Stream Marine to manage Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' cadetshipsStream Marine to manage Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' cadetships

Based in Glasgow, the company works with a number of schools and colleges across the UK to introduce young people to the shipping industry and promote cadetship programmes.

Group CEO of Stream Marine Group Martin White said he was ‘proud that SMC is now making its first steps towards managing cadets for the cruise industry…’ 

Training programme 

The Merchant Navy Cadetship will see the officer cadets embark on the three-year training programme, splitting their time between working at sea and studying at one of the seven UK nautical colleges. On successful completion, the cadets will qualify with a UK Officer of Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency as well as an academic qualification in marine operations, marine engineering or electro-technology, setting them up for a career in the maritime industry.

Tackling crew shortages

Training manager at Stream Marine Careers, Kellie McKechnie, said the company ‘is dedicated to finding the seafarers of tomorrow.’ She added, ‘The industry is suffering with a shortage of crew so we make sure we are doing everything we can to attract new talent into the maritime industry.’ 

Further describing these issues, she remarked, ‘We are seeing new challenges with the younger generation who look for a work/life balance as well as access to career progression. Whilst on board, they are also looking for better connectivity with home so we have to make sure seafaring is still attractive as a career.’ 

She noted, ‘Over the last few years we have been adapting our programmes to ensure we are preparing young cadets for the mental aspect of being out at sea, as well as the physical.’ 

Growth plans 

Over the last year SMC, part of the Stream Marine Group, has seen the number of cadets under its management triple, and plans on growing even further over the next two years. 

‘We are delighted to be strengthening our position as a leading provider of cadetship programmes…’ noted McKechnie. ‘Stream Marine Careers is growing year-on-year and new and existing companies are now seeing how successful our programmes are, with cadets qualifying and going on to start their careers out at sea.’ 

SMC will receive its new cadets with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in September.