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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.