Kittitian female trainee pilot lands position with Norwegian Cruise Line

Bird Rock, St. Kitts – January 28, 2013 (SCASPA): Ms. Glynnis Wilkes, will shortly undergo extensive training on the Norwegian Jewel as the first and only female Marine Trainee Pilot from the twin island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and within the Caribbean. On the vessel, she will provide a two person check on the Norwegian Jewel during normal, critical and emergency bridge operations as outlined in the Navigation Standard Manual especially to those related to navigation and collision avoidance. She would also assist in berthing the vessel into multiple ports. Her training is a requirement guided under the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping 95.

Ms Wilkes’ attachment with Norwegian Cruise Lines will commence on February 1st, 2013 and comes as a result of an intervention of the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Honourable Richard Skerritt, who officially approached the Florida Cruise Caribbean Association (FCCA) for its assistance in placing Ms. Wilkes with one of their member cruise lines.

Ms. Wilkes expressed the view that obtaining a position on the cruise line could not have been possible without the assistance of several individuals in authority.

“The late Captain Nigel Herbert of SCASPA sent my application to several shipping companies for me to be trained on their lines, and then approached the Honourable Richard Skerritt, who is a very well known individual in the tourism industry, both locally and internationally. Minister Skerritt continued from where Pilot Nigel Herbert left off and fortunately the work of the Minister and the late Captain Herbert have now borne fruit. As the first female from the country to embark on such a venture, I understand that I was selected because of my skills, adventurous nature and courage to embark on such a journey as a female pilot in such a field.”

The Conaree born pilot in training is currently obtaining a third officer license and a certificate of competency in the field of Navigation and Nautical science at the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica. Upon receiving her license, she will navigate ships of different types and sizes, making her the first female Marine Pilot on the island of St. Kitts and within the Caribbean.

On her appointment as a female marine trainee on the Norwegian Jewel, Ms. Wilkes indicated that she is excited about the endeavor.

“I am overwhelmed, however, I look forward to working with a magnificent crew and gaining a wealth of knowledge that I would receive from the navigation staff of the Norwegian cruise line.”

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jonathan Bass expressed SCASPA’s pride in working with Ms. Wilkes.

“We are proud to have assisted Ms. Glynnis Wilkes with gaining knowledge as a marine trainee pilot for the past four months at SCASPA. She worked in our Marine Division at Port Zante and performed her duties excellently. We wish her the best in her endeavors.”

The young native of St. Kitts intends to return to the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica at the end of her training on the Norwegian Jewel to complete her studies.