Case Studies

SSTG Merchant Navy Cadet Careers at Sea – Case Studies.

CASE STUDIES

Personal Accounts of SSTG Cadets

We feature here personal accounts of SSTG Cadets as they progress through training both ashore and at sea so that you can share in their experiences and gain an insight into everyday life in the Merchant Navy.
SSTG | Case Studies

Deck Officer
Case Studies

Building a Successful Career Onshore in The Merchant Navy

DECK OFFICER   Conversation with Steve Masters – Harbour Master at SouthamptonSteve became interested in sailing from a very young age following his father building a boat when he was six years old...

There is always something happening – it’s never a dull day!

Katrina, when we spoke, had just graduated and was understandably extremely pleased with her achievement. She is starting her career with P&O Ferries.
Looking back, Katrina’s interest in the Merchant Navy was partly inspired by her experience as a sailing instructor with the Sea Scouts.

I made a complete change over to the Yachting Industry

The Merchant Navy gives people a lot of life experiences and to go and travel and learn from other cultures. There are a lot of great careers to enjoy.

On the Bridge at Sea around The World

Lewis was interested from a young age in exploring the chance of working on ships and travelling around the world – and having successfully developed his career off-shore he hopes soon to be able to take full responsibility on the bridge as Master.

On the Bridge at Sea around The World

Lewis was interested from a young age in exploring the chance of working on ships and travelling around the world – and having successfully developed his career off-shore he hopes soon to be able to take full responsibility on the bridge as Master.

Since joining I have been really motivated because I’m learning so many new things…

Hermione is studying to start her career in the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer and is being sponsored by Seajacks who operate specialist jack-up vessels for the offshore wind industry

Piloting the Biggest Ships by Lee Marriott

Since becoming a teenager I have always wanted to become a marine pilot. I was lucky enough to witness pilotage through a family friend who was a pilot at the time and experience harbour towage through the Sea Cadets. Since boarding my first ship “River Blyth” with the family friend I was hooked and asked how do I become a pilot. He said I needed to go to sea… The rest is history.

My Story so far, by Owen Morgan

On leaving sixth form I decided on a career as a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy, studying Nautical Science and obtaining an International Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Life on Board Ship with UASC by Bryn Beaurain

Four and half months ago I was lucky enough to get offered the opportunity of a lifetime to work with United Arab Shipping Company on board one of their vessels Al Murabba. I was going to be the first British Extra Third Officer UASC had employed.

A Career That I Really Like

“I was at Canterbury College studying on a public services course when someone from SSTG came to give a talk about careers in the Merchant Navy. It was something very different and I was drawn to it – and it was also nothing like what my peers were intending to do at the time.”

SSTG | Case Studies

Engineer Officer
Case Studies

Merchant Navy Engineer Case Study

I previously worked at sea as an offshore technician in sub-sea oil and gas installations but in 2014 / 2015 the oil and gas markets took a bit of a crash and work was becoming a bit scarce so I decided to complete my studying, finish my degree, and complete a Merchant Navy Cadetship.

Mine is perhaps an unusual story as I’m a bit older than most of the cadets

My story is very different to what you will have heard from most of the other cadets. I’m 36 years-old and was in the Parachute Regiment which I joined when I was 18 years-old. After two tours of duty with the regiment I decided to pursue a career working at sea in private security with various shipping companies.

This Cadetship is a Golden Ticket, by Caera Kimmit – Engineer Cadet

I actually didn’t originally want to be an Engineer. I had intended to go on to Art School when leaving school. I have been in the youth organisation the Sea Cadets since I was 11. Progressing through the cadets I was able to take part in Marine Engineering courses which sparked my interest in the subject.

It’s Been a Fantastic Experience for Me

Stuart was very candid when we explored what had inspired him to take up engineering as a career and for this to end up being aboard ship at sea – and with an ‘unlimited’ certification he can work on any category of vessel.

This is the Career for Me

George is studying at Humber Maritime College and is halfway through his course to qualify as an Engineer Officer which he is finding both demanding and rewarding, with this really reinforcing his intention to create a successful career in the Merchant Navy.

I don’t think people understand how important the shipping industry is. The career opportunities that are there are extremely beneficial.

Courtney was attracted to an engineering career in the Merchant Navy in part influenced by her childhood experiencing first-hand her father’s skills as a classic car engineer.

There’s a good team spirit at college and I’m enjoying my time here – Engineer Cadet

Ben has passed all of his exams first time and is understandably very proud of his achievements. He was preparing for his oral exams when we spoke with him and then he would be onboard ship training for his last Sea Phase. Ben comes from a family living on the Isle of Lewis and who were closely involved in maritime and engineering activities.

SSTG | Case Studies

Electro Technical Officer Case Studies

As an ETO working on P&O Ferries I am responsible for a wide range of activities, by Doug Oliver

Whilst training as a cadet I worked with quite a few qualified ETOs on the ferries. And they were all really helpful and happy to help with my experience onboard. They ensured I was getting hands-on experience for fault finding, not by me just watching the ETOs at work but actually doing the work with them closely monitoring what I was achieving.

Training to be an ETO in The Merchant Navy by Arnold De Souza

I received constant support and help from SSTG and my sponsoring company. This enabled me not only to learn a lot about the subject but also secure a job with a well known company.

Training to be an ETO in the Merchant Navy by Jamie Loftus Burke

Having many friends who are at sea, I researched traineeships and was immediately drawn to the newest of the disciplines, the ETO cadetship. I applied to the SSTG and was invited for an interview, where the journey started.

Merchant Navy ETO Case Study by Steven Iversen

Having many friends who are at sea, I researched traineeships and was immediately drawn to the newest of the disciplines, the ETO cadetship. I applied to the SSTG and was invited for an interview, where the journey started.

Start Your Career

Our experienced team of recruitment and training officers can provide you with help and guidance on roles and vacancies – and support in applying for sponsorship.

Boston Putford Offshore Safety Ltd

Operates standby support vessels.

Careers at sea with Boston Putford Offshore Safety Ltd.

Based:
Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of Support Vessels in both the North Sea and other areas providing Emergency Response, Supply and Underwater Exploration/Construction services for the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry.

Ship Types Operated:
Standby

Company website:
www.bostonputford.com

Britannia Aggregates Ltd

Operates aggregate mining vessels extracting sand and gravel.

Train as a deck cadet with Britannia Aggregates Ltd.

Based:
Northfleet, Kent.

Profile:
Operates a Marine Aggregate Dredger engaged in the mining of sand and gravel from the sea bed in licensed areas of the open sea around the UK & the Continent of Europe for delivery to UK and other European ports.

Ship Types Operated:
Aggregate Mining Vessels

Company website:
www.brett.co.uk

CEMEX Marine Ltd

Operates aggregate mining vessels extracting sand and gravel.

CEMEX, an SSTG Member for 10 years.

Based:
Southampton, Hampshire.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of Marine Aggregate Dredgers engaged in the mining of sand and gravel from the sea bed in licensed areas of the open sea around the UK & the Continent of Europe for delivery to UK and other European ports.

Ship Types Operated:
Aggregate Mining Vessels

Company website:
www.cemex.co.uk

CMA-CGM Ltd

Operates aggregate mining vessels extracting sand and gravel.

.

Based:
London, UK.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of container vessels on worldwide routes transporting a wide variety of cargoes.

Ship Types Operated:
Container

Company website:
www.cma-cgm.com

Alcedo Shipping Ltd

Operates bulk carriers worldwide.

Alcedo Shipping Ltd.

Based:
London.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of Bulk Carriers on worldwide routes transporting a wide variety of cargoes.

Ship Types Operated:
Bulk Carriers

Company website:
https://www.alcedoshipping.co.uk

Evergreen Marine (UK) Ltd

Operates container vessels for cargo transportation.

Deck Cadet Training with Evergreen Marine (UK) Ltd.

Based:
London.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of container vessels on worldwide routes transporting a wide variety of cargoes.

Ship Types Operated:
Container

Company website:
www.evergreen-marine.co.uk

Gardline Ltd

Operates survey and research vessels.

Deck and engineer cadet training with Gardline Ltd.

Based:
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Profile:
Best in class provider of Marine Geophysical, Geotechnical and Environmental Surveys.

Ship Types Operated:
Survey

Company website:
www.gardline.com

Global Marine Systems Ltd

Global Marine Systems Ltd Operates a fleet of Cable Repair and Installation vessels.

Based:
Headquartered in Chelmsford, Essex.

Profile:

Global Marine is part of the Global Marine Group and is a market leader in subsea cable installation and maintenance solutions to the telecoms sector, with a history dating back to 1850. We have a fleet of five Dynamically Positioned vessels that operate worldwide with one Charted vessel that predominantly installs fibre optic cables.

Dynamically Positioned (DP) vessel means that they hold position under their own power utilising main propulsion and thrusters.

Each vessel is equipped with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) which is used to locate and bury the cable once repaired or laid.

Our vessels are located in the Far East, Europe, Caribbean and the US with operations run out of Washington in the Northeast of England.

Through Safety Leadership, Operational Excellence & Stability we aim to continually drive industry acceptance and commitment to common goals and a path to a sustainable future for global subsea communications.

Ship Types Operated:
Cable Repair

 

Company website:
www.globalmarine.group

Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd

Operates aggregate mining vessels extracting sand and gravel.

Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd, an SSTG Member for 10 years.

Based:
Southampton, Hampshire.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of Marine Aggregate Dredgers engaged in the mining of sand and gravel from the sea bed in licensed areas of the open sea around the UK & the Continent of Europe for delivery to UK and other European ports.

Ship Types Operated:
Aggregate Mining Vessels

Company website:
www.heidelbergcement.com

John H. Whitaker (Holdings) Ltd

Operates oil tankers.

Careers at Sea with John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd.

Based:
Hull, North Humberside.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of oil tankers in the European area transporting fuel and oil products for ships and storage depots.

Ship Types Operated:
Tankers

Company website:
www.whitakertankers.com

Saga Shipping Ltd

Operates cruise ships.

Saga Shipping Ltd, an SSTG Member Company for 15 years.

Based:
Folkestone, Kent.

Profile:
This company operates the following types of vessel. Click on vessel for more information:

Ship Types Operated:
Cruise

Company website:
www.saga.co.uk

Tarmac Marine Ltd

Operates aggregate mining vessels extracting sand and gravel.

Tarmac Marine Ltd, trains Deck and Engineer Cadet with SSTG.

Based:
Chichester, West Sussex.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of Marine Aggregate Dredgers engaged in the mining of sand and gravel from the sea bed in licensed areas of the open sea around the UK & the Continent of Europe for delivery to UK and other European ports.

Ship Types Operated:
Aggregate Mining Vessels

Company website:
www.tarmac.com

North Star Shipping (Aberdeen) Ltd

Operates support vessels for offshore oil and gas exploration.

North Star Shipping (Aberdeen) Ltd, an SSTG Member for 10 years.

Based:
Aberdeen.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of support vessels in both the North Sea and other areas providing emergency response, supply and underwater exploration / construction services for the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry.

Ship Types Operated:
Standby

Company website:
www.northstarshipping.co.uk

P & O Ferries Ltd

Operates vehicle and passenger ferries.

P & O Ferries Ltd, trains Merchant Navy Seafarers with SSTG.

Based:
Dover, Kent.

Profile:
Operates a fleet of large Roll-on Roll-off Vessels between the UK and ports in Europe transporting passengers, their cars, and freight vehicles.

Ship Types Operated:
Ferries

Company website:
www.poferries.com

Seajacks UK Ltd.

Operates specialist jack-up vessels for offshore wind industry.

Seajacks UK Ltd, trains Merchant Navy seafarers with SSTG.

Based:
Great Yarmouth, UK.

Profile:
Seajacks UK are an East Anglian based offshore installation company committed to building the world’s most advanced and versatile fleet of self-propelled jack-up vessels equipped to service the demands of the offshore wind industry. Our on and offshore crews work in full conjunction with all of our clients, looking to provide the most cost-effective solutions in the safest environments possible.

Seajacks has a fleet of 5 GustoMSC designed vessels, all capable of installing and maintaining offshore wind farms in harsh conditions. Seajacks fleet includes; Seajacks Kraken, Seajacks Leviathan, Seajacks Hydra, Seajacks Zaratan and Seajacks Scylla.

Seajacks utilise DP2 positioning for fast and efficient rig moves, with no need for tugs means there is year round operating ability in the harsh conditions of the Southern North Sea. The DP2 systems make all of the vessels fully capable of driving their four legs into the seabed, providing them with a steady platform and ensuring they remain uncompromised by the conditions of the sea below.

Seajacks Scylla is equipped with a 1500t leg-encircling crane, incorporate useable deck space of up to 5000m², and has 8000t of available variable load. Sailing at speeds of 12 knots or over, Scylla is outfitted with 105m long legs that have the ability to install components in water depths of up to 65m.

Ship Types Operated:
Jack-up

Company website:
www.seajacks.com

CldN RoRo Ltd.


Operates freight vessels for Irish Sea crossings.

CldN RoRo Ltd, trains ETO Officer cadets with SSTG.

Based:
Heysham, Lancashire.

Profile:
As a UK cadet you will complete your sea service whilst under training on the UK based vessels serving between the UK and Ireland. The company has a fleet of modern vessels concentrating on the freight market.

Ship Types Operated:
Ferries

Company website: 

www.cldn.com

Women's UK Shipping & Trading Association

WISTA UK ( Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, UK) 
www.wista-uk.net

Profile:
UK networking organisation whose mission is to attract and support women, at the management level.

WISTA UK are pleased to announce a joint venture initiative with the Maritime Educational Foundation for the sponsorship of up to three candidates to train and qualify as Merchant Navy Officers commencing in September 2024.

The training will involve studying at one of the specialist nautical colleges in the UK, and completing sea service on a range of ship types. The training will follow one of the established programmes and lead to a degree level-based qualification in addition to all the necessary professional training.

The available sponsorship will include all tuition fees paid, the cost of training at sea and a generous allowance paid throughout the training.

Successful candidates will need to support the aims and objectives of WISTA UK. Attendance at a small number of WISTA UK events interspersed throughout the training will be required to promote this initiative to the current membership and assist in the promotion that this opportunity will provide candidates in future years.

Interested candidates should apply here at SSTG in the first instance quoting WISTA UK as your choice of sponsor.

Company website:
www.wistainternational.com

SSTG | Case Studies
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The Precinct
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1SR

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Tel: +44 (0) 1634 820 820
E-mail: recruitment@sstg.org

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