MCA Officer Trainee of the Year winner - 2009
Published on 12/11/2024 by CMCKE
The next in our series features Tom Barkley, who won the award in 2009.
Fleetwood cadets have won this award ten times in 17 years- an unrivalled achievement.
Tom told us a bit about how he came a seafarer and where his career has taken him.
Why did you decide on a career at sea?
I am from a seafaring town and having joined the RNLI crew where a number of my friends were already in the Merchant Navy it seemed like a good life and so I took the plunge.
Which company sponsored your cadetship?
Whitaker Tankers via SSTG.
Which courses/qualifications did you study at FNC?
HND Nautical Science. Officer of the Watch and Masters Oral Prep.
Did you choose FNC or did your company? If you, why?
Company, but I am glad they did.
Where has your career taken you since graduating - companies, roles and places?
Whitaker Tankers, Swire Pacific Offshore, Sealion Shipping, Fletcher Shipping, shore based as Marine Manager and Vessel Inspector at Specialist Marine Consultants Ltd and finally Master with Ocean Infinity.
What is you current role and who do you work for?
Master with Ocean Infinity.
Give us one highlight from your time at FNC and one from your career so far
Obviously winning the MCA Trainee Officer of the Year award was quite a highlight. There are so many that come to mind but I think it’s as much about the people you sail with and ultimately become good friends with - as well as the opportunity to travel the world!
