Apply Now

SSTG SERVICES

Apply Now for a Career at Sea in the Merchant Navy

The Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG) has built an enviable reputation over 40 years and we provide an unrivalled level of support to applicants at every stage of the recruitment process.
Process

SSTG Application Process leading to a Career at Sea

The SSTG follows a simple process which as outlined below.

Throughout the process the SSTG will provide impartial and comprehensive advice for your career at sea.

 

The SSTG recruitment process:

  • On-line application submitted by candidate.
  • Applications reviewed by a Senior Recruitment Officer and candidates are selected for interview. At this stage in the process some applicants may be required to take part in a telephone interview before being considered for interview.
  • Invited candidates attend SSTG interview.
  • Successful candidates will sometimes be required to attend a second interview with one of our member shipping companies before being offered sponsorship.
  • Offer of sponsorship issued.

If you believe you have what it takes to succeed with a career at sea as a ship’s Deck, Engineer or Electro-Technical Officer in the Merchant Navy, we look forward to hearing from you

Apply Now

    Apply Online


    Apply on-line for Sponsorship for your Career at Sea

    The first stage in the process is to submit an online application.

    Applying for training with SSTG

    You will need to have the following information available to complete the process:

    • Personal details. These will need to include your contact details, full postal address, etc.
    • Details of all academic and vocational qualifications held.
    • You will be asked to provide a personal statement of up to 750 words during the process.

    The Online Process – Save and Return:

    When you start the online application process you will be asked for your e-mail address. Make sure that this is an e-mail address that you know to be secure and is also one that you access regularly.

    Once your e-mail address is registered you will be emailed with the link so that you can save the part completed form and return to it at a later date to completed the process.

    The unsubmitted form will only remain on the SSTG online database for a maximum period of 28 days after which time all data will be deleted.

    Guidelines on completing an application:

    At busy times of the year we receive a considerable number of applications each day. To ensure your application can be processed quickly please carefully follow these guidelines:

    • Complete every field on the application form. Boxes left blank will not help your application
    • Include all relevant information. We cannot take information into account when assessing your application if this is missing.
    • Do not use abbreviations that we may not recognise.
    • Use correct English grammar and carefully check all spelling.

    Apply Now:

    We hope you have found the above guidance helpful. If you think you have what it takes to succeed in a career at sea as a Ship’s Officer we look forward to hearing from you. You can access the on-line application process here.

    If you need any further information about the Officer specialisation you want to apply for follow these links: 

    Interview

    Your SSTG Interview for a Career at Sea

    This article provides prospective candidates with information on how to prepare for an interview with the SSTG.

    Booking an interview:

    If you are selected for interview we will send you an e-mail within 28 days of applying asking you to contact the recruitment team by telephone to make an appointment. We will try and take your preferences into account, so have any preferred dates available when you contact us. At busy times of the year you will need to be flexible as interview schedules do fill up quickly.

    Usually interviews will be held at our head office in Rochester, Kent, but occasionally these may be held elsewhere.

    Travel arrangements

    You are required to make your own travel arrangements to arrive at the interview on time. If you are running late for any reason, keep us advised by telephone.

    If you arrive in Rochester early let our reception team know and if we are able to see you earlier than your scheduled appointment, we will do so.

    Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed. If you choose to travel by car we will reimburse you at 20p per mile, unless a cheaper fare is available by public transport. We cannot reimburse overnight accommodation charges. 

    What you are required to bring with you:

    When attending an SSTG interview you must have the following items with you:

    • A valid passport.
    • Academic certifications and written proof of any other qualifications held.
    • Proof of your home address.
    • Bank details form.
    • Travel receipts.
    • Two standard passport photographs.

    You must bring the originals of the documents listed above. We will also need a photocopy of each document.

    The interview:

    The interview with a friendly member of our recruitment team will be informal to put you at ease. You are expected to have made an effort to be be smartly dressed. It is also important that we can see that you have  thoroughly researched the training you expect to receive for your chosen course, have a good understanding as to what to expect from a career at sea, and also be confident in your presentation.

    You should allow up to two hours for the interview but for most applicants the interview time is likely to be slightly shorter than this.

    We expect the interview process to be a two-way process so we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

    The final part of the interview will include a discussion about the college you may undertake your training at, the training programme you might follow and the type of vessels you would prefer to undertake your sea service on whilst under training. Make sure you have done your research into each of these areas and be ready to discuss in detail any preferences you may have.

    It is important to apply as soon as you can as available career opportunities quickly reduce as their start dates get closer.

    Opportunities will vary for Deck, Engineer or Electro-Technical Officer Cadet training programmes.

     

    To be successful at the SSTG interview you will need to:

    • Have done your research.
    • Impress the interviewer.
    • And in our opinion – ‘have what it takes’.

    Good Luck!

    Offer

    SSTG Offer of Sponsorship leading to a Career at Sea

    Following a successful interview process, offers of sponsorship are made by e-mail.

    Offers will be subject to obtaining a Seafarers Medical (without any restrictions) and any outstanding academic requirements being met. Other conditions may be attached to an offer, which must be satisfied prior to any candidate commencing training.

    Each offer will include a deadline for acceptance and all offers will automatically lapse at this time unless accepted in writing beforehand.

    The issue of an offer of training and its acceptance is a formal process and this should be kept in mind when responding.

    Acceptance of an offer may be made by e-mail or by letter. If responding by e-mail you should also send a copy to the Training Officer appointed to oversee you training.

    If you are unsure about any aspect of the process please contact us for advice.

    Whether you are applying as a Deck, Engineer or Electro Technical Officer, these fact sheets should tell you all you need to know to guide you through the process of obtaining sponsorship with the SSTG.

    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

    Operates surface and sub-sea vessels for installation and maintenance of submarine cables.

    Seafarer officer training with Global Marine Systems Ltd.

    Based:
    Chelmsford, Essex.

    Profile:
    Global Marine Systems Limited, an independent marine engineering company, has been in business for well over 150 years and continues to be the pre-eminent provider of submarine cable installation and maintenance services in the world. Operating the world's largest fleet of cable ships and sub-sea vehicles, it is a market leader in marine cable installation and maintenance for telecommunications, as well as scientific research, oil, gas, utilities and the renewable energy sector. Global Marine is headquartered in the United Kingdom with regional offices in the United States and Asia.

    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

    Ship Safe Training Group Ltd
    The Precinct Office
    The Precinct
    Rochester
    Kent
    ME1 1SR

    We'd love to
    hear from you!

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

    The legal stuff

    © 2013 - 2022 Ship Safe Training Group Ltd (SSTG) All Rights Reserved except where otherwise stated.