Cadet Survey 2012

Nautilus has expressed alarm at plans by leading shipping companies to cut cadets’ pay rates by almost 30%. A group of major operators have flagged up proposals to stop paying officer trainees while they are getting sea time. If they go ahead, it could mean that new entrants could earn up to £3,000 less per year than those currently in training.
The companies say they will continue to pay all associated course fees, training costs, and accommodation, in addition to the monthly salary while cadets are at college or on leave. But they will not pay a salary to them for the time they are at sea, on grounds that they are being provided with accommodation and food whilst on board.
The companies say the move – which would be introduced later this year, but would not affect cadets currently in training -- is being made in response to the UK government’s recent announcement of changes to the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme.
Nautilus is raising the issues with the shipping minister and is also planning to raise its concerns at the next meeting of the MNTB, on 28 March. To help us in these meetings, we need your views and your experiences. Please take the time to answer the following few questions – but also feel free to give us any other comments that might be useful:

Cadet Survey 2012

PLAN TO CUT CADET PAY – GIVE US YOUR VIEWS!

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* 1. Do you think the idea of not paying cadets for sea time is reasonable?

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* 2. If you had been told you would not be paid for your sea time, would it have affected your decision to become an officer trainee?

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* 3. Do you think that cutting annual income of cadets by around £3,000 a year will create serious financial problems for individuals?

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* 4. Do you think this sort of reduction in cadets’ pay will reduce the number of young people embarking on the training?

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* 5. Does your current pay cover all your living expenses, or do you struggle financially?

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* 6. Do you use the money you are paid while at sea to pay your regular bills and other outgoings?

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* 7. Or do you save the money you are paid while at sea?

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* 8. Would you be prepared to contribute to your training costs/tuition fees or take a student loan?

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* 9. Do you have any personal experiences or other comments you would like to make on these proposals? (All responses will be kept confidential)