Your Studies

Learn more about your studies as a Deck, Engineer or ETO Cadet in the British Merchant Navy.

YOUR STUDIES

Your Studies as a Deck, Engineer or ETO Cadet in the British Merchant Navy.

A key stage in your training is the issue of a Certificate of Competency* for which the following must be achieved:

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The medical standard, including vision.

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Completion of initial training.

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Completion of appropriate sea service, including watchkeeping.

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Successful completion of an approved training programme and assessments.

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Successful completion of the required ancillary training.

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Success in the M.C.A oral examination.

YOUR STUDIES

Merchant Navy Medical Examination

The SSTG recruitment process includes the requirement for all candidates to undertake a Merchant Navy Medical examination and gain an unrestricted medical certificate. In most cases we will interview candidates and issue Offers of Sponsorship subject to obtaining a medical certificate. However, where a candidate has an existing condition which might influence the candidate’s ability to obtain an unrestricted medical certificate, our advice would usually be for the candidate to obtain a medical certificate early in the process.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
YOUR STUDIES

Training Programme

All SSTG Deck, Engineer and Electro-Technical Officer Cadets follow an MNTB/MCA* approved training programme.

Phase 1: Initial College Phase
Programme introduction, initial academic studies and professional safety training.
Phase 2: Initial Sea Phase
Introduction to a life at sea, commencement of practical training recorded in the Training Record Book* and introduction to watchkeeping.
Phase 3: Interim College Phase
Review of initial sea phase and continuation of academic studies.
Phase 4: Final Sea Phase
Completion of Training Record Book, sea training workbook and watchkeeping.
Phase 5: Final College Phase
Completion of any outstanding academic studies and assessments, advanced short courses and preparation for the MCA oral examination.

There a small number of exceptions to the standard framework above and some colleges will alter the duration of college phrases to fit around college and public holidays.

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DECK CADET TRAINING

Your Studies as a Deck Cadet training in the Merchant Navy

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General Ship Knowledge

You will soon get to understand: shipboard terminology and its relevance; the differences between the many and varied vessel types; learn the different responsibilities for officers and ratings onboard; appreciate the etiquette expected of a ship’s Officer.

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Maths, Maths and More Maths

Whether you have chosen to train as a Deck, Engineer or ETO Officer, your studies are going to draw heavily on maths. During your initial college phase you will gain sufficient knowledge to complete the later professional studies of your chosen discipline.
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This includes the mandatory safety training that is required to be completed by all seafarers prior to joining their first vessel. Subjects include First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Security Awareness and Survival training.
Professional Studies
Your later studies will concentrate on navigation and stability which are the bedrock of the Deck Officer’s duties. Other subjects will include meteorology, cargo work, marine law and management.
Studying at Sea

Experience gained at sea will include:

  • a minimum of 12 months Sea Service.
  • six months watchkeeping experience.
  • completion of a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB).

At the end of your Officer Cadet training programme, you will qualify with a Deck Officer of the Watch (DOOW) Certificate of Competency.

This will enable you to take a watch on any size of vessel trading anywhere in the world. In a very small number of cases, vessel type specific training may be required, although this is usually easily achieved and any additional training short in duration.

Future Progression from Deck Officer to Master
After completing at least 18 months sea service as a qualified Officer holding DOOW certification, further education and training can be taken which will qualify the candidate to hold a position as Chief Mate.

A similar pattern of experience needs to be undertaken including a further 18 months service and additional education and training before the candidate can qualify as Master (or Captain).

In addition to qualifying for more senior roles you will also have to demonstrate the required personal qualities for promotion as vacancies arise.

Future Career Progression

Many seafarers consider following a career ashore later in their maritime working life. Many opportunities are available to enable seafarers to utilise their skills and experience gained at sea in employment ashore.

 

  • Marine Education and Training.
  • Marine Finance.
  • Marine Insurance.
  • Pilots and other roles connected with worldwide ports.
  • Recruitment and offshore operations.
  • Ship operations.
  • Superintendency.

ENGINEER CADET TRAINING

Your Studies training as an Engineer Cadet in the Merchant Navy.

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General Ship Knowledge

You will soon get to understand: shipboard terminology and its relevance; the differences between the many and varied vessel types; learn the different responsibilities for officers and ratings onboard; appreciate the etiquette expected of a ship’s Officer.

N

Maths, Maths and More Maths

Whether you have chosen to train as a Deck, Engineer or ETO Officer, your studies are going to draw heavily on maths. During your initial college phase you will gain sufficient knowledge to complete the later professional studies of your chosen discipline.
N
This includes the mandatory safety training that is required to be completed by all seafarers prior to joining their first vessel. Subjects include First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Security Awareness and Survival training.
Professional Studies
Engineers are the technical practitioners who are responsible for keeping the ship running smoothly. Your professional studies and practical workshop skills will prepare you for dealing with major breakdowns, as well as for the more routine preventative maintenance carried out on a daily basis.
Studying at Sea

Experience gained at sea will include:

  • a minimum of 12 months industrial experience, including a minimum of 6 months Sea Service.
  • six months watchkeeping experience.
  • Completion of a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB).

At the end of your Officer Cadet training programme, you will qualify with a Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certificate of Competency.

This will enable you to take a Watch on any grade of vessel trading anywhere in the world. This will usually be restricted to serving on motor vessels unless additional sea service has been completed on steam vessels during training and additional examinations taken for this grade.

Future Progression from Engineer Officer to Chief Engineer
After completing at least 18 months sea service as a qualified Officer holding EOOW certification, further education and training can be taken which will qualify the candidate to hold a position as 2nd Engineer.

A similar pattern of experience needs to be undertaken including a further 18 months service and additional education and training before the candidate can qualify as Chief Engineer.

In addition to qualifying for more senior roles, you will also have to demonstrate the required personal qualities for promotion as vacancies arise.

ETO CADET TRAINING

Your Studies training as an ETO Cadet in the Merchant Navy.

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General Ship Knowledge

You will soon get to understand: shipboard terminology and its relevance; the differences between the many and varied vessel types; learn the different responsibilities for officers and ratings onboard; appreciate the etiquette expected of a ship’s Officer.

N

Maths, Maths and More Maths

Whether you have chosen to train as a Deck, Engineer or ETO Officer, your studies are going to draw heavily on maths. During your initial college phase you will gain sufficient knowledge to complete the later professional studies of your chosen discipline.
N
This includes the mandatory safety training that is required to be completed by all seafarers prior to joining their first vessel. Subjects include First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Security Awareness and Survival training.
Professional Studies
ETO Officers are specialist electronic officers working under the Chief Engineer and who need a detailed knowledge of the many and varied electrical and electronic systems aboard modern ships.
Studying at Sea

Experience gained at sea will include:

  • a minimum of 12 months industrial experience, including a minimum of 6 months Sea Service.
  • Completion of a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB).
E.T.O and Beyond

At the end of your Officer Cadet training programme, you will qualify with an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Certificate of Competency.

Currently there is no internationally recognised Senior ETO Certificate. UK maritime organisations are in the process of defining one which is expected to be available within the next few years.

Further Information

* A valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) is a requirement for all officers working on merchant navy vessels.

*MNTB/MCA. Merchant Navy Training Board / Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

*The MCA Training Record Book is used throughout your training to record completion of key tasks. Successful completion is a pre-requirement for sitting examinations.

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.

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SSTG | Your Studies

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