Premier Ewart Brown has offered strong support to three young men aspiring to careers in maritime and a potential future at the Department of Marine and Ports.

As Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr. Brown also oversees the Department of Marine and Ports. Cabinet Minister Michael Scott introduced the men to the Premier after meeting them on the Sandys North campaign trail last year.

Leon Simmons III, 17, Alistair Johnstone, 18, and LeVince Roberts, 21, are the young men who are making big plans for themselves.

Dr. Brown said: "Whenever I have the chance I meet with young people who are on the right path just to tell them that they have my support — particularly the ones who are interested in tourism, transport or medicine because those are areas where I have some experience and can offer a little guidance."

The pupils have begun training in marine navigation.

Mr. Roberts will pursue a career in marine operations and has his sights set on admission to Solent University in the UK and to continue his maritime studies at the prestigious Warsash Maritime Academy.

He says since his boyhood days, he has always wanted to work in the maritime field.

Similarly, Mr. Johnstone plans on becoming a Marine Engineer.

He told the Premier: "My dad works at the bus garage and he told me there was a shortage worldwide for marine pilots and marine engineers.

"So I got involved and it's been good." Mr. Johnstone also shared his hopes of attending the Warsash maritime programme in Southampton, England.

Meanwhile, Mr. Simmons is on his way to becoming a marine pilot, having already been selected for admission to North East Marine Institute.

Junior Justice Minister Mr. Scott revealed: "We have in these boys, an opportunity to play to their respective strengths while also proving the country with the talent it needs every day because we are a community surrounded by water."

At a Cabinet Office meeting the Premier told the students he was willing to help them however he could.

"I told them: 'I don't want this any more than you do, so I will be there for you provided you press to complete your goals.'"

There are also two young men, Hunter Pitcher and James Daniels, who have been sponsored by the Department of Marine and Ports to study overseas in the maritime field.

Additionally, two deck cadets and two engineering cadets are presently studying in the UK and are expected to join the team at Marine and Ports when their schooling is complete.