What is a Deck Cadet? (Beginner Guide 2026)
Deck cadet is also known as a trainee officer at ships. Its about learning navigation of ships, cargo operations and safety procedures under the senior deck officers. Deck cadet role is the first step towards becoming a deck officer and than ship captain. If you are searching for deck cadet jobs in Dubai or UAE, you need to understand the deck cadet job description first. You need to know about the roles and responsibilities of a deck cadet in marine industry.
This comphrensive guide covers in details about,
- Deck cadet job description for resume
- Deck cadet salary in Dubai and UAE
- How to become deck cadet in UAE
- Deck cadet duties and responsibilities
- Tips to get job faster
- Deck cadet jobs in Dubai and UAE
Deck Cadet Job Description (Simple Answer)
In simple words if we say a deck cadet main role is to assist the senior officers in navigation, operation, safety and control on ships. Deck cadet handles cargo operations, do maintenance of the ships, and participating in the safety trainings.
Duties and Responsibilities of Deck Cadet
Deck cadet duties involves many roles and responsibilities as listed below in details.
1. Navigation & Bridge Watchkeeping
- Deck cadet assist senior officers during watchkeeping
- Learns about radar, GPS, and ECDIS systems
- Monitor ships positions and course carefully
2. Deck Maintenance
- Do painting work, cleaning and upkeeping of deck
- handles maintenance of ropes, anchors and equipments on ships
- Helps in rust removal and inspection tasks as needed
3. Cargo Operations
- Assist in loading and unloading of cargo materials
- Learn techniques for securing the cargo
- Keep on eye cargo safety during the voyage
4. Mooring & Anchoring
- Assist deck officers in mooring and unmooring operations
- Handling of ropes and winches
- Helps in anchoring processes
5. Safety Duties
- Participate in regular fire drills and emergency trainings
- Learn about SOLAS and MARPOL guidelines effectively
- Maintain the safety equipments at ships
6. Training Record Book (TRB)
- Complete the onboard training courses and tasks
- Record training progress for getting certificate
- TRB is required for promtion to deck officer
Deck Cadet Duty Hours in UAE
Duty hours depends upon the company and work location. They are mentioned in your offer letter you sign with the company.
- Typically the duty is 8-12 hours per day
- Its shiftbased duty like watchkeeping system
- Duty can vary because it depends upon ship operations
This is physically demanding work but it is essential for career growth in marine industry in UAE.
Deck Cadet Salary in UAE (2026 Updated)
Deck cadet salary depends upon the company, location, experience, and skills. Below is the average updated breakdown of salary in UAE.
- Average Salary is around $300 – $800 per month (AED 1,100 – 3,000)
Factors affecting salary:
- Company type like Bulk, tanker or container
- Sponshorship program offered by company
- Nationality of candidate and training institutes
Deck Officer Salary (After Promotion)
Once you got experience and promoted to deck officer role, salary range is also increased. Here is your salary after promotion.
| Role | Average Salary Per Month |
| 3rd Officer | $2,500 – $4,500/month |
| 2nd officer | $4,000 – $7,000/month |
| Captain | $8,000 – $15,000/month |
Because of high salary ranges, starting is deck cadet is considered as valuable and fruitful for beginners.
Requirements to Become a Deck Cadet in UAE
You do not need to have higher education for becoming a deck cadet in UAE. Make sure to have following essential requirements met while applying for deck cadet jobs in UAE.
- Diploma in marine or degree in nautical science
- STCW certificate which is mandatory for any job
- Passport and seafarer medical fitness certificate
- Strong English communication skills
- A professional Resume/CV build with professional marine CV builder
Deck Cadet Skills Required for Job and Resume
Mention related and high-level skills in your deck cadet resme to hired fast.
- Leadership and team work
- Technical understanding
- Problem solving skills
- High safety awareness
- Crisis and emergency management
Daily Life of a Deck Cadet in UAE (Real Insight)
We have collected some data from deck cadets in UAE, the daily life of a deck cadet is like this,
- Maintenance work in the mornings
- Bridge watching with the senior officers
- Assisting in cargo operations
- Going for safety drills and training
- Documenting TBR properly
Deck cadet life on ship is organized, structured, disciplined, and practical.
Career Path For a Deck Cadet (Clear Roadmap)
Starting as deck cadet you can grow your career very fast with skills and experience. Here is the clean road map for a deck cadet as beginner.
Deck Cadet → 3rd Officer → 2nd Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
Role grow with time, experience, skills and knowledge.
Deck Cadet Jobs in UAE & Dubai 2026
You can find deck cadet jobs in Dubai and UAE, through our dedicated maritime jobs portal and company official websites. Find jobs in,
- Shipping companies in UAE
- Maritime Institutes
- Recruitment agencies
- Online job portals like LinkedIn etc
Pros and Cons of a Deck Cadet Job
| Pros | Cons |
| Salary and growth is high | You have to stay away for a long time without family |
| Best international career | Its physically demanding role |
| Brings travel opportunities | Discipline is very strict in this job |
Deck Cadet Job Description PDF
If you want deck cadet job description in PDF, click on the download or print button given in the sidebar and below the content. You can download the deck cadet job description PDF free and easily.
Deck Cadet Job Title Variations
Deck cadet is also known from many other names like given below.
- Marine deck cadet
- Nautical cadet
- Its also called as trainee deck cadet
These all terms refers to deck cadet. So do not confuse with the employer, when he calls different names.
Final Thoughts
Deck cadet job is your gateway to enter into marine industry in UAE. Career growth is very high. Its a disciplined, physically demanding and growing career. Finding the best deck cadet job description is essential for writing resume. Every company has their own job description for each job, but most of the things are very common. This is the best entry point and long-term career growth.
