Programme Introduction:

Programme Introduction:

Welcome to the Cadet Training programme on which you are about to embark which the SSTG will manage on behalf of your Company.

General:

When you commence Phase 1 of your programme, you will find yourself part of a group comprising of individuals of varying backgrounds, experience and ages but with one thing in common – you have all decided to go to sea, albeit each for different reasons. For many this will be a very big step and perhaps, the first time away from home other than for holidays and similar activities. You may find it lonely and confusing, but do not worry – this is perfectly natural, and it will take a little while for you to settle down and get used to your new existence. This will also apply when you join your first ship. Please remember that all concerned, company, college, ship and shore staff, and SSTG staff are only too willing to provide any necessary support, guidance and encouragement you may need. If you have a problem, are unhappy or uncertain about anything, ask for assistance. In the vast majority of cases, what is a seemingly insurmountable difficulty when kept to oneself can be solved quite easily when shared..

Administrative:

Various grants to support your training are claimed from the Department for Transport, under the Support for MARitime Training (SMarT) scheme. From these, and a contribution from your company, the SSTG pays all training costs, exam fees, a training allowance and all authorised travel costs both to/from home/college and when joining/leaving a ship.

Your training allowance will be paid by direct transfer into your bank account normally monthly in arrears.

When travelling it will often be necessary for you to purchase your own ticket and meet other incidental travel expenses and reclaim the cost after travel. Remember to obtain a receipt or retain the ticket, for this purpose.

Your training programme is a serious undertaking and it should not be approached in a casual way, particularly as public money is involved. A decision to withdraw from the training programme should not be taken lightly, and you are advised to seek advice from your company and the SSTG before taking any such action.

During Phase 1 of your programme you will be reimbursed for the cost of your medical examination. Please remember to retain the receipt for this purpose otherwise we will be unable to reimburse this expense.

Personal Finance:

Cadets are responsible for their personal finances. Neither the SSTG nor sponsoring companies can make advances against your training allowance. Ensure you always have enough funds to meet anticipated needs. The nature of seafaring means that your access to banks during normal opening hours is restricted, both whilst at college and when serving on board a vessel. You should therefore always carry a bank card or other similar means to enable you to make purchases. Please remember if you are under 18 you may not be able to obtain a credit card so sufficient funding must be available to make any purchases.

Travelling:

The seafarer will be required to join and leave ships at a variety of different ports, some of them in out of the way locations and occasionally at short notice. Often this will be in the UK but sometimes, travel abroad will be required. Remember to always carry your Discharge Book and passport with you.

The transport systems can be complex and daunting to those not used to them particularly where changes and across city connections must be made. Always plan your journey before you start. Wherever possible public transport should be used, but it is recognised that in some ports there is no alternative but to take a taxi to and from the ship. If paying your own fare (for reclaiming later) always ask for the most economical fare available and retain receipts to attach to your expense claim.

Drug & Alcohol Policy:

Before commencing training, you will be asked you to sign a sponsorship agreement covering the terms and conditions that govern the sponsorship you have been awarded. As part of this agreement, you will be asked to comply with your company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. In line with this you may be asked to undergo random drug tests either during your college phases and or when you are at sea. Any positive result will instigate disciplinary action in line with the company policy in this respect. You should be aware that the industry standard practice is immediate termination of your training, and this might also make it very difficult to secure employment at sea in the future.

Updated:     24 April 2025