Gulf Energy Maritime launches sea cadet programme

Under the programme Dubai-headquartered GEM plans to train navigational and engineering cadets to serve on its expanding fleet of panamax oil product/easy chemical tankers.

"Within only two years of operation, GEM has established itself as a world class player in the energy transportation segment with six tanker vessels already in service and 13 new builds under construction," explained Yusr Sultan, Chief Executive Officer, GEM.

"GEM intends to remain on the global stage and believes as an important international player it has a role to play in encouraging nationals to enter a thriving and expanding business segment and deliver excellence across oceans."

Sea cadet applications are restricted to UAE and Omani nationals, reflecting the joint venture partnership structure of the company. GEM's equity stakeholders include Dubai's Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Abu Dhabi's International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), Oman Oil Company (OOC) and Thales of France under the UAE Offsets Programme.

"As our fleet size grows, we want to nurture and develop our own deck officers and marine engineer officers to serve on board the GEM fleet," explained a GEM Operations spokesperson. "We will achieve this by recruiting cadets, sponsoring their training on campus and on board for over a period of four years, including their assignment as Cadets, for career progression to officer status."

Apart from being paid a monthly salary, GEM will also sponsor cadets' total training costs, including logistics, hostel fees, uniform and text books.

Cadet training will be carried out in India and also at Sri Lanka's Ceyline International Nautical & Engineering College. India has the most reputed professional institutes of its kind in the world and is a leader in training Navigating officers & Marine Engineer Officers.

"This will be an ongoing programme with two enrolments a year," explained the GEM spokesperson. "We hope to create an officer crew base from the region which serves for the region."