Everything You Need to Know About Electrical Cadet Jobs

An Electrical Cadet or Electro-Technical Cadet is someone undergoing a cadetship with the goal of learning how to maintain and repair the electrical and electronic equipment and machinery onboard a vessel. A cadetship involves time spent in the classroom as well as practical on-the-job training at sea.

In this blog post we will take a closer look at what a cadetship is if you want to become an Assistant Electrician or Junior Electrician on a ship and then work your way up to being a Marine Electrician, or if you want to become an Electro-Technical Officer.

Cadetships are a great way to become fully conversant with all aspects of a career at sea.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRO-TECHNICAL CADETS JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S ELECTRICAL CADET JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

Anyone who wants to work on deck and work their way up the seafarer ranks from Ordinary Seaman to Able Bodied Seaman to Bosun or from Third to Second to Chief Officer (or Mate) and perhaps even to Master (Captain) might want to investigate becoming a Deck Cade t or Deckhand.

If working with mechanics is more your thing and you fancy a maritime career in the engine room, becoming an Engine Cadet on the way to higher up ranks such as Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Fourth, Third, Second and Chief Engineer is the way to go.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Marine Pilot Jobs

But for now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about Electrical Cadet jobs and cadetships in the merchant marines / merchant navy.

What do Electrical Cadets do when working on a ship?

Typically a cadetship that works towards eventually becoming an officer on a ship (in whichever department) lasts for around three years. These three years are split into five phases and cover safety training, practical training, working onboard a vessel, and academic studies. We’ll take a look at these five phases shortly.

The aim of the cadetship is to teach budding ship electricians and Electro-Technical Officers how to look after, troubleshoot, maintain and repair the myriad of different electronic and/or electrical systems and equipment that help a vessel to run safely and efficiently.

What are an Electrical Cadet or Electro-Technical Cadet’s duties and responsibilities?

With no shortage of electrical and electronic equipment onboard a modern vessel, there are no shortage of things to do to keep a cadet working in this area busy! While working on a ship an Electro-Technical or Electrical Cadet could be learning how to do any of the following things:

• Maintaining and repairing electrical / electronic equipment, machinery and systems.

• Supporting and assisting their fellow crew members and department heads.

• Completing the tasks assigned to them in the Electrical Cadet Record Book

• Making sure all aspects of the employer’s OH&S (Occupational Health & Safety) are adhered to during their work.

• Taking part in any onboard drills or training.

• Taking part in planned maintenance and resolving any problems that have arisen.

What kind of equipment will an Electrical Cadet be working with?

It is essential that a cadet working in this department has an interest in systems, equipment, electrics and electronics. While an Electrical Cadet will of course be working more with electrics and an Electro-Technical Cadet with electronics, they will likely find themselves coming into contact with:

• Propulsion control

• Radio communications

• Electricity generating plant

• Automated/electronic control systems

• Bridge navigation equipment and systems

What exactly is a cadetship at sea?

An Electro-Technical Cadetship or Electrical Cadetship combines three years of study and seatime spent onboard a vessel. At the end you will receive a qualification.

A cadetship is sponsorship offered by a company or a maritime charity, who take responsibility for the cost of training you, as well as providing you with guidance and mentorship. A good employer will also take your welfare into consideration.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Navigation Officer Jobs

Please note that no respectable company (or charity) will ask you to pay for your cadetship so be very careful when selecting a sponsor.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRO-TECHNICAL CADETS JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S ELECTRICAL CADET JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

There are a lot of scam artists operating on the fringes of the maritime industry who prey on young, wannabe seafarers so do your research and never wire, transfer or otherwise send anyone any money.

Read more: How to Spot Scammers Who Offer Fake Seafarer Jobs

What are the phases of an Electrical Cadetship?

Bear in mind that different companies may offer different types of cadetships. These can differ from county to country too, so the following is meant as a guideline only.

Phase 1: This is spent at a maritime college or academy where you will be learning the principles of marine engineering, engineering science, workshop skills, marine electrics, electrical management and legislation, electric power systems, electro-mechanical plant diagnostics, marine auxiliaries, higher math and more.

Phase 2: Now comes the exciting part - real life seatime. Phase 2 is where you’ll be spending time onboard a vessel, gaining practical experience.

Phase 3: Now it’s back to the classroom for some further learning. You’ll be covering cargo contracts, port operations, marine law and management, and how to handle incidents.

Phase 4: Good news - you’re going back onboard for some more hands-on experience.

Phase 5: It’s back to school again for more studies which will be followed by exams.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a cadetship?

Finding a company willing to sponsor you isn’t quite as simple as just contacting them and asking to join their cadetship program.

After all, the company will be investing a lot of time and money into your training and they want to make sure you are the right person for a cadetship and that you will be an asset to the company after you’ve finished training.

Again, this is not set in stone, but many employers will prefer you to have the following:

• A mathematics qualification.

• An English language qualification.

• A science qualification.

• An electrical, electronic, systems engineering or engineering qualification.

• Your STCW certificate

You will also need to pass a medical examination before you are able to go to sea and you cannot be color blind due to needing to identify different colored warning lights and electrical wires.

What personality traits should an Electrical Cadet have?

To successfully complete your cadetship you should have a genuine love of systems, engineering, and of course electrics and/or electronics. You should have a passion for learning and of course an enthusiasm for the maritime industry and a life at sea.

You should have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. You should also be able to follow instructions and commands without an issue and you must be able to cope with spending several months away at sea, away from your friends and family.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Ship’s Plumber Jobs

The good news is that once you’ve completed your cadetship and are working at sea, due to the ever increasing reliance on technology onboard vessels, you should not have a problem finding work in the industry.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRO-TECHNICAL CADETS JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S ELECTRICAL CADET JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

Electrical Officer and Electro-Technical Officer jobs are fast becoming as commonplace as Shipfitters, ship’s cooks, Able Seamen and Messmen.

What other jobs on ships are there?

Even better news - you don’t have to undertake a cadetship to work in every seafarer job. Some entry level cargo ship jobs require little in the way of qualifications. For example, Oilers, Wipers and Motormen in the engine room are mainly tasked with cleaning and maintaining equipment.

And of course, the maritime industry isn’t just all about cargo and container ships - you can find work on numerous different vessels and boats too. For example, cruise ship companies are often looking to hire Stewards and Chief Stewards and Stewardesses, as well as skilled manual workers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and people to operate their waste disposal systems.

Chemical and oil tankers are another option and offer unique opportunities for seafarer jobs, such as that of Pumpman - the person responsible for keeping the tanker’s pipes, pumps and systems operating correctly. You could even pursue a career as an excavator driver on a ship such as a bulk carrier.

You can read more about different jobs at sea and different types of vessels in our post What is a Seafarer’s Job?

Meanwhile if you’re thinking about applying for a cadetship, may we wish you the very best of luck in your new maritime career!

And don’t forget to download our seafarer job app for iOS or Android from the Apple App Store or from Google Play either!

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Cadet Jobs 

1. What does an Electrical Cadet do on a ship? 

An Electrical Cadet (sometimes called an ETO Cadet) is a trainee who assists the ship’s Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and engineering team in maintaining all the vessel’s electrical and electronic systems. This includes working on lighting, control panels, power distribution, navigation systems, communication equipment, and safety alarms. The role is a vital part of ensuring the ship’s technology operates smoothly and safely. 

2. How do you become an Electrical Cadet? 

To become an Electrical Cadet, you’ll need to complete an approved marine electrical or electro-technical training program through a maritime academy, university, or technical institute. You must also hold STCW Basic Safety Training certificates, which cover essential safety skills like firefighting, first aid, and survival at sea. After completing your classroom studies, you’ll begin your cadetship at sea, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified officers. 

3. What are the main duties of an Electrical Cadet? 

As a cadet, your tasks will vary depending on the ship, but common responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic systems 

• Helping test and troubleshoot power distribution and automation systems 

• Supporting the ETO in maintaining communication, navigation, and control systems 

• Learning how to safely operate high-voltage and electronic equipment 

• Keeping records and logs of maintenance and testing work 

It’s a practical, hands-on training position that provides the foundation for becoming a fully qualified ETO. 

4. What skills and qualities are important for an Electrical Cadet? 

An Electrical Cadet should have strong technical aptitude, good problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. Basic knowledge of electronics, power systems, and automation is helpful. You’ll also need to work well in a team, follow safety procedures closely, and be ready to learn from experienced engineers and ETOs. A good attitude, curiosity, and reliability go a long way in earning respect on board. 

5. What qualifications do you need to start training as an Electrical Cadet? 

You’ll typically need: 

• A secondary education certificate with strong grades in maths and physics 

• An approved electro-technical or marine electrical qualification (degree or diploma) 

• STCW Basic Safety Training certificates 

• A valid medical fitness certificate meeting maritime standards 

• Sometimes, sponsorship or placement through a crewing company or shipping line 

Some cadets also take short courses in High Voltage Safety, Engine Room Resource Management (ERRM), or electronic navigation systems to strengthen their skills. 

6. What is life like for an Electrical Cadet on a ship? 

Life at sea as a cadet is busy but rewarding. You’ll typically assist the ETO and engineering officers during their daily rounds, help fix electrical issues, and participate in drills and maintenance routines. You’ll live and work alongside an international crew, sharing meals, duties, and downtime. It can be demanding — especially adjusting to shift work and long voyages — but it’s a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a real maritime environment. 

7. What’s the difference between an Electrical Cadet and an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)? 

An Electrical Cadet is a trainee, gaining practical experience at sea before qualifying as a licensed Electro-Technical Officer. The ETO, on the other hand, is a fully qualified officer responsible for managing and maintaining all of the ship’s electrical and electronic systems independently. The cadet stage is your first step toward reaching that professional level. 

8. How long does it take to become a qualified Electro-Technical Officer? 

The exact timeline can vary depending on your training program and sea time requirements, but generally it takes 3 to 4 years from starting your studies to becoming a certified ETO. This includes classroom learning, sea service as a cadet, and passing your Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations set by your maritime administration. 

9. What types of ships do Electrical Cadets work on? 

Electrical Cadets can gain experience on a wide variety of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, offshore support vessels, and cruise ships. Each type of ship offers different systems to work on — for instance, cruise ships have large hotel-style electrical networks, while tankers and offshore vessels have advanced automation and safety systems. 

10. Is becoming an Electrical Cadet a good career choice? 

Absolutely! The role is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in electronics, engineering, and life at sea. Electrical Cadets gain valuable technical knowledge and hands-on experience that can lead to a well-paid and respected career as an Electro-Technical Officer. The job combines problem-solving, technology, and global travel — making it ideal for anyone who enjoys both challenge and adventure. 

Read the previous article in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Ship Steward Jobs

Read the next article in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Junior Engineer Jobs

This blog post was originally published on June 2nd 2022 and updated on December 15th 2025