Chiltern Maritime operates a unique programme where the cadets train on various types of ship in the different marine sectors.
This may include: Tall ships to Super Tankers, Super Yachts to Cruise ships and every sector in between i.e. Oil/Gas/LNG Tankers, Container, Offshore, Reefer, Bulk Carriers, Research/ Survey vessels to Car Carriers and even Ferry operations.
We continue to expand our range of vessels to give our cadets the best possible range of work experience in the sea phases. This allows the cadets to make an educated choice into which sector of the industry they wish to pursue when qualified.
Key roles
Deck Officer – Deck officers, or Navigation Officers, are responsible for the safe navigation of expensive vessels and a vital part of the team, under the Captain’s direct management. This role will include; maintaining watch on the bridge when at sea and in port, passage planning, handling cargo, ship safety and communications.
Marine Engineer Officer – Marine Engineer Officers are responsible for the safety, performance and efficiency of the vessel’s machinery. Responsibilities include; running and maintenance of the ship’s mechanical and electrical operation, implementing and sustaining maintenance schedules and contingency plans with the capacity to troubleshoot problems efficiently.
Marine Electro-Technical Officer (METO) – This is a specialist role within the engineering space. Responsibilities include; the maintenance of on board control engineering and electronic systems including propulsion control, radio communications and electronic navigation aids.
Sea phases
Cadet programmes consist of 5 different phases, over a total of 3 years with time spent both at sea and at college.
Year 1 – Phase one
Training starts at your chosen college / academy. Your studies are designed to give officer cadets the technical and academic underpinning knowledge (UPK) required to operate safely and professionally at sea. Cadets will also complete specific safety training courses required.
Year 1 – Phase two
Training takes place at sea to gain practical experience on-board different vessels. Deck officer cadets will work alongside qualified officers, learning and developing practical navigation and operation skills. The experience gained from observing qualified engineering and electro-technical officers, will helping cadets in training to put their academic theory into practice.
Years 2 and 3 – Phases three, four and five
Training will alternate between shore-based studies at college, and work at sea for professional development with hands on experience. Depending on the individual development, greater responsibility will be given as training progresses. Phase five concludes the final exams and assessments required to complete the cadetship training.
