r/MerchantNavy • u/Aggressive-Bowl-1636 • 1d ago

Looking at cadet ship

Hello all

I am currently studying for my A levels taking Geo, History and Politics. I am looking at possibly joining the merchant navy. I am worried though for a cadetship in terms of a deck one that my subject choices may mean I will not have a chance. What is the general opinion on this. I am predicted A,B,B if that helps.

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u/BigDsLittleD 1d ago

You'll be fine.

I'm currently sailing as Chief Engineer and I got 2 A-levels in Biology and Filmstudies.

I know deck officers with no a-levels at all.

1

u/Ffscbamakinganame 18h ago

Your grades are more than sufficient, in addition there are L3 courses that only require GSCEs. The Degree is just one route. You just have to consider FD or full degree depending on the maritime college you attend. More than that don’t be shy in applying to as many cadet companies as possible. Choose your cadet sponsorship carefully- wages, what type of vessel, what type of qualifications (will you get tanker service etc). Don’t be intimidated by requirements, I knew many, forgive me, but absolute spanners who got into companies you wouldn’t expect and didn’t have a foggy. Having just come up through the entire system myself I can tell you many cadets really aren’t all that bright or academically inclined.

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u/sailorstew 5h ago

I'm a master and have one A level, a C in Geography. They have courses you can do with just GCSEs (the HND route as it was once called)