Officer Cadetships
An officer cadetship is a fully funded three year programme, which leads to both an academic and professional qualification known as a certificate of competency, issued by the Maritime Coastguard Agency.
A cadetship is sponsored by either a shipping company or charitable organisation and will cover all aspects of training, including college fees, travel costs and a monthly bursary payment towards living costs.
All officer cadets are enrolled on approved courses at a UK maritime college, that lead to a professional qualification as well as a nationally recognised educational qualification.
These include:
– Higher National Certificate/Advanced Certificate
– Higher National Diploma/Advanced Diploma
– Foundation Degree (FD) or Scottish Professional Diploma (SPD)
– Bachelors or Honours degree
Entry requirements for Officer Cadet Training are a minimum of 4 GCSEs
– 4-9, National 5s – A-C or Standard Grades
– 1-2 in Maths, English and at least one science-based subject.
The content, duration and timings of each of the programmes will vary according to the particular course, but the core knowledge required for MCA certification requirements for onboard training are the same for all. Cadet training in the UK is broken down into periods, commonly referred to as phases, of which there are five, alternating between college learning and sea time:
Phases at college develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to gain a UK Certificate of Competency. The college/university learning covers specific modules as well as mandatory short courses, covering safety and technical training subjects, which are integrated into the course.
There are multiple colleges in the UK that provide Officer Cadetship training. You can find out more about their facilities and open days on their websites:
A Navigation (Deck) Officer is a vital member of the ship’s management team – responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring the ship, controlling navigation and communications, so it’s important to be a good team member, decisive and calm. This role is for those interested in technology and have good mathematical, written and verbal skills, as well as enthusiasm and self-reliance.
Engineering Officers operate and maintain all the propulsion, power generation and distribution systems throughout the ship. Engineering Officer Cadets need to be practical, resourceful and have an interest in mechanical and electrical systems. Along with good maths, written and verbal communication skills, this role is suited for individuals who are decisive, calm, curious and are prepared to learn about new technology whilst harnessing new skills.
The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) monitors all onboard electrical equipment – maximising the operational safety and efficiency of the vessel. ETO Cadets should be practically minded and interested in electrical and electronic control and power systems. This role work closely with the engineering department aboard, so teamwork and collaboration is key.
How to apply
There are various organisation who sponsor officer cadet training, these include:
– A shipping or ship management company – cadets would be sponsored, managed and obtain their sea time directly by the company.
– A training management company (TMC) – these organisations have a broad client based and manage cadets training on their client’s behalf.
– A charitable organisation – is further option of sponsorship. Sea time can be carried out on a number of vessels belonging to a range of shipping companies.
Sponsoring companies
There’s a broad range of shipping companies and charities who sponsor maritime training.
These are the companies that could fund your maritime training. Ready to set sail?
Shipping and Ship Management Companies
– Pritchard-Gordon Tankers Ltd
– James Fisher and Sons Crewing Services Ltd
– Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd (PNTL)
Charitable Organisations
– The Corporation of Trinity House
– Maritime Educational Foundation
Training Management Companies
– Ship Safe Training Group Ltd
Open Days
– TBC
Ratings Training
Ratings’ is a general term for a wide variety of skilled seafarers in support roles in all departments, the work can involve a wide range of tasks essential to the safe operation and maintenance of the ship. There are several routes to become a Rating, depending on the area you decide to work in.
There is no minimum academic standard for entering the industry as a Rating, but some companies may ask to see a minimum of three GCSEs or Scottish standard grades. To begin a career at sea as a Rating, all applicants must pass a Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) and complete basic STCW training to obtain the relevant certification for working at sea.
Below are some examples of Ratings roles on board ship:
Deck Ratings steer the ship, keep watch and assist the Navigation (Deck) Officer in a range of navigational, operational and cargo duties including mooring. Deck Ratings also carry out maintenance and contribute to the security of the vessel.
Engine Room Ratings carry out a wide range of mechanical, cleaning and watchkeeping duties. They are essential to keeping equipment and safety regimes maintained without incident in the ship’s Engine Room.
Hospitality and Onboard Services (OBS) Ratings are key service roles on every ship, from steward work in the bar and mess room to cleaning cabins and porter work. Passenger ferries and cruise ships also need a wide range of entertainment and personal service jobs, from DJing and hairdressing to nursing and photography. To apply for any roles in hospitality or other onboard services, an application must be made directly to the company or their hiring agent.
Rating Apprenticeships are when an individual is paid to train on board ships by experienced professionals and alternating periods of study at a maritime college. Fleetwood Nautical Campus and North Kent College offer one or more of the apprenticeship programmes, which usually last around 18-24 months, however this can vary. The current apprenticeships available are:
– Seafarer (deck rating) apprenticeship
– Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic apprenticeship
How to apply
Rating Apprenticeships come up throughout the year and applications are made directly to a company. Their application processes may vary, the following companies offer one or more of the apprenticeships:
Frequently asked questions
How do I get more experience?
If you don’t have the right qualifications to join an officer programme and you want to take that route, there are pre-cadetship routes which you can explore. These courses last around a year and aim to develop your skills to get you ready for an officer level course in the Merchant Navy. You need to apply to them directly though the related nautical college. You can find a list of options available below:
– Bournemouth and Poole College - Brockenhurst College work with Warsash Maritime School - City of Glasgow - Fleetwood Nautical Campus - South Shields Marine School
Jubilee Sailing Trust – Take the helm, set sail and keep watch. The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) owns the S.V. Tenacious. These tall ships give anyone, regardless of ability, the chance to experience what life is like sailing the high seas.
Maritime Museums – Back on dry land, there are over 200 UK maritime museums that paint a fascinating picture of life at sea – then and now. Book a tour, visit an exhibition or look out for maritime careers events and study days.
Ocean Youth Trust – With six regional centres across the UK, the Ocean Youth Trust gives people aged 12-24 the chance to crew a ship. Along the way you’ll pick up valuable skills that can help with personal development.
Sea Cadets – Aged 12-18 and craving adventure? In the Sea Cadets you could learn to hoist a sail, kayak down a river or dive off the British coast. Focussed on teamwork, this nationwide voluntary organisation helps young people take on nautical challenges, gain new skills and forge friendships. And there’s a designated group for under 10s.
Tall Ships Youth Trust – Start your sailor training at 14 with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. This registered charity has been helping 14-25 year-olds learn to crew vessels since 1956.
When should I apply for an officer cadetship?
Whenever you’re ready. You can apply for an Officer Cadetship, or to become a Deck or Engine Room Rating at any time of year. Catering, Hospitality or Onboard Services roles need some relevant experience and qualifications beforehand.
There are two Officer intakes annually – the main is in September, but there’s a second in January. You don’t need to wait for your academic results before applying, because many maritime sponsoring company recruit up to a year before training begins.
Some shipping companies offer Ratings apprenticeships. And you should apply directly to them. The following may have vacancies:
How long will I spend training as an officer cadets?
Officer training varies by discipline and course type (e.g. HNC or degree). Navigation (Deck) Officer training takes between three and three-and-a-half years. While Engineering and Electro-technical Officer training is usually for three years. That involves around 12 months at sea in the deck department, or eight to nine months in the engineering division – with voyages lasting two to three months.
Ratings training depends on the shipping company. But it always involves sea time. Typically courses are between six and nine months. While apprenticeships take around two years.
Do I have to meet academic requirements?
To enrol as an Officer Trainee, you will be expected to meet certain academic standards. That’s because Merchant Navy courses involve maths and science – so prior knowledge will stand you in good stead. Some sponsors may consider other qualifications or expertise. But you’d need to make a strong case in your letter of application.
To train as a Rating, there aren’t specific academic requirements. But you’ll need to show a sponsoring company you’ve got the potential to achieve their qualifications.
What if I don’t qualify for an Officer Trainee course?
Have a think about your options. You could re-take the exams. Or choose to train instead as a Rating. Bear in mind that, at the moment, there are just a few companies taking on a handful of Ratings candidates. They are:
Am I too old to join?
Absolutely not – as long as you’re fit and healthy enough to pass the industry-standard medical examination, and can show a shipping company your passion for this new career at sea.
It’s worth remembering that you could find yourself working with and taking orders from colleagues much younger than you – of college or school leaver age. And the wages may be different to what you’ve previously been used to.
What if I’ve already got a degree?
It’s unlikely your qualifications will be transferable – unless you’ve taken a Mechanical Engineering degree (or similar) and want to become an Engineering Officer. But your skills and knowledge will be useful. So mention them in your application.
Will I be accepted if I’m in the Royal Navy, a mechanical engineer or have similar expertise?
Your experience will certainly help. However, you’ll still need to arrange sponsorship from a shipping company to complete the training needed.
Start by letting the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) know what qualifications you have – including copies – and the role you’re keen to apply for. They’ll be able to let you know what’s transferable, and the qualifications and sea time you need to pick up. You should also ask them for a Letter of Initial Assessment (LIA) to support your application.
You can call the Seafarer Standards and Certification Branch of the MCA on 02380 329231. Or download the application for a LIA here.
What are the medical requirements?
Many maritime sponsoring companies will arrange a medical – known as ENG1 – before making you an offer. For details of the examination, contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). If you’re considering taking the test before applying, they can also direct you towards approved doctors.
You can reach the MCA by calling 02380 329247 and asking for the Seafarer Standards and Certification Branch. Or read the medical certification guidance here.
Can I apply for Officer Training sponsorship if I’m from Europe?
If you’re an EU citizen ordinarily resident in this country, you can apply for sponsorship from UK companies. They’ll ask you to provide your UK address – somewhere you’ve lived for about a year. And you’ll need to have certain levels of English, Maths and Physics/Combined Science/Dual Science. For more details on academic requirements, have a look at the information under ‘What qualifications do i need’.
Can I apply if I’m not from Europe?
Officer training sponsorship is usually only available to EU citizens living in the UK. Why not investigate Merchant Navy training in your own country?