Cadet Sponsorship
How can I become a Deck or Engineering Officer?
You need to be between the ages of 16 and 22 and have a minimum of 5 GCSE Grade C, or above, passes, including Mathematics, English and Physics.
Those who enter with Higher Grades or "A" Levels will progress on an accelerated path towards the qualifications listed. Candidates for this route should have at least 2 passes, including Mathematics or Physics with both studied to examination level.
You will also have to pass an Industry Standard Medical Examination, and for Deck Officer Trainees, a Maritime and Coastguard Agency Colour and Form Vision Test.
If you are colour blind, this will immediately disqualify you from applying for a training place. Asthma, diabetes or epilepsy could cause a problem, but each case will be viewed individually.
A Deck Cadet will undertake a four year course, spending a minimum of 161-162 months at sea. An Engineering Cadet will undertake a three year course, of which a minimum of 9 months must be spent at sea. Cadets will spend the remainder of their course at Warsash Maritime College near Southampton. Courses commence in September of each year.
What Qualifications will I gain and what about Job Prospects?
Deck Officer Cadets
You would leave college in possession of a Class 3 Certificate, a full Higher National Diploma, together with the new NVQ Level 3 qualification. You would then be able to join a foreign-going ship in order to obtain your Class 2 and then Class 1 examination.
After this, you would be able to work for Red Funnel in the position of 'Mate' on board our Vehicle Ferries or Hi-Speed craft. If you have a Class 1 ticket, you would be eligible for the position of 'Master' or 'Commander'.
Engineering Officer Cadets
You would leave college with a Class 4 Certificate of Competency. You will also have a full Higher National Diploma, together with the new NVQ Level 3 qualification. You would then be able to go back to a foreign going ship in order to obtain your Class 3, 2 and then Class 1 examination.
After this, you would be able to join Red Funnel in the position of 'General Purpose Mechanic' on board our Vehicle Ferries. If you obtain a higher-class certificate, you will be eligible for the position of 'Chief Engineer'.
If you were successful in becoming an Officer Cadet sponsored by Red Funnel, then we would expect you to return to work for us at some point in the future.
How to contact us
- Human Resources Dept.
- Red Funnel Group
- 12 Bugle Street
- Southampton
- SO14 2JY
- t. 0844 844 2699
- f. 0844 844 2698