Ports' watch officers pass training "milestone"

Tuesday 28 March 2023

Two watch officers at Ports of Jersey have started the more challenging stage of their training after completing a Vessel Traffic Services course.

After induction training at the Maritime Operations Centre, Nathan Elms and Will Jackson learned about the commercial shipping industry, radio procedures and port safety.

They also had to demonstrate how their newly gained skills apply to VTS operations in Jersey.

Harbourmaster Bill Sadler presented them with certificates of achievement and additional stripes, marking the end of their VTS operator training and the start of their formal coastguard training programme.

Captain Sadler said: "Nathan and Will have worked hard to complete this training programme and I congratulate them on their dedication. They are now moving onto the next and more challenging stage of their training, which will see them gaining the skills needed by coastguards."

Mr Elms said completing the VTS course felt like "a great achievement and a major milestone".

"I am very grateful to Ports of Jersey for giving me this opportunity and I’m excited for the year ahead, training to gain my Coastguard Mission Coordinator qualification with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency," he continued.

Mr Jackson added: "Having now completed the vessel traffic services qualifications, I’m looking forward to the busy summer season and the diverse challenges of aiding the safety and efficiency of navigation in the port and sea areas we look after. Working alongside qualified coastguard officers, and regular search and rescue exercises, will support the next step in my training, toward His Majesty’s Coastguard qualifications."

The two officers will now work towards their coastguard mission co-ordinator qualifications, for which training typically lasts 12 – 18 months – depending on the availability of courses at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Fareham.