A 21-year-old from Warwick has become the first Bermudian to pass the initial stages of an international sea cadet engineering course.

J’kai Berkeley cruised through his exams and offshore studies in the opening phases of the South Shields Marine School in Newcastle, England, with the backing of Norwegian Cruise Lines.

He faces five phases of training and returned last week to the marine school to begin the next instalment of his three-year course.

Having already completed three months at sea, he will be on board the Norwegian Aqua from August 2 next year to February 13, 2028.

Mr Berkeley said of his success so far as a cadet: “I am very proud of my hard work and I am grateful to NCL for their support and Cruiseport Ferry Management [of Bermuda].

“My first contract [with the Norwegian Aqua] saw me spend 2½ months at sea and working seven days a week.

“Unfortunately, I was not allowed off the ship, so my entire time was on board.

“I was not allowed into the United States as I had no visa and so it was a case of hard work on the ship. But next time I go out for the six months, I will be allowed to go ashore, which will be great.”

The former CedarBridge Academy pupil added: “My day starts with a training meeting with the chief engineer and first and second engineers. That is where we are assigned our duties.

“I was sometimes on maintenance and sometimes overhaul.”

Mr Berkeley spoke highly of the NCL giving him the chance to learn his trade in its engine room on the Norwegian Aqua, which is the newest vessel in the line’s fleet and boasts more than 5,000 people on board including 1,500 staff. It was launched 18 months ago.

Enil Ivanov, a staff chief engineer on board the vessel, hailed the performance of the seafaring rookie.

He said: “As the SCE, I had the opportunity to work with Mr Berkeley during his first experience on board a ship.

“He quickly became a valued part of our engine team and showed a positive attitude towards learning and adapting to life at sea.

“During his time on board, he was responsible for the operation of the bilge separator and sludge-handling procedures.

“He carried out these duties responsibly and showed a good understanding of the importance of proper operation and environmental compliance.

“He also took part in the major overhaul of the bilge separator, gaining valuable hands-on experience and working effectively with the engineering team.

“Although he still has much to learn, particularly regarding the ship’s systems and the practical aspects of marine engineering, he demonstrated enthusiasm, responsibility and a strong willingness to learn from the experienced engineers around him.”

Mr Ivanov added: “We were very happy with his performance and attitude during his time on board.

“He was a good member of the engine team and responded well to the demands of ship board life.

“We were pleased to support him during this important first step in his maritime career, and we believe he has good potential to continue developing his knowledge, experience and skills within the marine engineering profession.”

Beau Evans, the chief executive of Cruiseport Ferry Management Ltd, helped to launch Mr Berkeley’s fledgeling career and paid credit to his efforts.

He said that the company was “simply a conduit for the cadet programme”.

“The biggest challenge for the candidate is to find a sponsor,” Mr Evans added.

“The sponsor is usually a shipping company or a ship management company.

“CFML is able to fulfil the sponsorship role and this opportunity is made possible by NCL, which has contracted with CFML to operate their tender Spirit of St George’s.

“We take close on 100,000 cruise ship passengers annually to St George’s by ferry and that has been a contract for nine years, so we are close on taking one million passengers there.”

Mr Evans added: “Once the candidate has found a sponsor, then the sponsor has three primary responsibilities.

“One is to submit the candidate’s application to the college in the UK. This can only be done by the sponsor.

“Two is to co-ordinate with the Bermuda Government Department of Workforce Development to facilitate financing the costs of the school, housing, transportation and living expenses.

“Workforce development is very helpful with this important process.

“Third, it is to arrange shipboard placement for two of the five phases of the cadet programme. This is where NCL’s role is of primary significance.

“J’kai proved himself before he even came to us as a first-class student.

“He got his own associate degree at a marine school called New England Technical Institute in Rhode Island, US, and demonstrated a real interest in marine engineering.

“He then came to us and worked with us in the engine room for six weeks with CFML.

“Now he is going back to England for the third phase, and the fourth is when he goes back to sea, hopefully with Aqua again, and the holy grail for him is to get his diploma as engineer officer of the watch.

“That is a big deal for a young man and he will only be 22 when that happens.”