Fleetwood Nautical Campus Star Nets Prestigious National Award

Published on 06/02/2025 by DBUCK

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A Fleetwood Nautical Campus (FNC) graduate has underlined its international reputation for excellence after winning a prestigious national award.

Luka Haynes, 28, was crowned ‘Officer Trainee of the Year 2024’ by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Annual Dinner at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on February 3.

Chorley born and bred, she sought to chart a brighter course to her Merchant Navy career by joining FNC in August 2023.

Luka had first become a cadet in 2020, but this was disrupted by the Covid pandemic and the move reinvigorated her to dedicating extra work in her own time to bridge knowledge gaps and start showing her true colours.

She went on to complete the SQA Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science and then passed her exams to achieve Officer of the Watch accreditation in August 2024: the industry requirement for junior officer entry level.

During her time at FNC, Luka also became an ambassador for Careers at Sea, spending lots of time promoting this agenda, sharing her knowledge and experiences through social media and industry networks to inspire fellow cadets and other young people.

This is the 11th time in 18 years that an FNC officer trainee has won this prestigious MCA award – an unrivalled achievement and credit to the dedicated team that supports students in all aspects of their cadetship.

Captain Neil Atkinson, Head of FNC, said: “It’s a tremendous source of pride for all at Fleetwood Nautical Campus that Luka was selected as the MCA Officer Trainee of the Year for 2024.”

“She has shown great resilience and determination in her studies and excelled in her achievements. She has supported and inspired fellow officer trainees to fulfil their potential whilst also finding time to promote maritime careers and inspire future generations of seafarers.

“Her example sends a clear message to others that this qualification is worth striving for – and I know she will continue to embolden others during what is sure to be a successful and rewarding maritime career.”

The judging panel noted that Luka consistently demonstrated leadership qualities and a collaborative spirit – often helping peers with their revision and during practical training. Her proactive approach also helped to reinforce the supportive learning environment and her preparation for external exams motivated fellow cadets.

Luka Haynes is now an Officer of the Watch working on Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels which chiefly manage anchors for oil rigs, towing them to location and securing them in place, as well as serving as Emergency Response and Rescue vessels and supply transports.

Thomas Campbell, General Manager of Luka’s sponsor, Clyde Marine Training, said: “We are immensely proud of Luka for being awarded Trainee of the Year.”

“Her exceptional work ethic and dedication to her studies, despite the challenges she faced, are truly commendable. She has not only performed well academically but also emerged as a passionate ambassador for maritime careers, inspiring many. Her leadership and collaborative spirit greatly contributed to a supportive learning environment for her peers. This achievement is a testament to her resilience and an unwavering ambition, shared by many, to pursue a career at sea.

“The merchant navy industry is a hugely important, dynamic industry with a plethora of exceptional career paths available both offshore and onshore. If anyone is interested in following in Luka’s footsteps into the industry, we at CMT would be delighted to provide more information on our cadetships.”

For more information view the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Press Release on Luka’s award: Officer Trainee of the Year’s pride to win ‘symbol of excellence’

As part of Blackpool & The Fylde College, FNC enjoys outstanding facilities, expert tutors and an exceptional graduate-to-employment rate which have secured it an international reputation for excellence in Merchant Navy education and training.

This is underpinned by a 130-year history of providing high quality maritime training to industry. Regarded as one of the UK’s top nautical institutions, FNC offers top-quality further and higher education and maritime apprenticeships.