At a Glance
- Tasks: Embark on a 3-year journey to become a qualified Deck Officer with hands-on training.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a leader in maritime solutions with over 175 years of experience.
- Benefits: Generous bursary, all training costs covered, and accommodation provided during college phases.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities to work on tankers trading along the UK and Caribbean coastlines.
- Why this job: Experience life at sea while gaining internationally recognised qualifications and valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; UK passport holder required.
The predicted salary is between 8500 - 10500 £ per year.
As a Deck Cadet, you will learn all the skills, knowledge, and behaviours over a 3-year adventure to become a fully trained Officer of the Watch with internationally recognised qualifications. James Fisher and Sons will sponsor your training journey by paying for your exam and course fees, including accommodation at college, as well providing a generous bursary allowance of £8,500 in Year 1 increasing to £10,500 in Year 2/3.
As a Deck Officer Cadet, you will be responsible for maintaining the safe navigation of the vessel in open waters and challenging port manoeuvring. You will monitor and control our tanker operations including deck maintenance, and be involved in the mooring, anchoring, and safety drills as part of a multinational team. Your training programme will typically last for approximately 3 years and will be structured in ‘Phases’. These phases tend to last up to 6 months.
You will spend Phase 1, 3 and 5 of your training programmes based at Fleetwood Nautical College. All your accommodation and food costs whilst there in their purpose-built Cadet Accommodation will be covered, alongside all your travel to and from college at the start and end of term.
Phases 2 and 4 will be spent at sea onboard our tankers. Each trip typically lasts for 2 months, where you will have a designated mentor whilst onboard, and we will provide full PPE. Our fleet trades along the UK and Northern European Coastline, even trading in the Caribbean! All expenses related to travel and food costs are covered.
What qualifications will I get? All our Cadets once graduated will receive Deck Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (II/1 OOWD) which enables you to work on any vessel as a qualified Deck Officer. You will also receive a specialised qualification which enables you to work on oil and chemical tankers in your future career without further training. You will work towards and achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Studies progressing to Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science with Fleetwood College as part of your Cadetship programme.
What do I need to apply?
- Academic Requirements: The minimum qualification requirements are to have 5 GCSE’s (grades A* - C or 9 – 4) or National 5’s which must include Mathematics, English and Science.
- Nationality: To qualify for our Cadetship Sponsorship scheme, you must be a UK passport holder. If you are offered a position with us as a Cadet, you will undertake an ENG1 Seafarer Medical assessment.
James Fisher Shipping Services has unparalleled maritime experience in delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective ship management solutions. As ship owners for more than 175 years, James Fisher Shipping Services provides technical vessel and crew management to the James Fisher fleet of tankers, as well as to the wider tanker, research and specialised vessel markets.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date should we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We hope to be able to welcome you to our team here at James Fisher. Join our fleet in September 2026!
Trainee Level 3 Deck Officer Cadet - Merchant Navy employer: James Fisher and Sons
James Fisher and Sons is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring Deck Officer Cadets to embark on a rewarding 3-year training journey. With comprehensive sponsorship covering all training costs, accommodation, and a generous bursary, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications while working alongside a multinational team in diverse maritime environments makes this role particularly appealing for those seeking a meaningful career in the Merchant Navy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Level 3 Deck Officer Cadet - Merchant Navy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research James Fisher and Sons, their fleet, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former cadets and professionals in the maritime industry. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the position, giving you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to deck operations and teamwork. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated leadership or problem-solving skills, as these are key in the maritime world.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the James Fisher family. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Level 3 Deck Officer Cadet - Merchant Navy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the maritime industry shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about becoming a Deck Officer Cadet and how this role fits into your career aspirations.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the Deck Officer Cadet role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion and qualifications come across without any fluff.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on maritime terminology and the responsibilities of a Deck Officer Cadet. Familiarise yourself with navigation techniques, safety drills, and the specifics of tanker operations. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As you'll be working in a multinational team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked well with others, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your teamwork skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the training phases, mentorship opportunities, and what a typical day looks like on board. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
Even though this is a maritime role, first impressions matter! Dress smartly for your interview to convey professionalism. A neat appearance can set a positive tone and show that you take the opportunity seriously.
