TRAVEL and tourism student Ryan Tanner got a flavour of why Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe when he joined the operations oeam for a two-week stint

His work experience timetable saw him join the Harbour Master’s Patrol Launch as Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth made her way into the port, join Red Funnel’s Red Osprey on the bridge and get to grips with some of the behind the scenes activity at the cruise terminals.

A delighted Ryan, explained: “From the minute that I entered Ocean Gate, I felt like I was part of the ABP Southampton team whether that was in Port Operations, Marine Operations or Health & Safety which were some of the departments I was involved in during my two week placement.”

His work experience saw him work with:

• Passenger Cruise Terminal Operations

• General Port Operations and Health & Safety functionality

• Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre

• Southampton Patrol Launch & Berthing Operations

• Red Funnel Ferry “Red Osprey”

“I believe this two week experience has helped me more than ever in gaining in contacts within the Port and Cruise Industry, and ensuring I have a better understanding of Port Operations.

“Overall, all of the above has made me a better person to give me the belief and guidance to achieve my dream career of becoming a Deck Navigation Cadet, and progressing through the ranks on the bridge,” said Ryan.

Head of Port Operations, Beth Evans-Gay said: “Ryan is currently in his last year of studying for a BETEC in Travel and Tourism at Brokenhurst College and was particularly interested in learning more about the port’s role and operation in the cruise industry.

“We ensured Ryan had a busy and interesting program whilst at the port to help make his time here as productive and as interesting as possible.”