Tourism and Transport Minister Michael Fahy, who moved to the ministry last month, has taken the time to familiarise himself with the workings of the Department of Marine and Ports Services.

Together with Permanent Secretary Randy Rochester, he boarded the pilot boat St David’s at Ordinance Island in St George’s to gain first hand insight as to how Bermuda’s Marine Pilots bring cruise ships into port.

The events were coordinated by the department’s Director Designate, Rudy Cann.

Mr Fahy said he was “extremely impressed with the professionalism, skill and knowledge of the crew, which included engine driver Dylan Simpson, and Leading Seaman Mark Bean.”

He said: “The ocean was fairly rough coming out of St. George’s, but the pilot boat coxswain Kevin Barnes and the crew simply steamed the pilot boat through the choppy waters and came alongside the mega ship Anthem of the Seas. It was a smooth process getting us aboard.

“I was proud to see a fellow Bermudian, Deputy Pilot Warden Mario Thompson, taking the helm of the massive cruise ship from Captain Erik Standal and guiding it through the North Channel and safely into the Heritage Wharf in Dockyard. He provided navigational advice to the international crew to guide the ship into port.

“This is an excellent career for young people. I would strongly encourage our Bermudian men and women to consider the possibilities in the marine field. I learnt from the local crew of available opportunities. This is a field that opens doors to work on the high seas around the world from places such as New Zealand, Australia, together with Africa and the Caribbean.”