Pilbara Ports Authority’s first ever female marine cadets are setting sail on board an iron ore vessel bound for Asia.
Karratha locals Katelyn Arnold and Jeri Ingleton will spend six months at sea on board the Rio Tinto owned vessel, training for a career in the maritime industry as part of Pilbara Ports Authority’s Marine Cadetship Program.
Pilbara Ports Authority CEO Roger Johnston said PPA was the first in Australia to offer a marine cadetship program which gives school leavers experience on international trade routes.
“As the number of Australian-registered ships reduces, it’s increasingly difficult for young people to secure the time at sea required to earn marine qualifications,” Mr Johnston said.
“To address this, Pilbara Ports Authority developed the Marine Cadetship Program to develop talent locally to support the industry, as well as improve career opportunities for young people in the Pilbara.
“We are working with Rio Tinto to offer Katelyn and Jeri the unique opportunity to gain international sea experience and qualifications, with cadets the future leaders of our industry.”
Marine Cadet Katelyn Arnold says she is looking forward to setting sail.
“My long term goal is to be working towards completing qualifications and the sea-time needed to become a Master,” Ms Arnold said.
“I also want to be a support network for other women and youth starting in the maritime industry.”
Marine cadets have a daily work routine while at sea, including working on the deck and the navigation bridge.
Katelyn and Jeri will be on board a Rio Tinto owned Newcastlemax vessel managed by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management. Rio Tinto’s fleet consists of approximately 250 contracted and owned ships that complete more than 2,800 voyages each year.
Rio Tinto Commercial’s Chief Operating Officer, Ashley Howard, emphasised the importance of developing young maritime professionals.
“We are delighted to partner with Pilbara Ports Authority and Anglo-Eastern to support the ambitions of young people in our local communities,” Mr Howard said.
“Training future leaders in the maritime industry is not only critical to our business, but also to the operation of global trade routes.”
The young women joined the Marine Cadetship Program in March this year and will spend three years completing their Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) Diploma.
The Marine Cadetship Program was established by PPA in 2018 to meet the future needs of the industry and give cadets a blend of shore-based learning and on-board training.
There are currently five marine cadets enrolled in the program, with an additional two expected to start early next year.
For more information about the Program, visit www.pilbaraports.com.au/about-ppa/working-with-us.