What is a Cadetship?
A cadetship is a form of training programme that combines practical on-the-job experience and formal, facilitated training. During the course of your cadetship you will have five phases over three years split into 3 phases at college focusing on classroom-based learning and 2 phases at sea focused on practical experience and accumulating sea-time requirements. Cadetships are open to anyone over the age of 18. There are different starting points for cadetships depending on your qualifications and even an access course if you don't have the required qualifications.
Each Cadetship is sponsored by a sponsoring company. This typically means your studies and living expenses are paid through a bursary. On top of this, whilst you are at sea on placements you are still receiving income.
There are three main cadetship routes that each focus on a specific essential role within the Merchant Navy. These are Deck Officer, Marine Engineer, and Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
- Deck Officer - A Deck Officer has responsibility onboard ship for the safe navigation and operation of the ship. You’ll be in charge of valuable cargo and/or passengers, so it’s a big responsibility. While on duty at sea, you’ll be responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring the ship, controlling navigation and communications. In port, you’ll be responsible for cargo handling and ship stability.
- Engineering Officer - An Engineering Officer has responsibilities at sea related to the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems. You’ll operate and maintain the mechanical systems such as engines, ventilation systems, navigation and communications equipment, deck fittings like cranes, hoists and landing craft.
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) - An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) has responsibilities at sea related to the ship’s electrical systems; ranging from complex engine control systems to radars and electronic chart systems. With the size of vessels increasing and never-ending advances in technology there is fast becoming a greater requirement on board Merchant Navy ships for Electro-Technical Officers.
Further Information
