V.Ships Cadet Matthew Gigg named as Officer Trainee of the year

Matthew Gigg, a V.Ships cadet, has been named as this year’s winner of the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Officer Trainee of the Year award.

Matthew was presented with the award by the Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Anthony Radakin at a ceremony at Trinity House in London on Wednesday 10 October.

The seven-strong award nomination panel, which included the Maritime and Coastguard Agency acting chief examiner and the director of Maritime training at Trinity House, paid tribute to Matthew’s academic prowess and personal achievements.

The panel also recognised his achievements in the following categories:

• Academic progress
• Professional progress
• Overcoming personal difficulties or adversity in order to complete training
• Being an ambassador for and actively promoting careers at sea
• Outstanding contribution to their class

V.Group’s Cadet training manager said: “Matthew has continually done V.Ships and himself proud and this award is in recognition of that and is determination and passion for the maritime industry.

“Throughout his studies, he has challenged himself, delivered an exceptional performance and has been a true ambassador to the maritime industry.”