Jeremy Muise
Maritime
Deck Officer Cadet programme
“Being at sea was amazing! I loved every minute of being out there.”
Jeremy moved from Canada to Peterhead, where he discovered the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) and the possibility of a career in the Merchant Navy.
Twenty-two-year-old Jeremy Muise is from Grande Prairie, Alberta, where he was employed as a welder. He moved to Peterhead with his dad a few years ago and felt immediately drawn to life at sea.
Jeremy said, “University and college were never really my thing, and I thought the sea looked interesting. I found out about the Deck Officer Cadet programme at the Scottish Maritime Academy, which sounded like a good mix of hands-on work and technical knowledge.”
Deck Officer training
The three-year programme prepares aspiring mariners with the knowledge and practical experience required for a career in the Merchant Navy as Deck Officers.
A Deck Officer is an essential member of a ship’s operational crew, ensuring vessels are navigated safely around the world.
Structured into five phases of study and sea time, students experience both classroom learning and real-world experience. During Phase 1, Jeremy completed a range of courses at SMA, before heading out to sea for five and half months in Phase 2 – something he particularly enjoyed.
He is currently onshore working towards his HNC Nautical Science as part of Phase 3 and is already looking forward to his next longer stint at sea.
Jeremy said, “Being at sea was amazing! I loved every minute of being out there. I was surprised by everything.
“I’ve enjoyed it here at College and the lecturers are really good, but I prefer being at sea. You need to learn the theory but it’s the hands-on experience that’s most important.”
Future plans
After completing Phase 3, Jeremy and the other Cadets will spend almost a year on a vessel, undertaking further training on board. They’ll return to SMA for a final four months to complete their remaining courses and examinations.
The Deck Officer Cadet programme is intensive, but Jeremy has taken it in his stride and is looking forward to his future maritime career.
He said, “I would recommend this course. When I finish, I hope to make some money and stay in the industry, and move up the ranks as high as I can.”
Become a Deck Officer
A career in the Merchant Navy is unique and will take you all over the world. To become an officer in the Merchant Navy, you must undertake a cadet training programme.
Places on the Deck Officer Cadet programme at SMA are sponsored by shipping companies, so you need to apply with them directly.