👨‍🎓 What Does a Deck Cadet Do and How Much is the Salary?

If you’re planning to become a Deck Cadet, you’re entering one of the most crucial training phases in a seafarer’s career.

But despite their presence on many ships, deck cadets are not mandatory crew members– they are apprentices, not yet licensed officers.

However, shipping companies that invest in cadetship programs recognize their value in addressing the officer shortage and building future leaders at sea.

👨‍✈️ What Is a Deck Cadet?

A Deck Cadet is a trainee deck officer undergoing shipboard training to qualify for a Certificate of Competency (COC) as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OIC-NW).

Their goal is to learn the responsibilities of licensed officers by performing practical tasks under structured supervision.

Cadets follow a Training Record Book (TRB) or company-specific program designed to cover operational, navigational, and maintenance tasks.

These duties mirror those of deck officers, but also include manual work to build experience from the ground up.

Though cadets work primarily with the Chief Mate and junior officers, they’re also expected to understand life in the engine room and on deck with ratings.

🧰 Deck Cadet Duties and Responsibilities

Deck cadets are exposed to nearly every aspect of shipboard operations, including:

• 📌 Navigation tasks (under the 2/O or Chief Mate): chart work, voyage planning, celestial fixes, GPS/GNSS use, gyro error logging, and bridge equipment checks
• 📌 Safety responsibilities (under the 3/O): inspecting life-saving appliances (LSA) and fire-fighting equipment (FFE), updating inventories, and writing reports
• 📌 Cargo operations (with the Chief Mate): ballast plans, discharge/loading operations, tank soundings, and cargo monitoring
• 📌 Maintenance duties (with deck crew): chipping, painting, cleaning, greasing, and assisting the Bosun and Able Seamen

Aside from this, cadets must familiarize themselves with the Master’s Standing Orders, bridge checklists, emergency signals, and company policies on health, safety, and the environment.

✅ Cadet Supervision: The Chief Mate is usually the official training officer on board. While the Captain oversees the cadet’s development, they’re not directly involved in daily training, though they may ask questions to gauge progress.

🚢 Are Deck Cadets Required on All Ships?

No! Deck cadets are not mandatory on board.

There’s no international regulation (e.g., SOLAS or STCW) that requires shipping companies to carry cadets during a voyage.

While cadetship is a vital entry point for licensed officers, companies are not obligated to provide training slots unless they run in-house programs or participate in maritime scholarship initiatives.

Some shipping firms prioritize training cadets to secure a future pool of competent officers, especially in light of the global officer shortage.

Others may avoid taking cadets due to limited accommodation, commercial demands, or lack of training resources.

🌍 Companies and Programs That Accept Deck Cadets

Several organizations worldwide actively recruit cadets as part of structured training pipelines. These include:

• 🛳️ Major Shipping Companies like Maersk, MSC, BW Shipping, Wilhelmsen, and Anglo-Eastern
• 📚 Maritime Scholarship Programs such as:
  • International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC)
  • Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA)
  • Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC)
• 🔎 Non-scholarship Routes where companies directly assess top-performing cadets from accredited maritime schools

Applicants often undergo entrance exams, interviews, and simulator assessments.

Upon selection, they are signed to cadetship programs with defined career paths and mentoring systems.

Even cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line list cadet openings, expanding the opportunity beyond traditional cargo ships.

❓ Why Don’t All Companies Accept Cadets?

There are three main reasons:

1. No Legal Obligation: STCW does not mandate companies to carry trainees on board.
2. Officer Pathways Exist Outside Cadetship: Crew like OS, AB, Bosun, and Pumpman can become officers via experience, training, and certification.
3. Training Commitment: Some companies lack the capacity, time, or interest to train apprentices, especially on high-tempo voyages.

Still, forward-thinking operators invest in cadetships to ensure leadership continuity, reduce officer recruitment costs, and shape competent mariners from the start.

🎯 Advantages of Being a Deck Cadet

The biggest advantage of being a deck cadet is hands-on experience under structured supervision.

Unlike other ratings, cadets are expected and required to learn.

✅ Key Benefits:

• 📚 Structured Learning: Cadets receive direct guidance from licensed officers as part of their daily duties.
• 🧠 Early Responsibility: Cadets perform real officer tasks, helping them build confidence and competence early in their career.
• ⏱️ Shorter Qualification Period: Cadets only need 12 months of sea service (under STCW guidelines) to qualify for the OIC-NW licensure exam. In contrast, ratings must serve a minimum of 36 months.

This gives cadets a significant head start by the time a rating reaches eligibility, a cadet could already be holding a license.

🎓 Is There an Age Limit for Deck Cadets?

Yes! But it varies.

• Most companies require cadets to be at least 18 years old to join a vessel.
• Some countries allow training at 16 under special programs, provided all international safety and labor regulations are followed.
• Maximum age limits usually apply to cadetship scholarships. Applicants older than 24 may find it difficult to qualify, regardless of skill level.

Due to oversupply and stricter policies, age has become a competitive factor even if it’s not mandated by STCW itself.

💰 Deck Cadet Salary: How Much Do They Earn?

Deck cadets are among the lowest-paid crew on board but this reflects their trainee status.

• Monthly Salary Range: $500 – $1,000
• Factors: Company policy, vessel type, and contract duration
• Salary Perspective: A cadet’s priority should be training, not income. Once licensed, their pay can increase 4–6x as a Third Officer.

🎓 Focus on completing your 12-month sea time, building competence, and gaining good appraisals. Your career and salary will grow exponentially from there.

⚓ Final Thoughts

While not mandatory, deck cadets play a vital role in the future of maritime leadership.

They are tomorrow’s officers in training, learning experience, discipline, and resilience through every task.

From chart corrections to chipping and painting, the deck cadetship journey is demanding but rewarding.

With the right mindset, strong mentorship, and serious effort, cadets can transform into competent watchkeepers and future Masters.

❓ FAQ: Deck Cadet

Q: How do I apply to become a deck cadet?

A: Apply through maritime schools, company-sponsored programs, or directly via manning agencies.

Q: Do deck cadets get a Certificate of Competency (COC)?

A: Not yet. Cadets must complete their sea time, TRB, and pass the OIC-NW exam to obtain a COC.

Q: Can women become deck cadets?

A: Absolutely. The number of female cadets is growing, with many progressing to officer ranks.

May the winds be in your favor.