Cadet Life
Phil, 27, from Kent, completed his engineering cadetship with P&O Ferries in 2003, and went on to work for cruise companies.
How did you hear about the career? I had a friend who was a deck cadet with P&O Ferries.
How did you hear about your company? I did a cadetship with P&O Ferries who were a local operator to me at the time, so I knew them already.
What is the college time like? Warsash has developed over the years since I first attended in 2000. The lecturers I have encountered have been sourced with a variety of backgrounds, not just limited to seafaring. I’ve had a great time at Warsash, and made lasting, close friendships.
Can you list the countries you’ve been to/best sights you’ve seen? I left the ferries after my cadetship and went on to work for a couple of cruise lines. I travelled the Hebridean Islands, Baltic, Med, Caribbean, Tahiti and South America.
Which ships have you been on? I’ve only worked passenger ships. Worked for P&O Ferries, Condor Ferries, Windstar cruises and Hebridean Cruises
What is the sea time like? I miss the deep sea working lifestyle, however am enjoying the time closer to home more recently. I still have the travel bug and have plans to work abroad again for a couple of years. Ideally, not shipboard, but within the maritime industry.
What is the best moment so far? Too many challenging, interesting and fun memories to list, but one of the most memorable moments was seeing Stromboli erupting. The setting couldn’t have been better. Dead calm, dead quiet, 3am, mist on the water, large red moon and starry night. Was something very special about it that made me realise the benefits of cruise ship life.
Where do you aspire to be in 5/10 years time? I would ideally like to be working for Lloyds Register, or at least in a management position. I have yet to discover the opportunities a Chiefs ticket and degree will lead to. I am on course to complete my degree and Chiefs by the end of 2010.
How do you explain your job to your friends/family? What do they think about it?
Its very difficult to describe the skills and knowledge you can develop if you stay dedicated. Most people cannot relate to the challenges of working on a ship, but then most stay jealous of the stories you accumulate!
Would you recommend the career to other young people?
Absolutely. It won’t be everyone’s choice for the long term to remain at sea, however it suits some people very well. I have found it is usually determined by relationships. You gain so much, as an individual, of something you can take with you anywhere in the world, to any work place, and also as part of one’s own personal skills.
About the BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering & Management course
"I completed my engineering cadetship with P&O Ferries in 2003, and went on to work for cruise companies which was a great experience. My goal has been to obtain Chiefs ticket and progress further with my career. As I have gained more experience and a further CoC, I have noticed that the industry programme that I would continue to follow to Chiefs certification only contains a limited amount of management training at cadet level. I was pleased to see that this criticism was met by WMA when they announced the first MN engineering tailored degree course, that formally encompassed management training. Despite a Chief Engineer?s CoC being a great qualification, it is too reliant on experience, relative to management, which varies enormously individual to individual. The degree course allows a standard to be set, so that all essential knowledge bases are covered when the holder finally reaches a senior rank. The other most significant benefit, is that a degree is recognised outside of the industry, as few employers can relate to what skills a CoC says an individual possesses. This programme is relevant, transparent, transferable, professional, flexible, and somewhat of a relief. Finally seafaring engineer officers are able to achieve the domestically recognised professional status they deserve."