Cadet to Master by flag — 5 pathway comparison

Beyond the STCW minimum, each flag administration has its own idiosyncrasies. This page compares the cadet-to-Master journey across MCA (UK), USCG (US), MARINA (PH), DG Shipping (IN), and Sjøfartsdirektoratet (NO).

MCA (UK) rigorous but predictable

MCA orals are demanding but structured. Warsash + Glasgow + South Tyneside cadet routes. Total 7-9 years cadet → Master.

USCG (US) — federal licensing

USCG-issued licence (not flag-administration). Only 6 US academies (USMMA + 5 state academies) enable direct-entry. 8-10 years cadet → Master.

MARINA (PH) — high-volume + international

Filipino Masters serve worldwide via STCW endorsement. 4-year BSMT + sea time. 8-12 years cadet → Master.

DG Shipping (IN) — demanding orals

Indian DG Shipping oral pass rates below 50% first attempts. 3-year B.Sc. Nautical + demanding sea time. 9-12 years cadet → Master.

SDIR (NO) — operator-sponsored

Strong operator sponsorship + shore-based mentoring tradition. NTNU + Maritime Academy Bergen. 7-9 years cadet → Master.

Cross-references: /careers (static pathway pages), /salaries (full pay dataset), /salaries/benchmark-2026, /rankings.