A trainee deck officer undertaking approved sea service under a maritime academy programme to qualify for an OOW certificate.
In practice
While at sea, deck cadets work under the direct supervision of the master, chief mate, and bridge watchkeeping officers. They undertake bridge watches as a learning observer, assist with cargo and mooring operations, participate in all safety drills, and progressively take on supervised navigation responsibilities as their competence grows. Under MLC 2006, deck cadets must receive adequate food, accommodation, rest periods, and medical care. Companies and flag administrations periodically audit cadetship programmes to ensure that training plans are followed and that TRBs accurately reflect competencies demonstrated at sea rather than simply sea time served.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A deck cadet is a trainee officer serving aboard ship as part of an approved maritime academy deck officer programme, accumulating the sea service required under STCW chapter II before sitting for an Officer of the Watch (Navigation) certificate. Deck cadets typically spend alternating periods at academy — studying navigation, ship stability, meteorology, cargo operations, and maritime law — and at sea, where they follow a structured training record book (TRB) covering all required competencies.
While at sea, deck cadets work under the direct supervision of the master, chief mate, and bridge watchkeeping officers. They undertake bridge watches as a learning observer, assist with cargo and mooring operations, participate in all safety drills, and progressively take on supervised navigation responsibilities as their competence grows. Under MLC 2006, deck cadets must receive adequate food, accommodation, rest periods, and medical care. Companies and flag administrations periodically audit cadetship programmes to ensure that training plans are followed and that TRBs accurately reflect competencies demonstrated at sea rather than simply sea time served.