Onboard Maritime's Innovative Cadet Programme Earns Recognition from UK Chamber of Shipping

From left to right: Angus Ferguson CEO of Onboard Maritime, Kathryn Neilson, Director at the UK Chamber of Shipping and Gillian Ferguson Managing Director of Onboard Maritime.

We're pleased to announce that Onboard Maritime's innovative Cadet Development Programme has received formal Course Recognition from the UK Chamber of Shipping. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights our commitment to supporting the next generation of seafarers, guiding them from their initial classroom studies all the way to achieving their first Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Bridging the Gap Between College and Sea-time

Onboard Maritime's industry-recognised Cadet Development Programme acts as a vital digital bridge, seamlessly connecting the theoretical knowledge gained in academic colleges with the practical experiences of onboard learning. This comprehensive online portal offers enhanced study materials, continuous performance monitoring, and dedicated mentorship, guiding aspiring Deck and Marine Engineering Officers throughout their entire cadetship journey. By partnering with shipping companies and maritime training providers, we deliver exceptional educational support, currently benefiting over 750 cadets globally as they navigate the path from college enrolment to their crucial first CoC exam.

UK Chamber of Shipping Endorses Excellence

The distinguished Course Recognition awarded by the UK Chamber of Shipping highlights the Cadet Development Programme's adherence to exemplary standards within the maritime training sector. The Chamber's Recognition Services identifies training provisions that effectively address industry needs, are meticulously structured, and demonstrate outstanding levels of delivery, management, and quality assurance. This accolade firmly establishes the Cadet Development Programme as a powerful and invaluable course, empowering cadets to confidently progress from their first day of learning to the successful attainment of their initial CoC.

Immersive Learning: Powering Cadet Knowledge Through Innovation

The Cadet Development Programme contextualises and deepens the learning experience through a rich array of engaging and immersive e-learning resources. These are organised into manageable modules and include self-assessment tools designed to reinforce classroom learning with practical, real-life applications encountered onboard vessels. Going beyond traditional methods, the digital platform incorporates 3D interactive models and virtual ships, offering unparalleled opportunities for cadets to explore complex systems, identify potential hazards in a virtual environment, and even virtually disassemble equipment. This enables cadets to continue their training effectively, regardless of their location. Imagine a cadet grappling with a challenging academic concept; having gained some practical experience at sea, they can then return home and use the digital platform to interact with a 3D model of a Centrifugal Pump or a Purifier, or watch a 3D animation illustrating Transverse Thrust, solidifying their understanding in a dynamic way. The Cadet Development Programme fosters a continuous learning journey, unlike traditional segmented academic and onboard experiences. Cadets benefit from 24/7 access to the learning portal, providing learning resources and mentorship at their fingertips during college, while at home, and while at sea. The addition of new study modules ensures that learning is viewed as an ongoing process, allowing cadets to focus on key areas as needed.

Expert Guidance & Mentorship

At the heart of the Cadet Development Programme is our team of expert-led Maritime Lecturers who provide support to cadets throughout their training. Our experienced professionals act as a point of contact, effectively bridging the gap between academic studies and the practical realities of life onboard. We monitor cadet engagement with the e-learning resources, help when challenges arise, and tailor learning approaches to individual needs. The digital platform’s sophisticated monitoring capabilities allow for the analysis of cadet progress at both individual and class levels, tracking key metrics such as last login times, module completion rates, attendance at live MCA Oral exam preparation sessions and even wellbeing check-ins. A significant advantage of the Cadet Development Programme is the inclusion of intensive 'Live' and recorded group sessions specifically designed to prepare cadets for their first MCA Oral Exam. This provides invaluable supplementary learning opportunities beyond traditional college coursework. For cadets without access to such programmes, securing dedicated MCA Oral Exam study support often incurs personal expense, a cost eliminated by the comprehensive support offered within the Cadet Development Programme.

A Powerful Partnership: Benefits for Shipping Companies and Training Providers

The Cadet Development Programme provides an effective tracking system for each cadet's progression, from initial college enrolment to the successful acquisition of their first CoC. This detailed overview enables the easy identification of cadets who may be facing difficulties, allowing for targeted support and encouragement in areas requiring improvement, ultimately ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles. Onboard Maritime recognises the pivotal role of highly competent shipping professionals in the smooth functioning of the global economy and is dedicated to effectively bridging the gap between education and practical application.

"We are pleased to receive Course Recognition from the UK Chamber of Shipping" commented Angus Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Onboard Maritime. "Having experienced firsthand the distinct worlds of academic learning and practical onboard operations, we envisioned a solution that would unite these crucial aspects of cadet training. Our Cadet Development Programme is continuously evolving and now includes features like immersive 3D virtual learning.  It also provides a comprehensive digital record of each cadet's educational journey.  We are very appreciative of the support we've already received from UK training providers, and the programme has also now gained international interest with courses being delivered in India, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa and the Philippines. We are now applying similar digital learning pedagogies for maritime professionals as they work towards their next CoCs, as well as working with shipping companies to develop their training pathways in a digital world."

Kathryn Neilson, Director at the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: "We are delighted to award Onboard Maritime’s Cadet Development Programme with formal Course Recognition from the UK Chamber of Shipping. This programme represents a forward-thinking approach to cadet training—blending innovative digital learning with tailored support that ensures cadets stay motivated and on course throughout their journey, wherever they may be. With over 750 cadets now benefitting from the platform, Onboard Maritime is playing a vital role in shaping a modern, adaptable, and resilient maritime workforce. This recognition is a testament not only to the programme’s quality and reach, but also to the company’s wider commitment to raising standards across maritime education and training."