Training and Career Opportunities in Merchant Shipping - Deck Officers; Engineer Officers; and Electro-Technical Officers
The Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG) is a non-profit marine training management company and was founded over 30 years ago. It recruits new entrant deck and engineer officer cadets for a career at sea onboard for over 30 member shipping companies operating a wide variety of different ship types. The SSTG also organize and supervise their training programs to provide high quality and progressive training and support.
As a new entrant officer trainee your time spent at college and all examination related costs will be funded by the company that recruited you and will sponsor you throughout your training. The college phases of your study will be offered through universities or colleges of further or higher education. SSTG normally arranges your accommodation in a college hall of residence or in college-approved accommodation off-campus. In conjunction with the sponsoring companies and colleges (Fleetwood Nautical Studies, Liverpool John Moores University, Plymouth University, South Shields Marine School & Warsash Maritime School) SSTG provides guidance during both the college and sea based phases.
SSTG also manages the training for existing seafarers who are actively seeking to progress their careers by achieving higher qualifications. This training enables junior officers to gain higher certificates of competency qualifying them for the more senior positions on board ship. Experienced seafarers also have considerable opportunities for developing rewarding careers in associated maritime sectors ashore.
Training & Career Programs
Deck Officer Cadet Training
- Foundation Degree / Professional Diploma / Higher National Certificate or Diploma (Approx 3 years): The Foundation Degree/Professional Diploma and HND qualifications provide exemptions from all written examinations up to and including Chief Mate/Master level.
- 5 alternating college and sea periods (vary from college to college)
- Top-Up to BSc (Hons) Degree (Optional): Candidates who successfully achieve a full HND are then eligible to top-up the academic award to a BSc (Hons) Degree in Marine Operations Management.
Engineer Officer Cadet Training
- Foundation Degree / Professional Diploma / Higher National Certificate or Diploma (Approx 3 years): The Foundation Degree/Professional Diploma and HND provide exemptions from all academic subjects at EOOW, Second Engineer and Chief Engineer level and the Engineering Knowledge examination for EOOW.
- 5 alternating college and sea periods (vary from college to college)
- Top-Up to BEng (Hons) Degree (Optional): Candidates who successfully achieve a FdSc are then eligible to top-up the academic award to a BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management.
ETO Cadet Training
- Foundation Degree (3 years): This program is currently only available at South Shields Marine School and Warsash Maritime School
- 5 alternating college and sea periods
- Top-Up to BEng (Hons) Degree (Optional): Candidates who successfully achieve a FdSc are then eligible to top-up the academic award to a BEng (Hons) Degree in Marine Engineering and Management.