Cory Nixon, 29, a marine engineer, is one step away from reaching the pinnacle of the ocean-going aspect of his career – becoming a chief engineer – which can only be achieved by his continued acquisition of sea time and experience on large ocean-going vessels, before actually sitting the exam.

Nixon, who currently sails with Carnival Cruise Lines, has completed his unlimited Second Engineer License examinations, as he continues in his career at sea with one of the largest cruise lines in the world.

He is the first Bahamian Second Engineer (unlimited tonnage) to be registered under the Bahamas Maritime Authority.

Nixon said gaining the credential is a major milestone.

“Although the path has been unconventional, uncertain at times and financially taxing, the rewards seem to outweigh the challenges by far,” said Nixon.

He said it represents a major milestone in his career and he is thankful and excited for the added opportunities that the qualification will bring to him.

Nixon is a 2008 graduate of St. Anne’s High School. Upon completion of his secondary education, he knew that taking to the high seas was exactly what he wanted to do. A brief career with yachts and other pleasure craft gave way to his enrollment at the College of The Bahamas (current University of The Bahamas) in 2011, at a time when there was dialogue along the lines of a partnership with a maritime college in the United States. The relationship did not materialize, but Nixon remained focused on his goal of becoming a marine engineer. He was successful in his application to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College in the Bronx, New York.

While enrolled at the SUNY Maritime College, he excelled academically, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering, as summa cum laude, and having the distinction of being named the cadet chief engineer on the school’s training ship T.S. “Empire State” for the duration of his final summer sea training term. He had direct supervision of all engineering cadets on the training cruise. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College in September 2017.

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