Hibernia Line’s Cork-Boulogne flagship ferry MV St. Patrick, when at the Irish port, recently welcomed on board a nautical science student from the local, nearby National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy.
Captain Paavo Kõplas, along with Hibernia Line Chief Shipping Officer Paul Roche, was on hand to greet Deck Officer Cadet William Whyte to the bridge and introduce the student to a life at sea. William begins a sea phase with the new start-up company that launched the new Ireland-France route only last month.
The NMCI, in partnership with Hibernia Line, gives officer cadets the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on practical experience and essential sea time as part of their training.
Reflecting on the nautical student’s visit, Paul shared: “Welcoming William on board reminded me of my own first voyage at sea. Forty years ago, in July 1986, I stepped aboard my first ship, the B+I container vessel MV Wicklow, in Dublin Port. It marked the beginning of an incredible adventure and a career in shipping that still motivates me today. We are proud to support the next generation of maritime professionals as they begin their own journeys at sea.”
Hibernia Line looks forward to working closely with the NMCI and supporting future seafarers as they begin their careers. Strong industry partnerships such as this are fundamental to developing the next generation of maritime professionals.
