Deck Cadet Training 2026: Complete Shipboard Guide

Deck cadet training transforms B.Sc Nautical Science graduates into competent navigating officers. This comprehensive guide covers everything from your first day onboard to preparation for Second Mate examination.

Deck Cadet Training Overview

Training Requirements

Aspect	Specification
Minimum Duration	12 months
Recommended Duration	18 months
Supervising Officer	Captain/Chief Officer
Assessment	Training Record Book (TRB)
Outcome	Eligibility for Mate (FG)

Training Location

Deck cadets work primarily on the bridge and deck areas:

• Navigation Bridge
• Cargo hold/deck
• Mooring stations
• Accommodation areas

First Week Onboard

Day 1: Joining Ship

What to Expect:

• Port formalities and agent coordination
• Meeting the Captain and Chief Officer
• Cabin allocation and keys
• Ship’s safety familiarization tour
• Introduction to crew members

Documents to Carry:

• CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
• All STCW certificates
• College documents and transcripts
• Training Record Book
• Medical fitness certificate
• Passport with valid visa
• INDOS number

Week 1 Activities

Day	Focus Area
Day 1-2	Safety familiarization, muster station, LSA/FFA
Day 3-4	Bridge equipment familiarization
Day 5-6	Introduction to navigation watch
Day 7	First supervised bridge watch

Daily Routine as Deck Cadet

Typical Day at Sea

Time	Activity
0600	Wake up, preparation
0700	Breakfast
0800-1200	Watch duty OR deck work
1200	Lunch
1300-1700	Day work / Training
1700	Deck rounds
1800	Dinner
1900-2200	Study / Rest
Various	Night watch (as scheduled)

Watch System

Deck cadets typically follow 4-8 watch system:

Watch	Time	Officer in Charge
0000-0400	Night	Second Officer
0400-0800	Morning	Third Officer
0800-1200	Day	Chief Officer
1200-1600	Afternoon	Second Officer
1600-2000	Evening	Third Officer
2000-0000	Night	Chief Officer

Cadet Responsibilities During Watch:

• Lookout duties
• Navigation monitoring under supervision
• Log book entries
• Communication assistance
• Equipment checks

Core Training Areas

1. Navigation

Skills to Master:

Skill	Training Duration
Chart work	2-4 weeks
Position fixing	4-6 weeks
ECDIS operation	6-8 weeks
Passage planning	8-12 weeks
Collision avoidance	Throughout

Navigation Equipment:

Equipment	Purpose
Radar	Target detection, collision avoidance
ECDIS	Electronic chart display
GPS	Position fixing
Gyro compass	Heading reference
Magnetic compass	Backup heading
Echo sounder	Depth measurement
ARPA	Automatic radar plotting

2. Cargo Operations

Bulk Cargo:

Task	Learning Points
Pre-loading survey	Hold inspection, cleanliness
Loading plan	Stress calculations, trim
Cargo documents	B/L, manifests, stowage
Discharge	Proper sequence, safety

Container Operations:

Task	Learning Points
Bay plan reading	Container location system
Lashing inspection	Securing containers
Dangerous goods	IMDG Code compliance
Reefer monitoring	Temperature control

Tanker Operations:

Task	Learning Points
Tank preparation	Inerting, gas freeing
Loading/discharge	Pump operations, line setup
Cargo calculations	Ullage, temperature correction
Safety	Enclosed space entry

3. Ship Handling

Mooring Operations:

Station	Responsibilities
Forward	Headline, spring operations
Aft	Sternline, spring operations
Winch operation	Under supervision
Communication	With bridge

Anchor Operations:

Task	Learning Points
Anchoring procedure	Letting go, scope
Anchor watch	Position monitoring
Weighing anchor	Recovery procedure
Emergency	Quick release

4. Safety Management

Emergency Drills:

Drill	Frequency	Cadet Role
Fire drill	Monthly	Team member
Abandon ship	Monthly	Lifeboat duties
Man overboard	Quarterly	Rescue operations
Security drill	Quarterly	As assigned

Safety Equipment:

Equipment	Knowledge Required
Lifeboats	Launch, operation
Life rafts	Deployment
Fire extinguishers	Types, usage
SCBA	Donning, operation
Immersion suits	Wearing, checks

Training Record Book (TRB) Completion

TRB Structure

Section	Task Categories
Navigation	Chart work, watchkeeping, equipment
Cargo	Loading, discharge, securing
Safety	Drills, equipment maintenance
Ship construction	Hull, machinery familiarization
Communication	Signals, radio operation

Monthly Targets

Month	Focus Area	Entries
1-3	Basic navigation, familiarization	50-60
4-6	Cargo operations, bridge duties	50-60
7-9	Advanced navigation, ship handling	50-60
10-12	Assessments, consolidation	40-50

TRB Completion Tips

1. Write daily - Document every activity
2. Be specific - Include dates, positions, cargoes
3. Get signatures - Weekly from duty officer
4. Include sketches - Stability diagrams, passages
5. Attach evidence - Certificates, reports

Essential Skills Development

Technical Skills

Skill	How to Learn
Chart correction	Weekly under Second Officer
Radar plotting	Practice during watches
Weather observation	Daily recordings
Ship stability	Cargo operations assistance
Communication	Bridge equipment operation

Soft Skills

Skill	Importance
Communication	Bridge team interaction
Observation	Lookout duties
Decision making	Collision avoidance
Leadership	Mooring team supervision
Documentation	Accurate record keeping

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Seasickness

Solution:

• Medication from ship’s supplies
• Stay active on deck
• Focus on horizon
• Most adapt within 1-2 weeks

Challenge 2: Navigation Confidence

Solution:

• Practice chart work daily
• Ask officers to explain
• Use simulators if available
• Study during free time

Challenge 3: Watchkeeping Fatigue

Solution:

• Maintain sleep schedule
• Stay hydrated during watch
• Move around on bridge
• Engage with duties

Challenge 4: Homesickness

Solution:

• Regular communication when possible
• Build relationships with crew
• Focus on career goals
• Keep busy with learning

Relationship with Senior Officers

Working with Captain

• Ultimate authority on training
• Final TRB approval
• Career guidance
• Handle major concerns

Working with Chief Officer

• Direct training supervisor
• Cargo operations learning
• Deck maintenance oversight
• Day-to-day assessment

Working with Second/Third Officer

• Navigation watch supervision
• Bridge equipment training
• Most accessible mentors
• Daily guidance

Assessment and Evaluation

Continuous Assessment

Period	Assessment Type
Monthly	TRB progress review
Quarterly	Performance report
End of voyage	Certificate from Captain

Final Assessment Components

Component	Weight
TRB completion	35%
Practical skills	30%
Navigation knowledge	25%
Attitude and conduct	10%

Passing Requirements

• Minimum 12 months sea service
• Complete TRB with all signatures
• Positive assessment from Master
• No disciplinary issues
• Passing basic competency tests

Preparing for Mate (FG) Exam

During Training

Month	Preparation
1-6	Focus on practical skills
6-9	Start navigation theory revision
9-12	Practice orals preparation

Knowledge Areas for Exam

Subject	Topics
Navigation	Chartwork, celestial, passage planning
Cargo	Stability, cargo care, dangerous goods
Seamanship	Ship construction, handling
Safety	SOLAS, LSA, FFA
Meteorology	Weather, routing

After Training

Step	Timeline
Submit documents	Within 1 month of sign-off
Theory coaching	2-3 months
Written exam	Clear within 6 months
Orals preparation	1-2 months
Oral exam	Clear for COC

Career Progression

Immediate Next Steps

Step	Timeline
Complete sea time	12+ months
Pass Mate (FG)	Within 1 year
Join as Third Officer	After COC
Work toward Mate (Home Trade)	18+ months

Long-term Path

Years	Position	Monthly Salary
0-2	Deck Cadet	$500-1,000
2-4	Third Officer	$2,500-3,500
4-6	Second Officer	$4,000-6,000
6-10	Chief Officer	$7,000-10,000
10+	Captain	$10,000-18,000

Tips from Experienced Officers

Navigation Approach

“Chart work is foundation. Even with ECDIS, understand paper charts first. It builds navigation sense.” - Captain, 28 years experience

Career Building

“Your reputation starts as cadet. Work ethic, honesty, and willingness to learn are noticed by everyone.” - Fleet Manager

Safety First

“Never compromise safety. Learn proper procedures and follow them always. Ships can be replaced, lives cannot.” - Chief Officer, 20 years experience

What Not to Do

Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence
Sleeping on watch	Immediate dismissal
Hiding errors	Loss of trust
Not asking questions	Missed learning
Poor documentation	Training extension
Disrespecting crew	Negative assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I earn as deck cadet?

Stipend ranges from $500-1,000/month depending on company. Training period is for learning, not earning.

Can I choose ship type for training?

Generally, company decides. Express preferences but be ready for any vessel.

What if training extends beyond 12 months?

Extension possible with company approval. Use additional time productively.

Is training on older ships beneficial?

Yes - older ships offer more manual navigation practice and deeper understanding of systems.

What should I carry onboard?

Essentials: steel-toe boots, coveralls, safety glasses, binoculars (optional), sextant (optional), navigation books, laptop.

Conclusion

Deck cadet training is your foundation for a lifetime career in navigation. The 12-18 months onboard shape your entire maritime career. Focus on navigation fundamentals, complete your TRB diligently, and build strong relationships with senior officers.

Your performance as a cadet determines your career trajectory. Make every day count.

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