North Star is proud to be the largest sponsoring company with The Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG), offering outstanding training opportunities for those looking to begin a maritime career. Whether you choose to become a Deck Cadet, Engineer Cadet, or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Through a mix of academic study at a UK nautical college and hands-on experience aboard advanced vessels, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and internationally recognised qualifications needed for a rewarding career at sea, and beyond. As a sponsored cadet, all training costs are covered, and you’ll receive a training allowance throughout the programme.
We offer fully sponsored cadetships with SSTG, a specialist maritime training organisation, that leads to internationally recognised qualifications and long-term careers at sea. Whether you’re interested in navigation, engineering or electronics, you’ll gain professional training and experience both in college and at sea – all whilst getting paid.
• Deck Officer - Lead ship navigation and operations
• Engineer Officer - Manage propulsion, machinery, and systems
• Electro-Technical Officer - Maintain and troubleshoot electrical and control systems
As a Deck Cadet, you’ll follow a structured three-year training pathway that builds your enterpirse in navigation, ship operations and leadership at sea. Training combines academic study in nautical science at a recognized UK maritime college with extended sea placements that give you essential real-world experience on board working vessels.
You will draw heavily on your maths abilities during the initial college phase, gaining the knowledge required for your chosen discipline. Later studies will concentrate on navigation and stability as well as meteorology, cargo work, marine law and management.
Whilst at sea you will shadow and train on the job for a minimum of 12 months with 6 of those gaining watchkeeping experience and complete a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB) which lists everything you must complete during this time. If you successfully complete this stage, you will be awarded with a DOOW (Deck Officer of the Watch) Certificate if Competency which is internationally recognised.
On successful completion, you’ll be qualified to serve as a Deck Officer – taking responsibility for the ship’s navigation, safety of crew, passengers, cargo operations and compliance with schedules. This career path also offers long-term advancement, with opportunities to move into senior roles such as Chief Mate and eventually Master.
Engineer Cadets also follow a comprehensive three-year programme designed to prepare them for the technical challenges of working at sea. The course focuses on the maintenance and operation of a vessel’s engine room and associated systems.
As an engineer, you’ll be the technical expert who keeps the ship in top working order. With your professional training and hands-on workshop experience, you’ll be equipped to tackle major repairs and perform daily routine maintenance tasks to prevent issues from arising.
Whilst at sea you will shadow and train on the job for a minimum of 12 months with 6 of those gaining watchkeeping experience and complete a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB) which lists everything you must complete during this time. If you successfully complete this stage, you will be awarded with a DOOW (Deck Officer of the Watch) Certificate if Competency which is internationally recognised.
On successful completion, you’ll be a qualified Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) responsible for managing propulsion, machinery and systems – with future career progression as 2nd Engineer and Chief Engineer.
As an ETO cadet, you also follow a three-year programme but will focus on the specialist skills needed to work with a vessel’s electronic and electrical systems. This includes everything from power distribution and automation to on board communication and control systems.
Whilst at sea you will shadow and train on the job for a minimum of 12 months with 6 of those gaining watchkeeping experience and complete a MNTB Training Record Book (TRB) which lists everything you must complete during this time. If you successfully complete this stage, you will be awarded with a DOOW (Deck Officer of the Watch) Certificate if Competency which is internationally recognised.
Once qualified you will take the role of Electro-Technical Officer – responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient operation of a ship’s electrical infrastructure.
Find out more about studying with SSTG and the requirements needed to apply
Academic
We require at least 4 GCSE’s grades 9-4 or National 5 Awards grades A-C in Maths, Physics, English and another recognized subject.
Eyesight
Pass a colour vision test
Where visual aids are required, a spare pair must always be carried.
Requirements vary by course, more details can be found here.
Medical
MCA Medical Certificate
Undergo a ENG1 Medical (£115 fee to the medical examiner that will be reimbursed to you once you begin training)
1. Apply online with your qualifications and a personal statement
2. Take part in a phone or in-person interview
3. Complete a medical exam and submit your documents
4. Receive your sponsorship offer and begin training
Cadetships typically last 3 years, combining academic study with paid sea placements.
Your cadetship is delivered in 5 key phases:
1. Phase 1 – College
Introductory academic and safety training (STCW courses)
2. Phase 2 – Sea Phase 1
First ship placement (min. 12 months), completing your training record book
3. Phase 3 – College
Advanced subjects, simulator work, and preparation for next sea phase
4. Phase 4 – Sea Phase 2
Final practical assessments and further onboard learning
5. Phase 5 – Final College
Exams, MCA oral preparation, and final qualifications
• Certificate of Competency (Deck, Engineer, or ETO)
• Academic award: HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, or Professional Diploma
• Fully funded training + monthly allowance
• Internationally recognised qualifications
• Clear route to officer-level roles and long-term maritime careers
“When I first left school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. A friend recommended the North Star cadetship, and I’m so glad I followed his advice. My first trips offshore aboard the Grampian Citadel and Grampian Sovereign gave me invaluable hands-on experience, from cargo operations to navigation.”
“At the start, certain topics and aspects felt daunting, however after spending 2 months at sea, it really puts it into practise, and suddenly everything begins to make sense and splice together.”
All ready for a life at sea? Take the next step and apply today!
