Richard Bodiu
Maritime
Deck Officer Cadet programme
“I chose this programme because it has very good potential and there are a lot of different branches you can take and types of ships to work on.”
Following in the footsteps of his father in the Merchant Navy, Richard joined the Deck Officer Cadet programme at the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) after school.
18-year-old Richard Bodiu moved to Longhaven 10 years ago from Moldova. After leaving school in fifth year, he came straight to SMA, joining the Deck Officer Cadet programme at just 16.
He said, “My dad was in the Merchant Navy in Romania, so I knew I wanted a career at sea. I chose this programme because it has very good potential and there are a lot of different branches you can take and types of ships to work on.
“Plus, you work only half the year and earn tax free!”
Deck Officer training
The Deck Officer Cadet programme is made up of five phases, with the Cadets spending time on shore studying as well as gaining real-life experience at sea.
Richard is currently at SMA for Phase 3, studying for his HNC in Nautical Science. He completed five months at sea as part of Phase 2, which was his first time on board a vessel.
He said, “It was great to meet lots of people of different nationalities. I speak a few languages so I could interact with them, and I enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their cultures.
“The thing I was most surprised about when I was at sea was how relaxed it is! I got to do a few voyages on different ships.”
After Phase 3, Richard will return to sea for almost a year before completing more courses at SMA and becoming a fully qualified Deck Officer.
He said, “My confidence has grown since starting the course. The lecturers’ support is very good.”
Future plans
Richard hopes to continue building his experience in the Merchant Navy.
He said, “I plan to sail for one year as a Deck Officer and then progress to Chief Mate and one day, Captain!”
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.