What is a cadetship?
A maritime cadetship is a structured, sponsored training programme, typically lasting three years, that prepares you for a professional career as a Merchant Navy Officer.
Approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), the programme combines academic study at a maritime college with vocational training and 12 months at sea. Cadets specialise in Deck, Engineering, or Electro‑Technical disciplines and apply their learning in real onboard environments.
You’ll complete an accelerated honours degree alongside cadet training, including STCW courses such as first aid, fire fighting, survival at sea, and other discipline‑specific training. Sponsoring shipping companies typically cover tuition fees and provide a training allowance.
On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Competency (CoC), enabling you to work as a qualified officer in the maritime industry.
What are the benefits to a Cadetship?
- Fully funded training – tuition fees covered, plus a training allowance
- Earn while you learn – paid sea‑time alongside college study
- Recognised qualification – leads to a Certificate of Competency (CoC)
- Strong career prospects – clear progression into well‑paid roles
- Hands‑on experience – real‑world training at sea
- Global opportunities – chance to travel and work worldwide
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Choose your Pathway
These programmes require Merchant Navy cadetship sponsorship from a shipping or training company, which covers costs, uniform, and an allowance.
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Find a Sponsor
There are various organisation who sponsor officer cadet training.
Sponsors can be found on the Careers at Sea website.
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Maritime Prospectus
Why Choose Fleetwood Nautical Campus
- A dedicated, purpose‑built maritime campus with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, focused entirely ontraining for life at sea
- Over 130 years of maritime training excellence, delivering high‑quality education trusted by the industry
- Employment‑focused programmes developed with strong employer and industry partnerships, ensuring you’re work‑ready when you qualify
- Expert tutors with real industry experience, bringing professional knowledge into the classroom
- Clear progression routes, including degree‑level cadet training and university‑awarded qualifications
- A close‑knit, supportive community, with excellent academic, personal, and wellbeing support
- Affordable study location, with a lower cost of living, free parking, and access to generous student support and bursaries
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What qualifications do I need?
You will need to meet the following criteria to apply for a cadetship:
- 60 UCAS points at A/AS level, including subjects which support the application
- GCSE Mathematics (level 5 or above), Science and English Language (level 4 or above or equivalent letter grades)
Alternative entry requirements may be available. Information on English language and medical requirements for these programmes is also provided as part of the application process.
Preparation for Cadet Training
Pre‑cadetship (Cadet Preparation) courses at Fleetwood Nautical Campus are designed to help students take their first step towards a Merchant Navy cadetship. These programmes introduce learners to the maritime industry and life at sea, while building the knowledge and practical skills needed to progress into officer training.
With Deck and Marine Engineering pathways available at Level 3, students can join through sponsored or direct entry routes. For those without sponsorship, our team provides dedicated support and guidance to help secure a sponsored cadetship after successful completion of the course.
These courses are ideal for anyone considering a career at sea as an officer and wanting a clear, supported route into a Merchant Navy cadetship.
Find out more about our preparation courses HERE
