A new training programme is promising to give young Bermudians an opportunity to pursue a career in the marine sector and earn a world-class qualification in the process.

Starting in March, the seven-month Marine Occupation Programme will commence, a collaboration between Government and the Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), which is the largest private marine institution in America.

Organisers are hailing the course as a unique way for young Bermudians to enter the world of maritime and registration is already taking place, through the National Training Board (NTB), which is providing funding for the scheme.

There will be two 'cohorts' of 12 students who will be selected to undergo rigorous sea and navigation training that will be held both on-Island and in the NMI's campus based in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Eric Dawicki, president of NMI, told youngsters at a presentation on the programme yesterday: "The idea of going off to sea and leaving Bermuda and leaving home, is kind of scary.

"When I was younger, I drank too much. By the age of 21 I had nowhere to go; my parents were tired of my shenanigans, I got kicked out of college and thank God my dad did offer me a job as an ordinary seaman on a tanker.

"I'm not sure which direction I would have gone in unless someone pushed me. I had somebody in my life who pushed me in the right direction."

Malcolm Kirkland, whose Bermuda Sloop Foundation operates the Spirit of Bermuda tall ship and has had success in attracting young people to sailing, said the first thing an interested person should do is register with the NTB: "It's a world class programme."

Mr. Kirkland explained that the programme will enable students to make an informed decision on whether or not they want a life on the high seas – in a variety of capacities.

Additionally, it will provide a perspective into life at the helm of a mega yacht, or a career as a marine mechanic/technician to name a few, he stated.

"Part of this programme will give young people real traction in terms of their resume with having done a real programme and the kids who have it, they'll be assessed by the NTB," Mr. Kirkland continued.

"It comes under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which is run by the United Nations and is the governing body in this case.

"The IMO in 1995 set the Standards for Training Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW). The training will be entry-level, on a vessel under 100 tons.

"Some of the training will be in classrooms both here in Bermuda and at the NMI in Fairhaven, where students will receive training on the NMI's world-class simulator."

For 17-year-old Tyneisha O'Connor from St. Davids's, the training programme is a steppingstone toward her ultimate goal of becoming a marine pilot.

Inspired by her father who works in the industry at the Department of Marine and Ports, she has been involved in boats since the age of six.

"I've registered for the course and I'm kind of excited to try new things," she told The Royal Gazette, "I sailed for the summer last year on the Spirit of Bermuda – I did the overseas voyages – so I'm looking forward to this.

"This course will teach me new things about boats and sea life." Asked what her friends think of her ambitions, she conceded: "I feel like I'm the only one.

"Most of the people I know think that sailing and boats has no future in it or has nothing to do with their popularity. But for me personally, this is great experience for life.

"Mr. Kirkland was instrumental in my involvement here, he has given me a lot of encouragement. These sorts of courses teaches responsibility, leadership skills and teaches you how to get along with people.

"Getting along with people is important because when you are out at sea you have to get along with others because you are living together and if not, nothing is going to go right."