Testimony
John Hissey (20) and Matthew Janes (23) have just completed their training under the Maritime London Cadet Scholarship and are optimistic that they have a successful career at sea and ashore ahead of them.
Q: What made you want to train to go to sea?
A: John – Going to sea seemed a healthier alternative to A levels and college. I didn’t want to be one of 10,000 people at a college doing a degree. I don’t have a seafaring background, but I did have a friend in the merchant navy. Anyway I’ve always liked big ships!
A: Matthew – I’ve always wanted to travel and I love engineering. This job lets me combine both.
Q: How old were you when you started your training?
A: John – 16, after I had taken my GCSEs.
A: Matthew – 19, after GCSEs and A Levels.
Q: What’s your favourite aspect of the job?
A: John – I love the responsibility and the variety of work. My friends just don’t believe how much responsibility I’ve got in my job at the age of 20!
Q: What’s your worst aspect of the job?
A: John – The work can be very hard at times and you do need to be organised. If you don’t it can get on top of you.
A: Matthew – The length of time spent at sea can be hard. I spent five months at sea. It wasn’t too hard, but I did miss my family. You’re never out contact though as we’ve got phones and free email access. You do get lots of leave though – about four months a year.
Q: What sort of ships have you trained on?
A: (Combined) Oil tankers, colliers, cruise ships, general cargo and a nuclear waste ship.
Q: How much will you earn when you’ve qualified?
A: (Combined) We can expect starting pay of between £19 and £22K – tax free if we work outside of UK waters for 6 months or more a year.
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John Hissey (20) and Matthew Janes (23) have just completed their training under the Maritime London Cadet Scholarship and are optimistic that they have a successful career at sea and ashore ahead of them.
Q: What made you want to train to go to sea?
A: John – Going to sea seemed a healthier alternative to A levels and college. I didn’t want to be one of 10,000 people at a college doing a degree. I don’t have a seafaring background, but I did have a friend in the merchant navy. Anyway I’ve always liked big ships!
A: Matthew – I’ve always wanted to travel and I love engineering. This job lets me combine both.
Q: How old were you when you started your training?
A: John – 16, after I had taken my GCSEs.
A: Matthew – 19, after GCSEs and A Levels.
Q: What’s your favourite aspect of the job?
A: John – I love the responsibility and the variety of work. My friends just don’t believe how much responsibility I’ve got in my job at the age of 20!
Q: What’s your worst aspect of the job?
A: John – The work can be very hard at times and you do need to be organised. If you don’t it can get on top of you.
A: Matthew – The length of time spent at sea can be hard. I spent five months at sea. It wasn’t too hard, but I did miss my family. You’re never out contact though as we’ve got phones and free email access. You do get lots of leave though – about four months a year.
Q: What sort of ships have you trained on?
A: (Combined) Oil tankers, colliers, cruise ships, general cargo and a nuclear waste ship.
Q: How much will you earn when you’ve qualified?
A: (Combined) We can expect starting pay of between £19 and £22K – tax free if we work outside of UK waters for 6 months or more a year.
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