Doug Oliver was recruited by SSTG to undertake a cadetship as an ETO and was sponsored by P&O Ferries for his academic qualifications and working onboard ship training.

I was motivated early on by my uncle who trains at the National Maritime Training Centre at North Kent College Gravesend, and who knew the Cadet Manager at P&O. I did some work experience with a marine electronics company which provided me with a hands-on introduction to the industry – and I found the electronic side really interesting.

As an ETO working on P&O Ferries I am responsible for a wide range of activities. These include checking that motors and pumps are running efficiently, fault finding and general maintenance on electrical systems, and propulsion on the main engines.

SSTG were always supportive and helpful. Whilst studying at Warsash my Training Officer Rachel visited the college to monitor how well I was doing and liaised closely with P&O during my training at sea. And the lecturers at Warsash were really supportive. And it wasn’t just academic subjects as the college was also prepping us for our life at sea.

Doug qualified as ETO in 2022 and found his first 18 months to be progressive and rewarding. He has been involved in a variety of different activities, including the new-build project of two ferries for P&O.

I went onboard for the delivery voyage of their first new vessel, and went over to China to work in the shipyard to get the second ship ready for delivery. I joined its delivery voyage as far as South Africa. I was also living in China for a bit, and then sailing across the Indian Ocean were both experiences I never expected with P&O Ferries.  

Planning his career for the future Doug is keen to progress with P&O, and much longer term he would be interested in a career shoreside.

I would be interested in working as an electrical superintendent or a technical manager. I also would like to finish my academic qualifications. I got a foundation degree from my cadetship, and I would like to do my top-up degrees and maybe eventually do my masters as well.

Doug was keen to encourage people to explore what a career in the Merchant Navy would provide.

If you don’t fancy sitting in an office all day, come and find out for yourself. For a start you have a Merchant Navy sponsor who pays you during your training and for your qualifications. And you get to come out with a foundation degree or an HND –which means you can work at sea – and there’s loads of work out there. So look into it and you’ll see that just getting a standard degree is not your only option.