“Pictured left to right: Capt Jon Kidd, Harbour Master, Jennie Smith, Deputy Harbour Master, Nigel Hope RD*MNM FNI RNR & Director of Maritime Training at Trinty House.”
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Corporation of Trinity House to offer 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.
Investing in the Future of Maritime Careers
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.
A Fully Funded Pathway to a Maritime Career
The cadetship, jointly funded by CHC and Trinity House, offers a fully sponsored three-year programme, including:
- Training phases at an approved UK nautical college and practical sea placements on a variety of vessels.
- A bursary throughout the cadetship, ensuring financial support for the candidate.
- Three qualification routes: Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FD), or Bachelor of Science (BSc), all leading to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate.
- The option to top up to a full degree after completing the HND route.
- Official recognition as a Yeoman of Trinity House, granting career guidance and networking opportunities within the maritime sector.
Entry Requirements & Application Process
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Have at least four 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.
A Unique Opportunity for Local Young People
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 or follow us on our social media channels for updates.
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. At Cowes Harbour Commission, we are committed to fostering careers at sea, and this fully sponsored Merchant Navy cadetship offers a life-changing opportunity for a young person from our local community. Building on our existing support for initiatives like the UKSA SeaChange programme, this programme will provide the foundation for an aspiring officer to develop essential skills, gain invaluable experience, and take the next step towards a rewarding maritime career.”
Phil Hagen, Chair of the Board of Commissioners at Cowes Harbour Commission, said: “Cowes has a proud maritime heritage, and we are thrilled to be working alongside Trinity House to offer this exceptional cadetship opportunity. 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. By providing a fully sponsored pathway into the Merchant Navy, we are helping to remove barriers and create real opportunities for young people in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have in shaping future maritime professionals.”
Nigel Hope, RD*MNM FNI RNR & Director of Maritime Training at Trinty House said: “Trinity House is committed to—among our other maritime safety and welfare activities—providing cadetship opportunities for young people that will one day be the backbone of our nation’s maritime sector. Our Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme is unparalleled in that respect, and draws strength from the variety of its partnerships. This is an exciting new development, and I want to thank Cowes Harbour Commission for joining us in our mission to foster careers at sea for the widest possible audience.”
Stuart Benge, Operations Director, Just be Maritime said: “Just Be Maritime is delighted to support the new partnership between the Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme and Cowes Harbour Commission. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to training future maritime professionals, and ensuring cadets receive the strongest possible start for their maritime careers.”
