Two young maritime cadets from Vanuatu are charting new waters as they head overseas to begin their cadetship programs, marking a milestone for the nation’s growing maritime sector.

Jessica Ova is making history as the first Ni-Vanuatu female cadet to serve on an international shipping liner in the middle east. She departed the country earlier this month for Saudi Arabia and will spend six months onboard a Chemical Tanker.

“I want to thank Ocean Logistics — this is my journey,” Jessica said. “I know I will be away from my family, but as they say, the sky is the limit, so I’m shooting for the stars.”

Last week, another cadet, James Tom, had travelled to Egypt to join a container ship.

“I started on a ship when I was a student and learnt a lot,” he said. “It wasn’t easy for me as the youngest crew member on board, but I’m going now to further my career. I will miss my family — Dad, Mum and my siblings — but as Dad always says, God is always good.”

Both James and Jessica are part of the Ocean Logistics Maritime Academy, which has been working to open international pathways for young Ni-Vanuatu seafarers.

Ocean Logistics CEO Andrew Bohn says the company is proud of their achievements and excited about what lies ahead.

“We are super excited for them to be given this opportunity,” he said.

At the end of this Month two other trainees are traveling to Fiji.

“The students will travel to Fiji to begin further training and, hopefully, join other vessels as well.

“That’s a total of four Ni-Vanuatu working internationally. It’s a new career path for them. It’s something we want to expand, and we want more young people to know about these opportunities and the careers available in maritime,” said Andrew.