Cowes Harbour Commission, in partnership with the Corporation of Trinity House, is offering a fully sponsored Merchant Navy cadetship.
This programme aims to provide a life-changing opportunity for a young person from the local Cowes area to take the next step towards a maritime career, becoming a qualified officer in the industry.
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has long been committed to encouraging young people to consider careers at sea, through sponsorships with the UKSA SeaChange programme. Now, with this new collaboration, CHC will support a cadet all the way through to an internationally recognised professional qualification, and the first step towards becoming a Captain or Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy or private sector.
Trinity House, an approved Officer Cadet Management Organisation, will oversee the full management and administration of cadets throughout their training, ensuring a structured and professional route into the maritime industry. The programme is offered through their Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme (MNSS) and JustBeMaritime (JBM), working in partnership with CHC.
The cadetship, jointly funded by CHC and Trinity House, offers a fully sponsored 3-year programme.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Have at least 4 GCSEs (grade 4 or higher), including Maths, Science (preferably Physics), and English.
- Or meet the UCAS entry requirements for FD (48 points) or BSc (104 points) courses.
- Pass the ENG1 medical examination.
- Ideally be aged 18 at the start of the cadetship in September 2025 (applications may be considered for those turning 18 before their first sea phase).
- Currently reside in Cowes, East Cowes or the local area, with a focus on supporting those who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
- Candidates will undergo a selection process, including an interview with representatives from both CHC and Trinity House.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in CHC’s mission to support the next generation of maritime professionals. By providing local young people with a fully funded pathway into the industry, CHC is reinforcing its commitment to Cowes’ maritime heritage and future workforce.
Applications for the cadetship will open soon. For more information, visit Cowes Harbour Commission’s website.
Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Cowes Harbour Commission, said:
“We are delighted to partner with Trinity House to launch this fantastic cadetship opportunity, which represents a significant step in supporting the next generation of maritime professionals.”
Phil Hagen, Chair of the Board of Commissioners at Cowes Harbour Commission, has said:
“Supporting the next generation of seafarers is a key priority for Cowes Harbour Commission, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering maritime careers.”
Nigel Hope, RD*MNM FNI RNR & Director of Maritime Training at Trinity House commented:
“Trinity House is committed to providing cadetship opportunities for young people that will one day be the backbone of our nation’s maritime sector.”