JORDAN LANE
Jordan Lane (Jordy) has been an integral part of the Cairns-based COTS program for over 6 years and is an outstanding example of what trainee programs and employment in the Crown-of-Thorns Control Program can do for young people and in particular, the Indigenous community on whose sea country we work. Jordy’s family is from Hammond Island and western NSW, but he has been based in Cairns for 17 years where he has built a family and career on the back of the COTS program and his success within it.
Jordy undertook a trainee program in 2015 gaining experience on the COTS boats and in the marine tourism industry onboard Reef Kist, Sunkist and Kangaroo explorer. During the traineeship Jordy received his Dive Master certification and was subsequently offered a position onboard MV Hero. Since then, Jordy has become part of the furniture and progressed through the leadership roles gaining a position as Team Leader on MV Venus in mid 2018 and a Dive Supervisor onboard MV Hero in 2021.
Jordy says “The best part about living on the water is the perpetual adventure that follows. You get to visit reefs and see marine life that are either untouched or see very few people.” His favourite dive site (I’m sure he has been to many thousands is Agincourt 5. “The coral and marine creatures are in absolute abundance. The coral is healthy with a large diversity of flora and fauna.”
In 2021, after 6 years with the Program and many thousands of hours sea time, Jordy was supported by INLOC and the COTS Program in gaining his Master 5 accreditation and plans are underway for him to undertake his Marine Engine Driver certification in 2022. These certificates will allow Jordy to take on the role as Master onboard any of the INLOC vessels and to continue to progress his career in the Maritime industry.
If all of this wasn’t enough, with the introduction of a 4th vessel on the cards for INLOC Jordy jumped at the opportunity take on the challenge of developing a brand-new crew and culture onboard. We wish Jordy all the best in this new challenge and I’m sure he will do a fantastic job.
Jordy’s wealth of experience, attitude and leadership qualities will be great assets as a mentor in the new Indigenous COTS Trainee program beginning this year.