Case Studies

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In my personal experience there is no better way to get yourself qualified at degree level to see the world and get paid all at the same time. You can’t get that in any other industry.

Steve became interested in sailing from a very young age following his father building a boat when he was six years old and he loved being on the water.

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.

“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.”

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.

Robyn Wadhams-Hall started her Engineering cadetship at the age of 16 in 2006 and has just received her Chief Engineers CoC. Robyn’s story is an example to any aspiring cadet.

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

“I was impressed straight away as at college I got to work with retired seafarers, so people who have been doing the job that you are training for and who provide a lot of practical advice before you even get to sea. And SSTG were very supportive throughout. You have your training coordinator throughout your time at college and whilst training at sea who is a point of contact for you if you have a problem. And they arranged very regular meetings with you whilst you were in college.”

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.

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.

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 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.