Pilbara Ports Authority’s first ever marine cadet, Kyal Randazzo, has successfully completed the Marine Cadetship Program and will now embark on his journey to become a captain.
Kyal started his cadetship in 2018 and, after three years in the program, at the age of 21, has graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Nautical Science – 2nd Officer Licence.
As a cadet, he completed a total of 18 months sea-going time on board iron ore and cargo vessels, visiting more than 11 countries including China, Japan, USA, Russia, and Germany.
“The nature of the voyage is worldwide, so I got to travel all around the world, experiencing different cargos and different ports. It was incredible,” Mr Randazzo said.
“Some of the things we learn through the cadetship is navigational watchkeeping, celestial and coastal navigation, proficiency in equipment, leadership and teamwork, cargo operations, ship stability and medical and emergency preparedness.”
Originally from Port Hedland, Kyal has ambitions to one day return and take up a marine pilotage role at the Port of Port Hedland, a position which takes years of at-sea experience and additional study to prepare for.
“My goal is pilotage. You reach the Master level and then you get special port knowledge and you’re involved in flying out to the vessel and manoeuvring it into port,” Mr Randazzo added.
“It’s a role which requires a high level of professionalism and experience, and is definitely the peak of the career that I’m aiming for.”
Pilbara Ports Authority was the first in Australia to offer a marine cadetship program which gives school leavers experience on international trade routes.
Pilbara Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Roger Johnston said he is proud to see the first ever cadet graduate from the program.
“PPA recognised the difficultly for young Australians to secure the time at sea required to earn marine qualifications, particularly as the number of Australian-registered ships reduces,” Mr Johnston said.
“The PPA cadetship offers a foot in the door for young people in the Pilbara to embark on an exciting career in the marine industry.
“The skills and experience Kyal has gathered through his journey will help him in his career in the maritime industry and we hope to welcome him back to the Pilbara in the future to take up his dream job of marine pilotage.”
Pilbara Ports Authority is committed to building on the success of the program.
For more information on the program, visit www.pilbaraports.com.au/about-ppa/working-with-us/youth-training-strategy