Port Authority invites young seafarers to apply for deck cadetships

PORT Authority of New South Wales is building Australia’s maritime skills base and introducing young seafarers to the industry through its sponsored deck cadet program.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported seven deck cadets who have gone on to work as deck officers in the Australian Merchant Navy or continue their studies at the Australian Maritime College.

Port Authority of New South Wales CEO Philip Holliday said the program has been “incredibly successful” in bringing more seafarers into the maritime industry domestically.

“We are proud to offer ongoing opportunities to young people who want to pursue a seagoing career,” Mr Holliday said.

The program offers cadets seagoing experience in maintenance mooring, bridge watch-keeping, navigation, passage planning, security, shipboard maintenance and operations, as well as various shipboard management systems.

Cadets complete a two-year course to help them gain 18 months sea-time required to obtain a watchkeeping certificate under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The port authority said the program aligns with its commitment to build a more diverse and inclusive maritime industry and encouraged women to apply for the program.

Mr Holliday observed shipping companies enjoy the idea of allowing cadets to sail on their ships as they gauge the cadet’s performance ahead of offering them a full-time cadetship.  

“It’s a valuable partnership with shipping companies which has led to them offering cadets placements on various merchant ships,” he said.

The program is supported by the port authority’s partnership with companies including Svitzer, Maersk Offshore, P&O Maritime, Searoad, Toll, Inco, ASP Ship Management, Teekay, Engage, Smit, Siem Offshore, and Solstad.

Partnerships with international companies including Royal Caribbean International, Oldendorff, Wilhelmsen, and Seatrade are also vital to the program’s success.

Port Authority of New South Wales said it has also built relationships with lecturers at the Australian Maritime College and the Shipping Qualification department at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.