Seafarers: Young men prepare for a career on the ocean

But his plans changed and he is now hoping to be in charge of a very different kind of craft.

The 23-year-old has swapped planes for ships and begun to pursue a career on the open sea.

Last summer he completed his Bridge Watch Rating Course at Holland College in Prince Edward Island.

And next week he will get his first taste of the world of container ships and international shipping when he joins the Somers Isles for a four-month placement.

He’ll be travelling between Bermuda and Florida helping to bring in foods and supplies for the island.

“I like the idea of travelling and seeing the world outside Bermuda as part of my job and if I can get my training and my qualifications then that is what I can look forward to.

“It’s not going to be easy but I feel like I have found a career that really challenges me.

“I’m lucky to have been given the opportunity to learn and develop skills on board the Somers Isles and I am looking forward to being part of the crew and doing my bit to help out.

“Young people really can achieve big things in Bermuda and the opportunities are definitely out there.”

Denzel Todd is just about to learn what it takes to work on board a container ship.

Tomorrow he will join the crew of the Bermuda Islander in Hamilton for a four-month placement with the ship as she travels between the US and Bermuda every week.

The 21-year-old will be shadowing the crew as a deck cadet and learning the ropes.

It’s all part of the training he’ll need to fulfil his ultimate ambition of becoming a Master Mariner.

Denzel says: “Like many young men in Bermuda I spent a lot of time on the water with my father as I grew up.

“I did a couple of ocean tours on a 52ft sailing boat and my interest grew from there.

“Nothing has grabbed me as much as being out on the ocean.”

Last summer Denzel went to Holland College on Prince Edward Island in Canada to get his Bridge Watch Rating qualification.

And after he has finished his placement on the Bermuda Islander he plans to head to Fort Lauderdale to take his Able-Bodied Seaman course.

Denzel added: “It’s all about building up experience and getting more time at sea for me at the moment.

“I know I still have many years of hard work ahead of me to get where I want to be, but I think I am on the right path now.

“I am looking forward to my time on the Bermuda Islander and am grateful for the opportunities it will give me.”