Huelin-Renouf second mate Ewan Ferguson with captain William Townsend on the bridge of Huelin Dispatch Picture: DAVID FERGUSON (00820586)

ISLANDERS looking for a career at sea could learn the ropes of maritime life through a new scheme funded by the Port of Jersey and UK mariner organisation Trinity House.

The four-year scholarship will train students at nautical schools or universities before shipping them out to sea. Only one or two students will be selected each year for scheme.

Head of Careers Andy Gibbs said that the venture was particularly pleasing given the current economic climate.

‘It is exciting that the Port of Jersey and Trinity House have worked together to provide this new opportunity given our current economic climate,’ he said. ‘It is a difficult time for students considering their next options and future careers and I see this new scheme as a valuable and positive step for Islanders.’

Glaswegian Ewan Ferguson (24), who joined Huelin-Renouf Shipping as second mate in August, after studying for a degree in nautical sciences as a cadet with Trinity House, said that he would certainly recommend the opportunity to Jersey students.