Fleetwood Nautical Campus graduate named UK Trainee Officer of the Year

A Fleetwood Nautical Campus graduate has been presented with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) 2017 UK Officer Trainee of the Year award.

Tristan Greaney is currently serving as a Third Marine Engineering Officer for Princess Cruises. The 27-year-old, who began his training at Fleetwood Nautical Campus in 2014, received his award from Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive of the MCA, as part of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets Annual Court (MSSC) at Trinity House in London this week.

The award aims to encourage and recognise quality within the maritime industry. Nominations are made by nautical colleges, alongside the trainee’s sponsoring company. The winner is decided by a panel of judges, including representatives from the MCA and other industry figures.

Tristan – the first engineering officer ever to receive the award – said: “This award is the most prestigious thing I have received. It shows to me that all the hard work and dedication to the cadetship has paid off.

“Most of all, it has given me a boost in confidence and I feel like I am on the correct track for my career and this is the one I shall follow. Attaining this award at the start of anyone’s sea going career is a great motivator for the future years to come. I appreciate being nominated for this award.”

Neil Atkinson, Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus at Blackpool and The Fylde College, added: “I was delighted when I received word that Tristan had been selected as UK Officer Trainee of the Year. He showed outstanding commitment to his training during his time with us and has a great career ahead of him.

“We have a proud history of students winning the annual Trainee of the Year award with Fleetwood Nautical Campus graduates now being honoured with the title in eight of the last 11 years.”

Sir Alan said the standard of entries received for the award by the MCA each year was an indication of the high quality of trainees within the maritime industry.

He added: “We continue to encourage and promote the kind of enthusiasm and commitment we’ve seen from Tristan Greaney. I wish Tristan every success for his future career. I’m sure his progress will be characterised by the outstanding qualities that have gained him this award.”

Minister for Transport, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP said: “Britain is a truly global, seafaring, trading nation and training programmes offered by industry are inspiring a new generation of young people into the workforce.

“Young officers such as Tristan are vital to ensuring the UK’s maritime industry will thrive for years to come.”