The Minister for Tourism, Transport & Municipalities, Sen. the Hon. Michael M. Fahy, JP, has this week been the guest of the Department of Marine and Ports Services.
As the Minister continues to immerse himself in his new Ministry, he is being brought up to speed on the work being done by the various departments.
Together with Permanent Secretary Randy Rochester, he boarded the pilot boat St. David’s, at Ordinance Island in St. George’s to gain first hand insight as to how Bermuda’s Marine Pilots bring cruise ships into port.
The events were coordinated by the department’s Director Designate, Rudy Cann.
Minister Fahy said that he was extremely impressed with the professionalism, skill and knowledge of the crew, which included Engine driver Dylan Simpson, and Leading Seaman Mark Bean.
He said, “The ocean was fairly rough coming out of St. George’s, but the pilot boat Coxswain Kevin Barnes and the crew simply steamed the pilot boat through the choppy waters and came alongside the mega ship Anthem of the Seas. It was a smooth process getting us aboard.
“I was proud to see a fellow Bermudian, Deputy Pilot Warden Mario Thompson, taking the helm of the massive cruise ship from Captain Erik Standal and guiding it through the North Channel and safely into the Heritage Wharf in Dockyard. He provided navigational advice to the international crew to guide the ship into port.
The Minister added, “This is an excellent career for young people. I would strongly encourage our Bermudian men and women to consider the possibilities in the marine field. I learned from the local crew of available opportunities. This is a field that opens doors to work on the high seas around the world from places such as New Zealand, Australia, together with Africa and the Caribbean.”