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RFA officer Shannon praised for her determination in training
11 July 2025
Royal Fleet Auxiliary junior officer Shannon Billy narrowly missed out on the prestigious title of the best merchant navy cadet of the year.
Shannon – now a Third Officer (Systems Engineering) onboard aviation training/medical ship RFA Argus – was runner-up in the Bevis Minter Award.
Presented annually for the past 30 years by the seafarers’ union Nautilus International, the award recognises the cadet who demonstrates determination and a particularly positive attitude to succeed in their chosen career.
A former apprentice/cadet of the year finalist at Maritime UK Solent Awards in 2024, Shannon was pipped for the Bevis Minter title – named after a former chairman of Nautilus’ council – by winner Amilia Busby at an awards evening in Dover.
The two are firm friends having been the only female cadets in their engineering cohort at Warsash Maritime School.
And judges gave Shannon a special mention for her achievements to date.
Thank you for inspiring me to continue working hard and striving to be my best, it inspires me to keep striving for excellence. I hope to inspire not only myself but others within my role and outside of my duties.
“I am truly honoured,” Shannon said. “And I am truly grateful to even be nominated and grateful to Warsash for the nomination.
“I know so many other cadets and newly-qualified officers that have great dedication. This recognition means so much to me and reflects not only my efforts but also the guidance and encouragement I’ve received along the way.
“Thank you for inspiring me to continue working hard and striving to be my best, it inspires me to keep striving for excellence. I hope to inspire not only myself but others within my role and outside of my duties.”