is no I in team.”
Student Khristopher Hinds: “I came into this course not knowing anything about sailboats and navigation and proper boat terminology. However, I can safely say from the day I started to now, my brain is full. Knowing that when I’m done with this programme, I am guaranteed a job because of my accomplishments; this course isn’t only just to give you your licence, this is the stepping stone to a successful career. My options are very broad … This programme has been opening doors for me that I typically wouldn’t be able to open by myself. Also, it motivates me to keep pushing because I realise that nothing is impossible” continued Hinds.
“Participating in this course helps me learn so much more than just about boats, it has taught me about discipline, responsibilities, respect and teamwork. Those things were instilled in us and expected of us, which will help us far more in life than anything else,” said Lamar Halley, another student of the course.
Kidz at Sea President Lorraine Talmi said the outlook is very positive. “The students have been given all the tools they need to succeed in the marine industry; it’s their job to use it to maximum capacity now.”
The course was made possible as a result of Holland America Line reaching out to K1 Britannia Foundation in March, enquiring how they could assist the island in its long-term recovery after hurricane Irma. One of the many concerns that were discussed was the lack of employment opportunities post-Hurricane Irma for St. Maarten’s youth. K1 approached Kidz at Sea to collaborate on the initiative. The course gave students the skills and internationally recognised certifications needed to find a job in the short term and a career for life.
“We are very thankful to Holland America Line for investing into these youths by making this course possible. The interest of international companies like Holland America Line in helping St. Maarten’s youth is something positive that came out of Hurricane Irma. As organisations, we look forward to continuing to work together to give more youths opportunities through apprenticeship programmes in the months and years to come” said co-founder of K1 Britannia Foundation Priya Thirumur.
Present at the graduation were students, invited family and friends, training instructors, Kidz at Sea, K1 Britannia representatives and other invited guests and supporters.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/83019-eight-graduate-from-holland-america-line-training-course
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