SEAONE · CADET LIFE
An introduction to the training journey for deck, engineering and ETO cadets.
A typical UK sponsored route, from application to qualification.
STEP 1 OF 8
Apply to a shipping company or cadet training organisation for Deck, Marine Engineering or ETO sponsorship. Expect an application and selection process. Check entry requirements, funding and what the offer covers.
Ask: who arranges my sea placements and what costs are covered?
STEP 2 OF 8
Once sponsorship is offered, confirm the college and course route. You can ask for a preferred college, but the sponsor’s partner colleges, available places and your qualifications may determine the allocation.
Ask about college choice before accepting your offer.
STEP 3 OF 8
Start with induction, department foundations and the safety training required for your programme. Your college and sponsor explain your timetable and how to record practical training.
Get your joining instructions and prepare for your first sea placement.
STEP 4 OF 8
Join a vessel and learn from the crew under supervision. Build practical experience and complete relevant Training Record Book tasks as you go.
Keep your training records and sea-service evidence up to date.
STEP 5 OF 8
Return to develop your technical knowledge and connect it with what you experienced onboard. Complete the academic work and assessments scheduled for this stage.
Use your sea experience to identify topics you want to understand better.
STEP 6 OF 8
Build on your first placement, practise your department’s skills and work towards the required practical competencies and sea service. Placements may involve more than one voyage or vessel.
Review remaining training tasks with your onboard supervisor.
STEP 7 OF 8
Complete the remaining college learning, assessments and relevant professional preparation. Your provider explains what must be completed for your chosen certification route.
Check your documents and any outstanding training requirements.
STEP 8 OF 8
Meet the applicable training, sea-service and assessment requirements, including the relevant MCA certification process. Your sponsor and college guide you through the steps towards qualification.
Discuss your first officer role and next steps with your sponsor.
Typical five-phase outline: college → sea → college → sea → college. Timing, course structure and certification requirements vary by department, programme and sponsor.
More detail: Careers at Sea · College preferences and sponsorship
Your department is Deck, Engineering or ETO. Your academic route is the college qualification you study alongside practical training and sea time.
How do I choose? Ask your sponsor and college which routes your qualifications meet, what each course includes and how you can progress later. Not every route is offered for every department or intake.
Your academic award is separate from your MCA Certificate of Competency. An approved training route also requires the relevant sea service, practical training and assessments. UK cadet syllabuses are being modernised, so confirm the route for your start date.
Check current options: Careers at Sea · College course examples
FIND YOUR INTERESTS
Six quick questions about what you enjoy. There are no right answers—choose what sounds most like you.
An interest guide, not an aptitude test or eligibility assessment. Explore all three routes and discuss entry requirements and training with a college or sponsor. Your answers stay on this page and are not saved or sent.