Vacancies for Deck Cadet

Deck Cadet is the first real step toward becoming a deck officer and later moving into positions such as 3rd Officer. In most cases, a Deck Cadet is a maritime student or trainee who joins a vessel to gain the sea time and onboard practice needed for a future officer career. The job is junior, but it matters - this is where cadets start learning how the bridge, deck department and daily ship routine really work.

Deck Cadet Salary Expectations

Deck Cadet salary is still relatively low compared with officer ranks, but it can vary a lot depending on vessel type, company and training setup. The average Deck Cadet salary on Maritime Zone is USD 754/month. In current vacancies on the site, you can see around USD 450 - 555 on Bulk Carrier, about EUR 500 on General Cargo and up to EUR 1,200 on RO-RO. Currencies vary by employer and flag, so some European contracts are quoted in EUR rather than USD. The average is lifted by stronger tanker, RO-RO and other better-paid cadet contracts. For a broader overview, see the Deck Cadet salary statistics page.

Duties

The Deck Cadet learns ship handling, navigation and bridge routine under the supervision of senior deck officers. In practice, this usually means assisting officers on watch, following the passage plan, helping with bridge paperwork and learning how daily deck operations are organized on board.

The job also includes helping with cargo work, mooring, anchoring, safety checks and basic security-related tasks. Depending on the vessel and training program, the cadet may also spend time on deck maintenance jobs, equipment checks and practical onboard routines that build experience for future officer responsibilities. On many vessels, this also includes keeping the Training Record Book up to date during onboard practice.

Because this is a training rank, companies usually expect discipline, willingness to learn and the ability to follow instructions properly. A good Deck Cadet is not judged only by sea time, but also by attitude, reliability and how seriously the cadet takes onboard training.

Requirements

A Deck Cadet vacancy usually requires maritime education or enrollment in a nautical training program, basic STCW documents including Basic Safety Training (BST), a valid medical fitness certificate such as ENG1 or equivalent, and the ability to join the vessel for onboard training and sea practice. Depending on company and flag requirements, employers may also ask for English skills, Training Record Book documentation, or cadet program approval from a maritime academy or crewing company.

If you are looking for the best Deck Cadet vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, training quality and the reputation of the company. The best cadet contract is not always the one with the highest number. Good onboard training, proper supervision and real bridge exposure often matter much more for your future career.