Luka Haynes has won the prestigious Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Officer Trainee of the Year award for 2024. The 28-year-old, who grew up in landlocked Chorley, currently works on Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels as an Officer of the Watch.

Luka began her cadetship in 2020 and studied as a mature student at Fleetwood Nautical Campus – which nominated her for the esteemed award. When she was younger Luka had been a sea cadet but moved into a series of office jobs before the call of the sea came again and she signed up as an officer cadet.

MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea presented Luka with her prize at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s annual dinner which took place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London on Monday 3 February 2025.

Judges praised Luka for overcoming Covid challenges and returning to her studies, whilst also supporting classmates who faced their own obstacles.

Read the press release on GOV.UK to find out more and to see what Luka said about winning the award.