Having left school at 17 I made the decision to start my cadetship at City of Glasgow College, not having a clue about what it would entail or if it would be the right choice for me. Low and behold, I loved it! I gained my officer of the watch Certificate of Competency (C.o.C) in December 2016.
I applied for various jobs with varying success, until I was invited to attend an interview at Trinity House. I travelled from Glasgow to Harwich (a journey that I have now lost count the amount of times I have done). Upon completion of that very nerve wracking interview, I returned home to await the dreaded follow up phone call/email. However, I was offered the job as Engine Room Assistant (ERA) on THV Patricia and I gladly accepted
Since joining as ERA I was promoted to 3rd engineer. Then after completing my 2nd engineer qualifications after some time at college, I was promoted to my current position of Auxiliary Second Engineer. This allows me to sail on all three of the Trinity House Vessels, which is perfect for building on my knowledge and experience as they are three entirely different vessels.
The last five years in the company have been a whirlwind with plenty of highs and lows. However, I would not change anything about my experience here.
What does a Second Engineer do? How does this contribute to the overall work of Trinity House?
In Trinity House there is a total of four permanent 2nd engineers and two auxiliaries. A second engineer, like any role on board is very important. They are responsible for the general day-to-day running of the engine room team and the machinery that propels the vessel including upkeep and maintenance. Working closely with the chief in making sure the vessel is able to carry out her duties and ensuring that it is a safe place to work.
What does your typical day look like?
The wonderful thing about being a seafarer and working at Trinity House is that you will rarely have two days that are the same. The constant is the morning cuppa where the day’s work is discussed with other members of the engine room team. We have a maintenance plan we follow for the three week trip but the work changes every time we join a vessel.
There is also the unplanned maintenance which we can’t account for, which can totally change the plans that were made.
Therefore, I would not say I have a ‘typical day’ which is always exciting and keeps us on our toes.
What are your standout moments?
In my short five years at Trinity House, I have had plenty of standout moments, mostly good some bad. I will stick to the good ones!
I remember my first crew change day when I joined and how far I’ve come since then. Achieving my Second Engineer’s unlimited C.o.C in 2020, then being promoted to Auxiliary Second Engineer. Also, how we continued to work on board and carry on as normal during the Covid 19 crisis. There have been plenty of standout social occasions too, such as various Christmases and New Year’s Eves spent away from family. However, we make the most of it and enjoy our time on board.
What are the benefits or unique opportunities of working for Trinity House?
Working for Trinity House has many benefits and opportunities granted to all her employees. Being on these vessels you feel like you are making a difference, keeping other seafarers safe. Moreover, Trinity House being a charity that is dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community.
As a female in a very male dominated environment, especially being part of the engine room team. Trinity House and the support vessel crews have treated me no differently and I have been given the same opportunities as any other crew. In 2022 equality shouldn’t even be a question, however in some line of work it unfortunately is. Since working with Trinity House, they have supported me through my 2nd engineer Certificate of Competency and now as I’m working towards my Chief Engineer qualifications.
What would you say to aspiring engineers thinking about getting into this field of work?
I would always encourage anyone interested in getting into this field and to jump into this career with both feet. It can be frustrating at times with many drawbacks including being away from family members and loved ones. However, it is very rewarding, with lots of hard work and opportunities to better yourself in all aspects of life
As I have said, there have been plenty of ups and downs in my short career but I don’t regret any of them as they have made me who I am today.