Deck Cadet CV Example
For aspiring merchant navy officers applying for deck cadet positions. Demonstrates your maritime training, physical fitness, and commitment to a career at sea.
Recommended template: Modern
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Include your STCW certificates, ENG1 medical fitness certificate, and any sea survival training.
- Mention your sponsoring company or maritime college if applicable.
- Highlight any relevant sea time, yacht qualifications, or sailing experience.
- Demonstrate your readiness for extended periods away from home and living in a confined team environment.
Ready to build your CV?
Start with the Modern template and customise it for your junior role.
How to Write Your Deck Cadet CV
A deck cadet CV needs to demonstrate your commitment to a maritime career, your physical and mental readiness for life at sea, and any relevant training or experience you have gained. Shipping companies and sponsoring organisations look for candidates who show dedication, resilience, and a genuine passion for seafaring. Your CV should highlight maritime qualifications, sea time, and the transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for a cadetship programme.
CV Structure
Place your STCW certification and maritime qualifications near the top of your CV, followed by your profile, any sea experience or relevant work, and education. If you are a school leaver with no sea time, lead with your education, sailing qualifications, and Sea Cadet or youth organisation experience. Include a dedicated section for certificates and maritime training courses. Keep the CV to one page.
CV Format
Use a clean, straightforward template that is easy to scan quickly. Avoid elaborate designs — maritime employers value clarity and organisation. Include your ENG1 medical fitness certificate status and any relevant qualifications in a clearly visible section. A PDF format is preferred for email submissions.
CV Profile Examples
Deck Cadet — Maritime College
Dedicated deck cadet currently completing the HND in Nautical Science at South Shields Marine School, with STCW 95 certification and a valid ENG1 medical fitness certificate. Completed an initial sea phase of four months aboard a container vessel, gaining practical experience in bridge watchkeeping, mooring operations, and ship maintenance. Committed to a long-term career in the merchant navy with a focus on achieving Officer of the Watch certification.
Deck Cadet — Sponsored
Sponsored deck cadet with Maersk Line, combining academic study at the University of Plymouth with structured sea phases aboard large container vessels. Gained six months of sea time across two vessels, developing skills in navigation, cargo operations, and safety drills. Holds a valid STCW certificate, personal survival techniques, and proficiency in survival craft certification. Keen to progress through the cadetship programme and qualify as a deck officer.
Aspiring Deck Cadet
Enthusiastic school leaver with A-Levels in Mathematics, Physics, and Geography, applying for a deck cadetship to begin a career as a merchant navy officer. Experienced sailor with an RYA Day Skipper qualification and over 200 hours of coastal sailing experience. Physically fit, disciplined, and prepared for the demands of life at sea, with strong teamwork skills developed through three years in the Sea Cadets.
State your current training stage, maritime college, and sponsoring company if applicable. Mention your STCW status, sea time accrued, and any sailing qualifications. Express your career goal — for example, achieving Officer of the Watch certification — to show forward-thinking commitment.
Key Skills for Your Deck Cadet CV
Maritime Navigation
Understanding chart work, passage planning, and electronic navigation systems including ECDIS and radar.
Ship Safety Procedures
Implementing safety protocols including fire drills, abandon ship procedures, and man overboard responses.
STCW Certification
Holding the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping qualification required for all seafarers.
Watchkeeping
Assisting with bridge watchkeeping duties including lookout, steering, radar monitoring, and position fixing.
Seamanship
Performing practical deck skills including mooring, anchoring, line handling, and deck maintenance.
Physical Fitness
Maintaining the physical fitness required for demanding maritime work in variable weather and sea conditions.
Team Living
Adapting to communal living aboard ship, working cooperatively with diverse multinational crews.
Communication Skills
Communicating clearly with officers and crew using standard maritime terminology and bridge procedures.
Emergency Response
Responding effectively to maritime emergencies including fire, flooding, and medical situations aboard ship.
Work Experience Examples
Include any sea phases, maritime work experience, or relevant youth organisation involvement. Describe your sea time with specific details — vessel type, trade route, and the practical skills gained. For shore-based work experience, focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and working under pressure. Quantify wherever possible.
Deck Cadet (Sea Phase)
Maersk Line — MV Maersk Eindhoven
Completed a four-month initial sea phase aboard a 13,000 TEU container vessel operating on the Asia-Europe trade route, gaining practical deck officer training.
Responsibilities
- Assisted the Officer of the Watch with bridge watchkeeping duties including lookout, steering, and radar monitoring during ocean passages.
- Participated in mooring and unmooring operations at ports across Asia and Northern Europe, learning line handling and bollard techniques.
- Conducted daily safety rounds, fire detection system checks, and assisted with lifeboat and fire drill preparations.
- Maintained the deck logbook, recording weather observations, course changes, and significant events during each watch.
- Assisted with cargo operations including container lashing inspections and cargo hold ventilation monitoring.
Achievements
- Completed the sea phase training record book ahead of schedule, receiving positive assessment scores from the ship's master and chief officer.
- Volunteered for additional bridge training sessions, logging an extra 40 hours of supervised watchkeeping time beyond the minimum requirement.
Sea Cadet — Petty Officer
Whitby Sea Cadets (TS Doris Coppock)
Served as a Sea Cadet for three years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer and developing maritime skills, leadership, and discipline in a youth organisation setting.
Responsibilities
- Led a section of eight junior cadets during drill sessions, seamanship training, and community service activities.
- Participated in sailing, rowing, and powerboat training on coastal and inland waters throughout the year.
- Completed the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, studying leadership, teamwork, and emergency procedures.
- Organised and delivered presentations on maritime careers to groups of new cadets and parents.
Achievements
- Awarded the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate for outstanding commitment and leadership within the Sea Cadet Corps.
- Achieved the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification at age 16, becoming the youngest qualified instructor in the district.
Education & Qualifications
List your HND or foundation degree in Nautical Science, maritime college, and expected completion date. Include A-Levels or equivalent with grades, particularly in Maths, Physics, and Geography. List all maritime training certificates and courses separately, as these are critical for cadetship applications.
STCW 95 Certificate
Mandatory international certificate covering personal survival, fire prevention, elementary first aid, and personal safety.
ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency medical certificate confirming fitness for service at sea.
RYA Day Skipper
Royal Yachting Association qualification demonstrating competence in coastal navigation and boat handling.
HND Nautical Science
Higher National Diploma providing the academic foundation for a career as a merchant navy deck officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a deck cadet?
How do I get sponsored as a deck cadet?
Should I include my Sea Cadet experience on my CV?
How long does it take to qualify as a deck officer?
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