Deck Cadet


A Deck Cadet or Trainee Navigational Deck Officer or Nautical Apprentice is an apprentice who has to learn the basic duties of a deck officer on board a ship. The cadet has to complete the prescribed sea-time in order to take the exams of the second mate. Even though the cadet is on board they still have to complete their studies. They have to undergo various forms of training, watch-keeping with chief officer, at port with second mate and normal deck jobs with the Bosun.
In the UK, it is possible to train as a Deck Cadet after a Foundation Degree program or Higher Nautical Diploma. In India usually deck cadets have to undergo a pre-sea training and have to complete the training along with structured shipboard training program.

Training

Before joining on board the cadets have to undergo various training. Every cadet successfully completes Basic STCW certifications mainly Basic safety Training and security training for seafarers with designated security duties. The cadets may also need to undergo various Ship specific training as per the requirements. Basic safety Training is a mandatory training for every seafarer as per the STCW Convention.
Basic Safety Training includes:
  1. Personal Survival Techniques A-VI/1-1
  2. Fire Prevention and Firefighting A-VI/1-2
  3. Elementary First Aid A-VI/1-3
  4. Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities A-VI/1-4

    Deck Officer Cadet program by a degree route

In the UK HNCs allow direct entry into the second year of a degree programme, and some HNDs allow direct entry to third year. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree or HND programme, students also have the opportunity to top-up their academic qualification to an honours degree.
Topics covered include marine emergency response and communication, marine law and management, marine passage planning, management of bridge operations, applied marine meteorology, ship stability, marine vessels: structures and maintenance, management of vessel operations, shipboard management.

Career prospects

On successful completion of this degree program / diploma program in addition to professional short courses and relevant experience at sea, Deck cadets will be awarded the Officer of the Watch certificate / Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch otherwise called as Second mate. This is the minimum international qualification to work as a deck officer in charge of the navigational watch on a commercial vessel anywhere in the world. Further study and time at sea will earn you the Chief Mate and Master Mariner certificate leading to the top position as ship's captain.