Starting the Journey 

Becoming a deck cadet isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about living and working at sea, often thousands of miles from home. Life as a cadet is rewarding, challenging, and at times overwhelming. This section exists to give an honest insight into what it’s like, and to share experiences that help you prepare for the realities of life onboard.

What to Expect at Sea

 

  • Long Hours, Early Responsibility – Cadets are part of the team from day one. Whether you’re on bridge watch at 0200 or assisting with cargo operations, you’ll be learning through doing.

  • Living Conditions – Cabins, mess rooms, shared facilities: it’s a unique lifestyle, very different from home or college. Learning to adapt is part of the process.

  • Culture & Crew – Ships are multicultural environments. You’ll work with people from all over the world, which can be one of the most enriching — and sometimes most challenging — parts of the job.

 

Photo: Andrew Lindley (CMNT) Phase 4 Cadet, Fleetwood

The Best parts!

 

  • Travel – From the Panama Canal to Singapore, you’ll see the world from the front row.

  • Sea Views – Sunrises and sunsets at sea are moments you’ll never forget. 

  • Hands-On Work – Real responsibility from day one: watches, moorings, navigation.

  • Achievement – Each milestone, from cargo ops to celestial fixes, builds a sense of achievement and confidence.

  • Friendships – Working with international crews creates lasting bonds and cultural insights. You will make college friends for life. 

  • Career Security – Skills gained as a cadet open doors to global opportunities ashore and afloat.

  • Adventure – No two voyages are alike, and the stories you’ll collect last a lifetime.

 

Photo: Thomas Chambers (JBM) Phase 4 Cadet, Fleetwood

Tips from Cadets 

 

  • Stay Organised – Keep your TRB updated daily; don’t let it pile up.

  • Ask Questions – No one expects you to know everything. The best cadets are the ones who learn from others.

  • Look After Yourself – Sleep, eat properly, and keep fit. Mental health matters as much as physical health.

  • Document the Journey – Take notes and photos (where permitted). These help with learning — and will remind you how far you’ve come.


 

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” 

 Jacques Cousteau, Life and Death in a Coral Sea, 1971