How to Become a Deck Cadet
The maritime industry is expected to grow in the future based on the demand for global trade and transportation. Therefore, the job outlook is good for all sorts of maritime jobs. Entry level deck cadets on board ships usually move up to other positions, such as a deck officer. Become a deck cadet if you love the ocean, travel and want a career with the Merchant Marines or fishing industry. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Understand that all training and career entry requirements are set up and controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for nearly all occupations related to water transportation. Be prepared for security screening at some point in your career to become a deck cadet.
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Realize Coast Guard licensing is required of every officer or operator of ships and other vessels operated commercially. Prepare for licensing based on your position, type of vessel and industry.
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Know that deck cadets often train at a special college or training facility; however, many candidates finish college or university in another field first before deciding to train to become a deck cadet. Take note that some entry level seamen gain most of their experience and training on a ship; however, it takes longer since most seamen only travel part of the year.
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Appreciate that beginners, or common seamen, are often assigned to the deck, engine, or steward departments, which are all unlicensed. Search for union-sponsored training to gain time at sea and get the needed 3 years of service experience. Pass an able-seaman exam next to advance from an ordinary seaman position.
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Learn basic deck cadet training instead at schools, such as "Cal Maritime" or "Texas Maritime Academy-Texas A&M University at Galveston." See that there are 6 State maritime academies in America besides the "U.S. Merchant Marine Academy" to study and train to become a deck cadet and then a deck officer.
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Study maritime related subjects and take courses, such as meteorology, navigation, spherical trigonometry, lifesaving and fire fighting to train to become a deck cadet. Keep in mind that physical fitness is also an important aspect of deck cadet training.
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Spend a semester or quarter at sea usually on a training vessel if you attend a college or university to become a deck cadet. Find that it's a mandatory part of your training and will provide you with hands-on experience.
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Apply for entry level seaman or officer jobs once you've graduated from a school or training facility. Know that some maritime schools train you as a deck cadet while at school, but by the time you graduate, you can qualify for deck officer positions.
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Move up from an entry level seaman position with union-sponsored or shipping company training on board a ship. Remember that it takes longer this way to become a deck cadet or officer; but it is achievable.
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Tips & Warnings
Discover scholarship and other financial assistance opportunities at most maritime schools.
Work with your school or training facility to help you with job placement.
Take caution before jumping on a ship for training or work. Check out the transportation or fishing company, crew members and the vessel first. Verify licensing and certification by the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before agreeing to anything and boarding a ship. Avoid companies that are not governed by the U.S. Department of Homeland security since you may have limited or no rights on another type of vessel governed by another country.
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Comments
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I want sponsoship for Deck Cadet.
