What is the Merchant Navy?
The merchant navy is a shipping industry sector responsible for carrying cargo and goods by sea. This can include everything from food and clothing to cars and heavy machinery. People who work in the merchant navy are responsible for operating and maintaining the ships that transport these goods. They can have a variety of skilled roles, such as deck officer, electrotechnical officer, and engineering officer.
Find out More Here: What is the Merchant Navy
If you’re interested in a career at sea, the merchant navy is one option to consider. Seeing the world and learning new skills can be challenging and exciting.
Ways to Join the Merchant Navy
There are several ways to join the merchant navy in the UK, one of which is through a cadetship program. A cadetship is a type of training program that allows you to learn and gain experience in the merchant navy while working towards obtaining the necessary qualifications to become a licensed seafarer.
Cadetships
A merchant navy cadetship is a training program that allows individuals to learn and gain experience in the merchant navy while working towards obtaining the necessary qualifications to become a licensed seafarer. Cadetships are typically offered by maritime training colleges and shipping companies, and they can be divided into three main types: deck officer, electrotechnical, and engineering.
Deck officer cadetship: This type of cadetship is designed to train individuals to become deck officers responsible for navigating and operating the ship. Deck officer cadets will learn about navigation, ship handling, and other important skills. They will also learn about safety and emergency procedures and regulations and laws that govern the shipping industry.
Electrotechnical cadetship: This type of cadetship is designed to train individuals to become electrotechnical officers responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s electrical systems. Electrotechnical cadets will learn about electrical systems, power generation, distribution, control systems, and communication systems.
Engineering cadetship: This type of cadetship is designed to train individuals to become marine engineers who are responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s propulsion and other mechanical systems. Engineering cadets will learn about diesel engines, steam propulsion, and other mechanical systems, as well as safety and emergency procedures, regulations and laws that govern the shipping industry.
In general, a merchant navy cadetship will include a mix of academic studies and on-the-job training on board a ship and will typically take between 12-36 months depending on the type of cadetship, the college or company offering the cadetship and the regulations of the country.
It’s important to note that the requirements and qualifications for a cadetship may vary depending on the company or maritime training college offering the program.
Cadetship Entry Requirements
Here’s an overview of the steps you might take to join the merchant navy through a cadetship:
Meet the entry requirements: To be eligible for a cadetship, you will typically need to have at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including math, English, and a science subject. Additionally, you will need to pass a medical examination and meet certain physical and eyesight requirements.
Apply for a cadetship: You can apply for a cadetship through a maritime training college or directly through a shipping company. Some companies offer sponsored cadetships, which means they will cover the cost of your training in exchange for a commitment to work for them after you graduate.
Complete your training: Once accepted into a cadetship program, you will spend time in both classroom and practical training to learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a seafarer. This will typically include a mix of academic studies and on-the-job training on board a ship.
Obtain your qualifications: To become a licensed seafarer in the UK, you will need to pass several exams and obtain a number of qualifications, such as an Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate and a safety-related certificate of competency.
Start your career: Once you have completed your training and obtained your qualifications, you will be ready to start your career in the merchant navy. You will work on board the ship and sail around the world, gaining experience and working your way up the ranks.
Please note that many companies and maritime training colleges have specific requirements and qualifications.
Applying for A Cadetship
There are a few ways to find and apply for a merchant navy cadetship in the UK:
Maritime training colleges: Many maritime training colleges in the UK offer cadetships in partnership with shipping companies. You can research and contact these colleges directly to inquire about available cadetships.
Shipping companies: Some shipping companies in the UK offer cadetships directly. You can research and contact these companies directly to inquire about available cadetships.
Merchant Navy Cadetship Training Providers: Some companies recruit through third-party training providers such as Chiltern Maritme or Clyde Marine Training.
Job boards and recruitment agencies: Some job boards and recruitment agencies may have information about available cadetships in the UK.
National Careers Service: The National Careers Service in the UK provides information and advice about careers in the maritime industry, including cadetships. They can also provide guidance on how to apply for cadetships.
When applying for a merchant navy cadetship, you will typically be required to submit an application form, a CV, and other relevant documents such as certificates, qualifications and medical certificates. Some companies or colleges may also require an interview or assessment test as part of the application process. It’s also important to note that some cadetships have specific requirements, such as a minimum number of grades in certain subjects, or a minimum age.
It’s important to research the different options available and to carefully read the requirements and qualifications for each cadetship before applying. Additionally, you should prepare a well-written CV, and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience.
Reasons To Join The Merchant Navy
5 Reasons to Join The Merchant Navy #NAW23 #MerchantNavy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek pic.twitter.com/MG9tkeBOvL
— Shoreside Maritime Training Magazine (@ShoresideMTM) February 8, 2023
Other Ways to Join The Merchant Navy
Besides cadetship, there are a few other ways to join the merchant navy:
Apprenticeships: Some shipping companies offer apprenticeship programs that provide on-the-job training while working towards obtaining the necessary qualifications to become a licensed seafarer. Apprenticeships can be in areas such as marine engineering, electrical engineering, or deck operations.
Direct Entry: Some shipping companies also offer direct entry opportunities for individuals who have relevant qualifications and experience. This may include individuals with experience in the military, engineering or maritime industry. For Direct Entry, having the right certificates, experience and qualifications are key.
Self-funding: You can also choose to fund your own training and qualifications and then apply for jobs in the merchant navy. This will typically involve enrolling in a maritime college or training centre and obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications to work on a ship.
Non-officer position: Some individuals may choose to start their career in the merchant navy as a non-officer, such as a deckhand, steward, or cook. These positions do not require the same level of qualifications as officer positions, but they can provide a good introduction to life at sea and offer opportunities for advancement.
It’s important to note that the requirements and qualifications for these options may vary depending on the company or maritime training college offering the program and regulations of the country.
