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How to Format a Deck Cadet Resume
How you format your deck cadet resume dramatically depends on the application process. We usually recommend chronological or hybrid resumes for online applications. Most online job boards rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS). These programs scan your resume for key terms and phrases based on the job posting. Chronological and hybrid resumes use five standard sections that are clearly labeled and easy to scan.
If you’re applying in person, you can consider the functional resume. This highly customizable format allows you to break up your knowledge and experience into skills clusters. This functional resume can help demonstrate your understanding of the technical and social skills needed to survive at sea. Still, the customizable aspect can make it hard for hiring managers to skim your resume.
We took the same sample job seeker and created two resumes to demonstrate how to format your deck cadet resume.
1. Candidate A - Hybrid Resume
Candidate Info
- 2 years of experience
- 2 years at this job
- HS High School Diploma
Work History
Deck Cadet, ChevronMay 2021 - now, Monroe, LA
- Apprenticed under the deck officer to learn how to implement and oversee the safety regulations related to the shipboard environment.
- Assisted deckhands with a repeated rotation of watchkeeping duties.
- Familiarized with machinery repair and maintenance of navigational tools, sonar, communication and loading cranes.
2. Candidate B - Functional Resume
Candidate Info
- 2 years of experience
- 1 year at this job
- HS High School Diploma
Professional Skills
Teamwork
- Partnered with the senior deck officer to oversee the implementation of workplace safety on board.
- Assisted deckhands by joining the watchkeeping rotation.
- Provided administration assistance within the engine department and on the vessel when needed.
Machine Repair
- Familiar with basic repair and maintenance of ship deck’s navigation systems.
- Obtained a navigational certification by learning navigational tool repair and maintenance under direct supervision.
Deck Cadet Resume Samples
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Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Maritime Studeis
Deck Cadet
As a Deck Cadet/Trainee Officer duties include supervising the team of crew, maintenance of navigational charts, deck work, and maintenance of cargo documents.
- Assisted the Master and senior deck officers in carrying out their responsibilities.
- Assured Pre-Cruise sailing checklist is satisfactorily completed and the Master advised accordingly.
- Correct up to date all navigational publications other than charts.
- Ensured safe handling, deployment, recovery and stowage of scientific equipment at sea.
- Administered the ordering, issue and safekeeping of video tapes and DVD's and Marine Society libraries.
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Marine Transportation
Deck Cadet
Gained familiarity with all navigational instruments and equipment on the bridge.
- Managed routines on the bridge, including port arrival, departures, anchoring and mooring.
- Participated in performance of maintenance projects, lifeboat operations, and firefighting
- Performed inventory and inspection of cargo gear, fire fighting and lifeboat equipment.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Marine Transportation
Deck Cadet M/v MALASPINA
Stood conning officer under the instruction of the 3rd and 2nd Mates
- Practical use of the RADAR/ARPA, Electronic Chart Display, AIS, and VHF radio
- Updated Nautical Charts and Publications using NTM
- Completed OSHA safety course and learned how to properly lash down and monitor the safety of wheeled cargo
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Business Administration
Finance And Economics
Finance
Deck Cadet on The Motor Vessel HOS Centerline
Assisted deckhands with both interior and exterior vessel maintenance
- Inspected vessel safety equipment and conducted vessel safety drills alongside the chief mate
- Observed and performed safe operations of the vessel while underway
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, and Word
- Social media page creation and maintenance as well as project management
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Transportation
Deck Cadet
Participated as a junior cadet in assisting with docking and anchoring maneuvers when in port.
- Learned how to handle lines, raise and lower gangways using an onboard crane.
- Learned how to weigh anchor both in ports as well as offshore.
- Assisted chipping paint, grinding, sanding, and painting the vessel. Was given a specific area of the ship to clean each afternoon and successfully cleaned to the standards of the officers on board.
- Loaded and unloaded luggage for the vessel's personnel.
- Stood watches on the bow, bridge, gangway, engine room and security.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Marine Transportation
Deck Cadet
Stood various navigation watches and applied ship maneuvering skills
- Acquired knowledge vital to shipboard operations and business
- Demonstrated ability to interpret, modify, and execute voyage plan
- Worked independently and as a supervisor to oversee the completion of various ship maintenance tasks
- Honed leadership skills.
- Stood various navigation watches and applied ship maneuvering skills
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Marine Transportation
Deck Cadet
- Gained familiarity with all navigational instruments and equipment on the bridge.
- Managed routines on the bridge, including port arrival, departures, anchoring and mooring.
- Participated in performance of maintenance projects, lifeboat operations, and firefighting
- Performed inventory and inspection of cargo gear, fire fighting and lifeboat equipment.
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Logistics And Intermodal Transportation
Liberal Arts Credits
Deck Cadet
Assisted Third Officer in Firefighting, Lifesaving, and Safety Inspections
- Formulated Noon Position Figures Daily for Vessel Planner
- Participated in Vessel's Bilge and Ballasting Operations
- Routine Maintenance and Testing on Electronic Navigational equipment
- Attend Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Shipboard Maintenance and Performance Meetings
- Assist Chief Officer in Cargo, Stability, and Ballast Planning Prior to UNREP's and Port Calls
- Assisted in UNREP's
- Met Requirements to Obtain a USCG Tankerman Person in Charge
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Logistics And Intermodal Transportation
USMMA Deck Cadet
Designed and implemented counter-terrorist procedures specific to company and USCG regulations.
- Sustained safe navigation of vessel during bridge watches.
- Performed daily ship maintenance, repairs and inspections.
- Orion/Bridge, CASP, MS Windows, MS Office, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Firefox.
- Spanish - Basic conversation, reading and writing.
- Chinese - Basic conversation.
Top Deck Cadet
Resume Templates
Deck Cadet Resume FAQ
What is deck cadet work?
A deck cadet is an apprentice who oversees the following work on a ship:
- Loading and unloading cargo and luggage.
- Delivering messages between the crew.
- Maintaining ship equipment.
- Assisting in watchkeeping duties.
- Maintaining the general maintenance of the ship and deck.
What is the monthly salary of deck cadets?
The monthly salary of a deck cadet can vary based on your location’s minimum wage and access to ports. According to Comparably, deck cadets earn an average annual salary of $43,156 — or $3,596 a month.
How can I become a deck cadet?
To become a deck cadet, you can choose two career paths: public service through the U.S. Navy or a commercial apprenticeship like industrial shipping lanes or cruise ships.
Deck Cadet Duties and Responsibilities
The duties of a Deck Cadet will differ depending on the type of vessel they work on, however, there are several core duties most Deck Cadets perform. A review of current job listings identified the following primary tasks and responsibilities.
Prepare for Departure Deck Cadets are involved in the preparations made prior to departure. This will vary depending on the kind of ship, but most Deck Cadets will be responsible for inspecting all lifesaving and safety equipment, supervising the loading and storage of cargo or the onboarding procedures of passengers and reviewing and getting acquainted with the routes they will take.
Assist in Navigation Tasks Deck Cadets will often undertake navigation responsibilities once at sea. They do so under the supervision of an officer or captain. They will learn how to maneuver the vessel under different weather circumstances, how to engage in traffic negotiations with other ships and how to moor the vessel once in port. These skills are an important step towards becoming an officer so Deck Cadets can expect to get many hours of practice in navigation.
Keep Records The regular logging of ship information in a logbook or position report often falls to the Deck Cadet. The recordkeeping of vessels is an important step in the apprenticeship of the Deck Cadet and they are often tasked with ensuring all the information is accurate and timely. For those working on commercial ships, getting an education in the business aspect is also a requirement. Deck Cadets on commercial ships may be expected to handle paperwork and understand basic legalities of the business to best perform their duties.
Deck Cadet Skills
A successful Deck Cadet must be highly organized and possess excellent communication skills. They must work well in team settings, but also display leadership traits. An eye for detail and the ability to prioritize tasks is also important. Employers seek candidates with these traits as well as the following. Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Deck Cadet with these core skills. Focus on the following if you wish to become a Deck Cadet.- Knowledge of shipboard operations
- Shipyard experience
- Physically ability to meet demands of job that may include, lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs, standing for long periods of time and being confined to small spaces
- Basic knowledge of safety protocols
- College degree in area such as Marine Transportation
- Military experience
- Riggers certification
Deck Cadet Resources
There are additional informational resources available on the Web for those interested in working in the maritime field. We scoured the internet and found these links full of learning opportunities and the latest industry news. On the Web Maritime Administration - This is the United States Maritime Administration website and is full of information and resources regarding waterborne transportation. From education opportunities to data statistics, anything related to the maritime industry can be found here. MAERSK Deck Cadet Education Programme - The Maersk Group owns one of the world's largest container shipping companies and operates in 130 countries across the globe. Their Deck Cadet Education Programme prepares new recruits for the rigors of life at sea and introduces them to the work environment of the Maersk Group. Royal Caribbean International Cadet Program - Royal Caribbean operates its own hiring and training program for cruise liner navigators. Their program is selective and rigorous and aims to promote the best qualified candidates to the rank of navigator of their luxury cruise ships. Deck Cadet Books Civil Maritime Careers: Merchant Marine - This book gives readers an idea of what types of careers one can find in the maritime industry. From captains to mates and pilots, this is a great resource for those considering making a career on the high seas. So You Want to Work on a Boat - A practical guide for anyone wishing to work on commercial vessels. It covers all the different types of jobs and their duties as well as guidance on writing resumes and cover letters. Opportunities in Marine Science and Maritime Careers - This resource book provides information on the wide selection of jobs found in the maritime industry. Industry Groups The American Waterways Operators - AWO is an association for U.S. waterway operator professionals working on tugboats, towboats, or barges. They offer members access to latest industry research studies, career development opportunities, and expert career and legal advice. Passenger Vessel Association - Established in 1971, PVA has served the needs of passenger vessel operators by providing access to industry experts, campaigning for industry rights and regulations, offering safety and compliance tools, and hosting meetings and events for industry professionals to gather and share ideas.
Deck Cadet Resources
There are additional informational resources available on the Web for those interested in working in the maritime field. We scoured the internet and found these links full of learning opportunities and the latest industry news. On the Web
Maritime Administration - This is the United States Maritime Administration website and is full of information and resources regarding waterborne transportation. From education opportunities to data statistics, anything related to the maritime industry can be found here.
MAERSK Deck Cadet Education Programme - The Maersk Group owns one of the world's largest container shipping companies and operates in 130 countries across the globe. Their Deck Cadet Education Programme prepares new recruits for the rigors of life at sea and introduces them to the work environment of the Maersk Group.
Royal Caribbean International Cadet Program - Royal Caribbean operates its own hiring and training program for cruise liner navigators. Their program is selective and rigorous and aims to promote the best qualified candidates to the rank of navigator of their luxury cruise ships. Deck Cadet Books
Civil Maritime Careers: Merchant Marine - This book gives readers an idea of what types of careers one can find in the maritime industry. From captains to mates and pilots, this is a great resource for those considering making a career on the high seas.
So You Want to Work on a Boat - A practical guide for anyone wishing to work on commercial vessels. It covers all the different types of jobs and their duties as well as guidance on writing resumes and cover letters.
Opportunities in Marine Science and Maritime Careers - This resource book provides information on the wide selection of jobs found in the maritime industry. Industry Groups
The American Waterways Operators - AWO is an association for U.S. waterway operator professionals working on tugboats, towboats, or barges. They offer members access to latest industry research studies, career development opportunities, and expert career and legal advice.
Passenger Vessel Association - Established in 1971, PVA has served the needs of passenger vessel operators by providing access to industry experts, campaigning for industry rights and regulations, offering safety and compliance tools, and hosting meetings and events for industry professionals to gather and share ideas.
